Our Lady of Knock

08-11-2024Weekly ReflectionJen Arnold, M.A.

Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland with my mom. Our itinerary included a stop in the village of Knock, where Our Lady appeared on a rainy evening on August 21, 1879. While the apparition was investigated and approved by the Church, it remains less familiar than others like Fatima, Lourdes, and Guadalupe. With the feast of Our Lady of Knock occurring this week (August 17), I thought I would share a bit about the apparition itself and its message.

The Apparition

It was a typical evening in the village of Knock, and the villagers were going about their evening routines, wrapping up work in the field or locking up their shops and such. At approximately 8:00pm, a bright light illuminated the south wall of St. John the Baptist Church. It caught many people's eyes, who drew closer to investigate what was happening. The witnesses saw three figures standing about two feet above the ground, seemingly floating in mid-air. In the center stood the Blessed Virgin Mary, wearing a white robe and a large gold crown adorned with a single rose. Her hands were raised in prayer, and her eyes gazed toward heaven. To her right was St. Joseph, with his head bowed slightly in reverence. St. John the Evangelist stood to her left, dressed as a bishop, holding an open book and gesturing as if preaching. Behind the figures, witnesses saw an altar with a cross and a lamb surrounded by angels. The scene remained visible for about two hours, during which time, the rain continued to fall, yet the ground and the figures remained completely dry.

Historical Context

The apparition at Knock occurred during a time of great hardship in Ireland. The country was still recovering from the devastating effects of the Great Famine (1845- 1852), and many Irish people were facing poverty, eviction, and the prospect of emigration. In this context, the apparition of Knock brought a message of hope and consolation to suffering people. It reminded them of God's presence and Mary's maternal care, even in the midst of their trials. All the witnesses reported feeling a tremendous sense of peace during the apparition.

The Significance of Silence

Unlike other Marian apparitions, such as those at Lourdes or Fatima, Our Lady of Knock did not speak. This silence is one of the most powerful aspects of the apparition's message. The silence of Our Lady of Knock speaks volumes about the nature of contemplative prayer and the power of visual symbolism in our Catholic tradition. It reminds us that sometimes, the most profound messages are conveyed not through words but through presence and symbolism.

Symbolism and Meaning

The Lamb and the Altar – These represent the Eucharist, the central sacrament, the “source and summit” of our Catholic faith. The Lamb on the altar is a powerful Eucharistic symbol representing Christ as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,” also recalling the Passover lamb of the Old Testament.

The Cross – The cross behind the Lamb reinforces the theme of Christ's sacrifice and the redemptive power of his death and resurrection. It also draws attention to the reality that, in the liturgy of the Eucharist, all of heaven and earth unite at the foot of the cross on Calvary in a single moment that transcends time.

The Angels – The presence of angels reflects how all of heaven is celebrating the liturgy along with us. The angels and communion of saints perpetually worship and adore the Eucharistic Lord. When we worship and adore Jesus in the Eucharist, we are doing so in union with the citizens of heaven.

Our Lady – Mary's role as Queen of Heaven and Earth is emphasized with her at the center of the apparition in regal attire. Her crown symbolizes her royalty and the rose within it represents her purity. Mary's hands raised in prayer signify her role as intercessor for humanity. Her upward gaze suggests her contemplation of the divine mysteries.

St. Joseph's mission is always aligned with that of Jesus and Mary. His duty is to protect the Holy Family and, by extension, the entire Church. His humble and respectful posture reveals his continued role as protector in service to the divine plan.

St. John the Evangelist – Appearing as a bishop, St. John represents the Church's teaching authority. The open book symbolizes the importance of Sacred Scripture, and his hand pointing toward heaven shows how earthly teaching connects to divine truths.

Spiritual Significance for Catholics Today

Eucharistic Devotion – The prominence of the altar and the Lamb in the apparition emphasizes the importance of Eucharistic devotion in our Catholic lives. As important as it was in 1879, I could argue that it’s even more critical today, especially in light of the National Eucharistic Congress which just occurred in July.

Contemplative Prayer – The silence of the apparition invites us to cultivate a spirit of quiet contemplation in our own prayer lives. What better place to practice these first two messages than in our adoration chapel?

Family – Joseph’s presence with Mary, his wife, reminds us of the importance of family in God's plan. We were not made to navigate this life alone, but rather with our families' love, support, and protection.

Scripture and Tradition – John’s presence in the book and preaching underscores the link between scripture and tradition. We rely on both the inspired Word of God and the millennia of Christians before us who have handed on the faith to us here today.

Hope in Suffering – Just as the apparition brought hope to 19th-century Ireland, it continues to offer solace to those facing hardship today. If you're experiencing hardship, imagine yourself among the witnesses who spent two hours in silence with Our Lady of Knock and let yourself experience the peace they felt.

While the original apparition lasted only two hours, its impact continues to be felt more than 140 years later. Countless pilgrims have reported spiritual and physical healings at the shrine. More importantly, many have experienced a renewal of faith and a deepening of their relationship with God through their encounters at Knock. The site and the apparition serve as reminders that God's presence and Mary's intercession are not confined to spectacular events, but instead, are available to all who seek them with sincere hearts.

This week, meditate on what the silent apparition of Our Lady of Knock says and means to you.