Today is August 15th – the Feastday of the Assumption – and it marks the traditional start to the historic Our Lady’s Island pilgrimage with the official opening with Mass at 3 pm followed by a Blessed Scarament Procession with banners around the lake and a large attendance is forecast with pilgrims travelling from many parts of the country.
Fr Jim Fegan, P.P., Ballindaggin, will preside and Bishop Denis Brennan will also be in attendance.
This year’s focus is on the family and the World Meeting of Families which culminates with the visit of Pope Francis to Knock and Dublin on Saturday and Sunday, August 25th-26th, respectivily.

POPE FRANCIS is looking forward to his visit to Ireland.

The Papal Mass in Dublin’s Phoenix Park will include large numbers from the Diocese of Ferns, however, for those who choose to be in Our Lady’s Island on that historic occasion – the largest event in Europe this year – will be shown on the big screen.
Other significant occasions include the Mass of the Healing and Blessing of the Sick at 3 pm on Sunday, August 19th.
Ministry with the Angels is at 8 pm on Wednesday, August 29th and the speaker is author Francesca Browne.
Mass at 3 pm on Sunday, September 3rd, will accommodate a guest speaker in Claudia, a guide from Medjugorja since the beginning will give her testimony and speak of her experiences working at the Shrine over the past 35 years.
Monday, August 27th has an Ecumenical Service at 8pm; A Time to Heal is on Wednesday, September 5th, and on Sunday, September 9th – the birthday of Our Lady – 7 pm Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Denis Brennan. This will be followed by the spectacular annual Torchlight Procession.
Large numbers will attend with coaches travelling to the south Wexford venue from many parts of the country, although the visit of Pope Francis may take away some of the numbers this time.
Pilgrims move quietly around the Island, either in organised groups or individually, reciting the Rosary. Ideally, a pilgrim carries out this exercise nine times during the season – some try to do all nine on the same day!
Local parish clusters and organisations may have their own pilgrimages and these are booked in advance.
Enquiries: 053 9131023 Monday–Thursday, 9 am-2 pm or 053 9131235 from 2-6 pm weekdays. Contact Fr Jim Cogley on 053 9131167.