Annual National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine
Catholic Grandparents Association
Annual National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock
Sunday 26 July 2026 · Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo
Each summer, Grandparents, families, and friends from across Ireland and beyond gather at the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock for the Catholic Grandparents Association’s National Grandparents Pilgrimage — a joyful day of prayer, music, and thanksgiving for the gift of Grandparents and the elderly.
This year we warmly invite you to join us on Sunday 26 July 2026 as we celebrate the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, gathering around the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV: “I will never forget you” (Is 49:15).
At a Glance
Mass · 3.00pm
The Day at Knock
The day’s ceremonies begin in the Basilica with the Anointing of the Sick at 2.30pm, followed at 3.00pm by the celebration of the Eucharist for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. We are deeply honoured to welcome Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, as Principal Celebrant. The date falls on the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the Grandparents of Jesus — a most fitting day to honour Grandparents everywhere.
Music & Our Special Guest
The pilgrimage Mass will be enriched by choirs and music directed by Una Nolan, and we are delighted to welcome the much-loved singer Dana as our special guest for the day.
A Rosary Procession
Weather permitting, the day will conclude with a Rosary Procession through the beautiful grounds of Knock Shrine, as pilgrims walk and pray together in the footsteps of the faithful who have come to this holy place for generations.
Travelling to Knock
Pilgrims travelling by coach are encouraged to check locally for buses going to Knock on the day, and to allow plenty of time to arrive and settle before the ceremonies begin. Knock Shrine offers ample parking, refreshments, and facilities for visitors of all ages.
Children’s Prayer Appeal for Grandparents
We warmly invite children to write a prayer, message, or note for their Grandparents (or for all Grandparents and elderly people). These can be sent or brought to the CGA office at Knock Shrine, where they will be received with great love and remembered during the pilgrimage on 26 July.
Whether you come as a Grandparent, a Grandchild, or a friend, you are most welcome. Come and give thanks for the wisdom, faith, and love of our older generations — and let us pray together that they may always be cherished, respected, and included in the life of the Church and of our families.
Catholic Grandparents Association
Passing on the Faith and Keeping Prayer at the Heart of Family Life
Murrisk, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland