The feast of Our Lady of Knock is August 17th.
A Marian Apparition in Ireland
The Lamb of God: The Story of Our Lady of Knock is a new picture book by Fr. Donald H. Calloway, MIC, and Patrick O’Hearn, with illustrations by Ann Kissane Engelhart that helps children learn about this Marian apparition in Ireland.
The authors share how life was hard in Knock, Ireland, in August 1879. It was the midst of the potato famine, and people were starving. They had also said goodbye to many loved ones who had left Ireland in the hopes of a better life in America. “The people of Knock were scared like little lambs. So, they prayed. They grabbed their rosaries and knelt down in their little cottages asking God for a miracle.” (6) The local priest, Fr. Cavanaugh, had recently celebrated a hundred Masses for the souls in Purgatory.
Mary McLoughlin, Fr. Cavanagh’s housekeeper, was heading to visit a friend on August 21, 1879, when she saw figures on the back side of the church wall. At first, she thought they might be statues. But later, she passed by again with her friend’s daughter, Mary Byrne. They saw St. Joseph, the Blessed Virgin, and St. John the Evangelist surrounded by a brilliant light, but none of the saints said anything.
Mary Byrne rushed home to tell her family and their neighbors. A crowd of people ranging in age from five to seventy-four began to gather. Soon, a white lamb with a large cross behind it joined the trio of figures.
In the days that followed, people began to experience miracles at the site. The people of Knock began to have more hope and trust that God was with them even in the midst of their difficulties.
A Message for All of Us
While Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist remained silent at the apparition, their presence was felt by all those who witnessed them, and they conveyed a message even without words. It is a message for all of us, even nearly 150 years since the apparition.
“At Knock, Heaven is reminding us to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory since 100 Masses were offered for them prior to the Apparition. Mary wants us to keep our eyes fixed on the Holy Eucharist, the Lamb of God. When we receive Holy Communion, we are receiving Jesus. He is the true food for everyone who hungers for eternal life.” (27)
Extra Features in the Book
The gentle watercolor illustrations by Ann Kissane Engelhart help bring this story to life and will help keep children engaged with the story. Prayers to Our Lady of Knock and St. Joseph of Knock are also included at the end of the book.
There is a Note to Parents that includes information on the official investigation and the establishment of the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock. In addition, there is an appendix that includes short biographies of the official witnesses.
The Lamb of God: The Story of Our Lady of Knock is a lovely book to share with children ages 4-10.
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