August 2025

The 2025 National Novena will take place at Our Lady of Knock from Wednesday, August 13th, to Thursday, August 21st, inclusive.

This year's theme will be 'Pilgrims of Hope'.

In the Basilica, the Novena Ceremonies will take place at 3 pm followed by Rosary Procession and at 8 pm followed by Candlelight Procession .

In St. John’s Welcome Centre, daily workshops with guest facilitators will take place at 12.45 pm to allow participants to reflect deeper on the theme of the day.

Also, Themed Guided Prayer sessions will be held in the Prayer Centre at 11.15 am led by trained prayer guides.

Each day, there will be Guest Speakers who will deliver speeches about this year’s theme.

Wednesday 13th August

“Life without a home-Restoring Hope”, Fr Kevin Kiernan at 3 pm and 8 pm

Thursday 14th August

“Synod: Hope for the Church?”, Miriam Wijlens at 3 pm and 8 pm

Friday 15th August

“By a lonely Prison Wall”, Ita Lohan at 3 pm and 8 pm

Saturday 16th August

“Mary Mother of the seeds of hope”, Msgr Kevin Gillespie and Elaine Patton at 3 pm

Saturday 16th August

“My journey of faith in the Church today” Julian Drapiewki 8 pm

Sunday 17th August

“Family: The first place of accompaniment” Bishop Kevin Doran at 3 pm

Sunday 17th August

“Prayer: A Silent Doorway to Hope”, John Farrelly at 8 pm

Monday 18th August

“Beyond the Headlines”, Eileen Dunne at 3 pm and 8pm

Tuesday 19th August

“Our Place in the Garden: Living with Humility in Creation”, Fr Niall Leahy SJ at 3 pm and 8 pm

Wednesday 20th August

“Be not afraid: Finding peace in illness”, Breda Casserly at 3 pm and 8 pm

Thursday 21st August

“Living Faith: How Young People Are Shaping the Future”, Claire Kilroy at 3 pm

Thursday 21st August

“Faith is Hope with its sleeves rolled up”, Fr Richard Gibbons at 8 pm.

This last speech will be followed by Celebration of the anniversary of the Knock Apparition.