Pilgrims from across Ireland are being invited to gather at Knock Shrine this Saturday for the second annual National Pilgrimage for Life, a special event celebrating the gift of life and promoting prayer for the protection of all human life.

Organised by the Council for Life of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the pilgrimage will take place at Knock Shrine on Saturday, 20 June, with Mass commencing at 3.00pm in the Basilica.  The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Niall Coll of Raphoe, who will also deliver the homily.  During the liturgy, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be administered, offering spiritual comfort, healing, and strength to those experiencing illness or frailty.

The pilgrimage comes on the eve of Day for Life 2026, which will be marked across Ireland, Scotland, and England and Wales on Sunday, 21 June, coinciding with Father’s Day.

This year’s Day for Life message has been announced under the theme: The Wonder of the Child in the Womb, reflecting on the humanity of the unborn child while also acknowledging the profound grief experienced by parents who lose a child before or shortly after birth.

In their joint message, the bishops of these islands said, “Parenthood is a vocation of joys and hopes, of griefs and anxieties.  For this year’s Day for Life, we wish to acknowledge the particular grief of mothers and fathers who have lost a child before birth or in infancy.”

All are welcome to attend Saturday’s National Pilgrimage for Life in Knock.  Organisers are encouraging individuals, families, parish groups, and pro-life organisations to participate in what they describe as a prayerful celebration of life and a moment of hope, faith, and solidarity.

To read the Bishops’ Conference statement addressing abortion in Ireland, please click HERE 

For resources, prayers, and pastoral statements from the bishops, visit the Council for Life