(SNR) – All are invited on a pilgrimage to Ireland June 15-26.
The pilgrimage will have four priests for spiritual guidance: Father Gary Coulter, Father Ronald Homes, Father Bernard Lorenz and Father Matthew Zimmer. There will be a local Catholic guide and daily Mass at the holiest sites.
Chief among the highlights is the Marian Shrine in Knock, where on August 21, 1879, villagers saw an apparition of Our Lady. The apparition is unusual compared to others in that several figures appeared on the south gable of the parish church: Mary, St. Joseph and St. John, and also an altar with a cross and a lamb, surrounded by angels. For nearly two hours parishioners witnessed the miracle. Also unusual is that fact that there was no spoken message: Our Lady did not say anything, only her silent presence.
Knock has been visited by Pope St. John Paul II, St. Teresa of Calcutta, Pope Francis, and each year every Irish diocese makes a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine. Knock pilgrimages often involve devotions like the stations of the cross, benediction, processions, and litanies.
The pilgrimage departing from Omaha will include visits to Dublin, Wexford, Cork, Killarney, Knock and many more cities. Sites associated with St. Patrick, St. Bridget, St .Kevin, Venerable Matt Talbot and more saints will be visited. Places of natural beauty such as the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, and a ferry ride to the Aran Island of Inishmore are also on the itinerary.
There are many Christian sites and monasteries, such as Our Lady’s Island in County Wexford, a place of pilgrimage since St. Abban founded a Christian settlement here in the sixth century and established the first Marian shrine in Ireland. Wexford also recalls there the 2,000 Catholics martyred by Cromwell in October 1649.
To learn more about the trip, contact Father Gary Coulter at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 402-786-2705 with any questions. Pilgrims will be provided information on subjects such as money, electronics, weather, luggage, travel insurance, safety and carpooling.
“We’re quite happy that Ireland has eased its travel restrictions,” explained Father Coulter. “I think a lot of people have a pent-up desire to travel, and Ireland is excited to welcome overseas visitors.”
Go to www.frcoulter.com/ireland for information about the June 15-26 Ireland pilgrimage, including the full itinerary, online registration, also the latest travel guidelines and entry requirements. The base price per person for the 12-day pilgrimage including flights from Omaha is $4,225 (double occupancy). T
he trip is being organized through Tekton Ministries, who also have many travel resources at their website, www.tektonministries.org.
