Estd. 1931
ABOUT ST MARY'S
A quiet retreat in the heart of Knock
The History of St. Mary's:
The Daughters of Charity opened St Mary's in Knock in 1931, to welcome pilgrims from all over the world to enjoy the tranquillity and partake in religious retreat in Knock.
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The Daughters of Charity opened St. Mary's with the mission to care and provide a space for Pilgrims wishing to experience a retreat in the hallowed environment of Knock Shrine. The Daughters of Charity were committed to welcoming pilgrims from all over the world, providing a sense of warmth and hospitality, enabling a spiritual and tranquil space for Pilgrims, so as to assist in their religious retreat to Knock shrine.
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The Daughters of Charity were requested to set up a new foundation in Knock after the revival of devotion at Knock after the 1929 Golden Jubilee of the Apparition of Our Lady in Knock. There was an increase in pilgrims visiting Knock and so Fr Robert Jones CM and the Daughters of Charity discussed with the Parish Priest at the time Fr John Tuffy establishing a dedicated Retreat House for Pilgrims. It was decided that the Parochial House would be converted into this new centre. The building was built by Archdeacon Cavanagh shortly after the Apparition. Archdeacon Cavanagh also resided in St. Mary's towards the end of his life. After his death on 8th December 1897 , his room was converted into the sisters chapel. Many of our guests use this area for private prayer as well as for holding mass.
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The foundation of the Daughters of Charity were formally established in St. Mary's in Knock on 29th July 1931, during their first year the sisters had a full house of pilgrims. Over the years the sister cared for pilgrims from all over Ireland and indeed the world. The sisters also renovated and expanded the original building, adding additional guest rooms, a lounge and a restaurant to cater for the increased number of pilgrims. and overnight guests.
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Due to a decline in the number of sisters in the later half of the 20th century in the region, many sisters were asked to take up more urgent ministry elsewhere. This had an affect on St Mary's and caused the Daughters of Charity to reduce their workload due to their age and limited numbers. As the process of discernment continued the Daughters of Charity decided to withdraw from St. Mary's. In January 2017 Our Lady's Shrine took over management of St. Marys' and continue on the Daughters of Charity's legacy and mission of offering a prefect space for pilgrims hoping to enjoy Knock.
The Chapel
Venerable Archdeacon Cavanagh was pastor of Knock Shrine from 1867 to 1897. Archdeacon Cavanagh built St Mary’s, as it was later named, shortly after the Apparition of The Blessed Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist in Knock in 1879. Towards the end of his life Archdeacon Cavanagh moved from his three-room cottage to the Parochial House that would later become St Mary’s. The building became the Parochial house after Archdeacon Cavanagh’s death. It later passed into the care of the Daughters of Charity and became a haven for visiting pilgrims to Knock Shrine. Archdeacon Cavanagh died in his room in the early hours of the 8th of December 1897 after years of deteriorating health. The room would later be renovated into a chapel. Archdeacon Cavanagh was laid to rest within St John the Baptist Church on the epistle side facing Our Lady’s altar.
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Opening Hours: 7.30am to 7.00pm
