Travellers pray in Knock after ‘vision’

DEVOUT members of the travelling community gathered at the Marian shrine at Knock yesterday in the hope of a vision of the Virgin Mary.

A 14-year-old boy from the travelling community had been at the shrine in Fatima, Portugal, last May with his family when it is said he saw visions of the Virgin Mary.

After the experience, the youngster asserted that the Virgin Mary would appear at Knock during which time she would bless everyone present.

Reports of his religious experience spread throughout the traveller community via social media, with many promising to make the trip to Mayo.

His father explained in an audio message posted via the internet what the youngster had experienced while still in Portugal.

“For two days our son saw Our Lady in Fatima,” he said.

He said he had no doubt as to the miraculous nature of his son’s experience.

He also passed on the message as given to his son: “On the 10th of June we will be going to Knock and whoever wants to come is welcome. Our Lady will appear there.

“Our Lady will appear on the ground there and she will bless everyone on the ground. I know Our Lady will be there.

“It’s out there for every- body out there who believes in it and who doesn’t believe in it.”

In the audio message he also admitted that it has deeply affected his family.

“At the moment I’m feeling stressed.

“It’s a lot to take on what’s happened in the last few days with my young fella — he’s only 14 years of age,” he said.

“I’m asking everybody out there to say a prayer for him as well, and us.”