A vast mosaic containing more than 1.5 million pieces has been unveiled at the shrine of Knock in Ireland. The mosaic, designed by the Irish artist PJ Lynch, depicts the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1879. At 46ft square, it is one of the largest mosaics of its kind in Europe. In a homily at the unveiling, Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam said: “We thank God for this marvellous day as we unveil this magnificent mosaic, which conveys in such breathtaking beauty the mystery of the apparition.” The apparition took place on the evening of August 21, 1879, when 15 people at the parish church in Knock saw the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist standing beside an altar surrounded by angels. A cross and a lamb stood on the altar. Archbishop Neary said: “At the time of the apparition, Ireland, and particularly the west of Ireland, had been through the devastation of the famine. People were demoralised; death and destruction was all around and perhaps a general sense of hopelessness. And yet the people recognised the importance of the Eucharist, Mass, faith and something which was very much in keeping with Irish spirituality, a deep devotion to Our Lady.” The archbishop added that he hoped the basilica would be a “beacon of hope and light for all pilgrims for years to come”. Today about 1.25 million people are estimated to visit the shrine every year.