Last month more than 13,000 people gathered at Knock for the All-Ireland Rosary Rally. It was the largest such assembly since Pope Francis visited the west of Ireland shrine on a “soft” day in 2018. The rosary rally saw young families, teenagers carrying rosaries, older men and women who have kept the Faith through thinner years: they filled the shrine grounds and the basilica. Archbishop Eamon Martin spoke of joy and hope. He was right to do so.
Just a few days ago, on July 20, American priest Fr Mike Schmitz brought his Parables Tour to Dublin. He packed St Kevin’s Church on Harrington Street to the rafters for Mass and then drew a crowd of approximately 1,600 to the Dolphins Barn boxing arena. The audiences were predominantly younger people – another clear sign that something is stirring.
