Up to 100,000 people are expected to attend the annual novena at the Co Mayo village of Knock over the next nine days. The novena gets under way today with Father Sylvester O'Flynn from Co Donegal speaking on the topic "The Quality of Life in Ireland Today".
Other speakers over the nine days will include Dr O'Reilly, Bishop of Ardagh; Dr Jones, Bishop of Elphin; Dr Boyce, Bishop of Raphoe; and Bishop William Slattery from South Africa. The ceremonies start at 3 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. each day.