Knock dress code meant as 'guideline' for visitors

THE INTRODUCTION of a dress code at Knock shrine in Co Mayo was intended as “a guideline” for pilgrims, shrine manager Pat Lavelle said last night. It was also intended to bring the shrine into line with similar practice at Lourdes, the Vatican, the Holy Land and other pilgrimage sites and destinations, he said.

There was no question of enforcement, as such, where the guidelines were concerned but the hope was pilgrims would comply as they do at other shrines, he said. At the other shrines/pilgrimage destinations referred to, such dress codes are enforced strictly.

In his “over 20 years” at Knock “one the the most frequent criticisms by pilgrims had been about the lack of respect they felt was being shown by the dress of other pilgrims”, particularly young women, he said.

Last Thursday a sign was erected at Knock concerning dress code, litter, the banning of bicycles and asking that dogs be kept on a lead, he said.

The annual novena at Knock began last Saturday and continues until August 22nd. It will do so under the supervision of Knock parish priest Msgr Joseph Quinn, who has made a welcome return there following recent illness.

August 15th, feast of the Assumption, is usually a highlight, and so it was last Sunday with record attendances. “There were about 10,000 people here and it was a glorious day,” Mr Lavelle said. “It’s going very well.”