The purpose of the Knock Shrine Association of America is to promote Awareness of Knock as one of the Marian Shrines of the world.

      The Knock Shrine Association of America was formed in Washington, D.C. on August 21, 1986 with a Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.  The founder & director Ed O'Brien is the youngest of eight children of the late John O'Brien from Bohola, Co. Mayo & the late Beatrice O'Brien nee Cassidy from Barnacogue, Swinford, Co. Mayo.  

The official website of Knock Shrine is http://www.knock-shrine.ie

Beatrice's great uncle Pat Giblin saw the apparition at Knock on August 21, 1879.  He was not one of the official witnesses as documented in the Inquiry.  As Beatrice remembers the account of her great uncle, he was at a fair in Claremorris and on his way home to Barnacogue with his horse and cart,  as he passed through the village of Knock.  He noticed the people gathered at the gable wall of the Church, so he tied his horse and went to the gable wall where he saw the end of the apparition.  

Over the years Beatrice has been a frequent visitor to Knock Shrine.  She has lived most of her life in the U.S.A. and was on the first flight from New York to Knock in 1986 and on the first Christmas flight in 1988.  She was also on the first direct non-stop flight from Knock to New York on her 87th birthday, August 14, 1992.

Arrival of the 1st U.S. Flight.  Beatrice O'Brien with Michael O'Malley and Msg. Horan.  With members of her family behind her including sons Ed, Michael, and grandson Eamon.  Beatrice then walked from the airport to the home where she was born in Barnacogue.

Ed and Beatrice O'Brien with Msg. Horan at Knock Airport after arrival of first U.S. flight.

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Contact Information

If you'd like to contact the Knock Shrine Association of America please use one of the following methods...

Telephone: 1-301-371-8610
 
Email: Ed O'Brien
 
 
Mail: 8719 Pete Wiles Road
        Middletown, MD 21769
        USA

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