The Virgin and the Lion

With the exception of Lourdes, Knock is possibly the most notable shrine arising from a vision in Europe during the nineteenth century. An adequate understanding of the visions at Knock cannot be arrived at without some consideration of the historical and economic backdrop to the events of 21 August 1879.

The Apparition of the Virgin Mary in Knock occurred at the same time in Ireland as the beginning of the Land War which is considered as important in Irish history as the revolution of 1879...