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The Shop in Knock – The Blessing

Finally I have a little time to update the blog.  I have been operating a little shop near the Catholic Shrine in Knock since last August.  Initially I was located in a temporary premises a little bit away from the actual shrine and it was clear to me that not many people passed this way.  Fortunately, since November last year, I have relocated to another premises which is across the road from the original parish church of St John the Baptist here in Knock.

I usually attend the early morning mass at 8.00am in Knock and on the 12th March this year my wife pointed out to me that the side altar of St Joseph had been prepared for the celebration of the Latin Mass.  I spoke with the sacristan after Mass and he informed me that there was indeed a Latin Mass going to be said at 8.30.  I asked him for the bell and a Mass book and I sat in the front seat.

When the priest came out and saw me sitting there with the bell he motioned for me to come and serve the Mass proper.  I was very thankful that a few years previously, after a break of at least forty years, I had the opportunity to re-train in the service of the Latin Mass so I served Mass for this priest.  Afterwards in the sacristy I invited him to back my house to join the family for a cup of tea.

Turns out his name was Fr Mark Withoos, secretary to Cardinal Pell and that he was with Cardinal Pell in Knock that day for a meeting.  I asked him afterwards if he would visit my shop in order to bless the premises and he said he would be delighted to.  Well as things turned out, Fr Withoos invited Cardinal Pell himself to come and bless the shop.  Here is a picture taken by a friend of mine. I am on the left, with Cardinal Pell centre and Fr Mark Withoos on the right. You can also see some of the pictures that I sell in the background.

Cardinal-Pell-Fr-Withoos2

I print and frame sacred Catholic and religious art amongst other things.  I am also hoping to get the shop online here in the near future but as I am alone in this venture it will take a little time.

God bless for now

John