There's an Airport in Knock! A Dream Came Real!

I remember when the seed of a notion about building an airport in Knock was being sown by Monsignor James Horan! From the first moment it was mentioned, we never doubted that it would happen. It was an incredibly welcome plan as most young people of my generation emigrated. It was a time of great poverty and lack of opportunity in both the west and in Ireland in general. Knock airport made it possible for people from the west to return home to visit parents at a reasonably priced rate and without wasting time traveling from Dublin, so that free time wasn't wasted.

However, looking down at the airport from the air, the sight that presents is of a wonderful runway gouged into the poorest of a boggy hillside as one drops out of the inevitably cloudy and foggy sky. It seemed like the craziest idea to anyone who didn't understand that Monsignor Horan made dreams come true with determined grit, hard work and teamwork. He brought people with him - he was a most compelling personality. Monsignor Horan's concept of pastoral ministry was very broad, yet there was a clear connection between linking the most hopeful, inspiring, and theological aspect of the Eucharistic Apparition with the living God who continues to live actively among us in one another. Monsignor Horan truly believed that we had what we needed to bring about what was needed in our time. He had passionate belief in God and the dreams that God makes real through our decisions and actions.

Monsignor Horan didn't entertain despair! He demanded the very best of himself and gave himself whole-heartedly. He loved life; he loved his vocation as a priest and lived every minute of it fully and with energy. He knew that flying was ill advised by his doctor at the time, but as the flight to Lourdes was part of the shared parish inaugural dream, well.... While Monsignor Horan was busy with the business of building the Basilica and the airport, it never came before his celebration of the sacraments or care of the parish. He knew every family in the parish, even though it was spread over several miles.

I am massively proud to have been part of the happenings in Knock at that time, over forty years ago. Watching the celebrations of the 40th anniversary lifts the heart. It puts the challenge before us to continue to dream and to make dreams come true! It takes passion to make anything happen! When we find the place of passion within ourselves we can really play the amazing part that God dreams for us. Life is a short journey, so let's tap the passion and live it to the fullest!

Cathy Burke
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes