KNOCK Shrine in Co Mayo will be closed on the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary - one of its busiest days of the year.
More than 20,000 pilgrims usually visit Knock on August 15 every year, but the grounds will be shut on Saturday due to the escalation of the Covid-19 virus.
In a statement yesterday, Fr Richard Gibbons, rector at Knock, appealed to people not to travel to the site.
He said that following discussions with church and State bodies it was decided the shrine did not have the resources to deal with the large numbers of people expected.
He said the "unprecedented and heart-breaking decision" had been made "in the light of the current escalation of Covid-19 cases around the country together with the sheer impossibility of having the resources necessary to deal with the potential of large numbers of people gathering" at the shrine.
"As the National Marian Shrine, we have been extra vigilant in living up to our responsibilities amid this pandemic in placing people's physical and spiritual well-being to the fore," he said.
"I would ask for your understanding and patience at this time."
The shrine and its grounds will be closed from 8pm on Friday to 7am on Sunday. Masses will be celebrated online only at 12pm, 3pm and 7.30pm.
