Today (Friday) marks a special day for Knock Shrine, as Pope Francis will officially recognise Knock as an International Marian and Eucharistic Shrine.

Pope Francis will deliver a special message via video link during Mass at 7.30 this evening, recognising Knock as one of the leading shrines in the world.

The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Michael Neary and Fr Richard Gibbons, rector of Knock Shrine.

This is the first of three days of celebration to St Joseph.

Fr Richard told Midwest News this morning that the recognition of Knock as an international Marian shrine is a historic event.

This evening's Mass at 7.30 can be viewed on www.knockshrine.ie