The All Ireland Rosary Rally scheduled for June 6 in Knock will be the largest Catholic event in Ireland this year, and organizers have adopted an uncommon promotional tactic to catch the attention of the faithful — a countrywide billboard campaign.
Building on last year's turnout when more than 10,000 people gathered for the 40th Rosary Rally in Knock, famous for its shrine and as a pilgrimage destination, rally organizers hope the two-week campaign will attract an even bigger audience. It is the first time the event has been advertised using billboards. Fifty sites throughout Ireland were chosen, including a number in Northern Ireland.
"We chose billboards because Father Patrick Peyton was famous for his billboards in running his rosary rallies around the world, some of which attracted crowds of 2 million people," Father Marius O'Reilly, one of the rally organizers, told EWTN News.
The billboards have attracted reaction and comments online and in the mainstream media. The Irish News, a daily newspaper published in Belfast, reported that Archbishop Eamon Martin and Bishop Donal McKeown plan to "reconsecrate Ireland to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at the event, which organizers describe as a national moment of prayer for peace."
Parishes have been drawing people's attention to the billboard campaign as well. Holy Family Parish in Drogheda spotted one of the billboards in the town and posted on its Facebook page: "A giant reminder on the Dublin Road in Drogheda from the All Ireland Rosary Rally. Book your spot on our bus to Knock."
O'Reilly explained to EWTN News that the cost of the billboards has been borne by sponsors and voluntary donations. "Sponsors are paying for the posters and indeed, this huge event is possible because of the generosity of so many. People are not charged on the day; there's no ticket price. So the event relies heavily on the generosity and support of many people across Ireland and beyond. People are responding very positively, and with great enthusiasm."
The goal of the rally's organizing committee was a billboard presence in as many counties and population centers as possible. "We tried to ensure that every county would be represented with the billboards, and more so in the cities," O'Reilly said.
"I think it is encouraging people in their faith and it's just part of the renewal in Ireland that's taking place. The Irish have a great love for Our Lady in the rosary."
He continued: "The devotion to Our Lady is evident on the highways and byways of our country; we have huge grottos everywhere around Ireland, so Our Lady is very, very important to the Irish. Now for the duration of the campaign, people of all faiths and none can see Our Lady on a billboard, as well as the grottos, inviting them to come to Knock to pray for peace in our world and for the renewal of our faith in Ireland."
Partners for this year's rally include the Father Peyton Centre in Attymass, County Mayo, and Holy Cross Family Ministries, which both continue the work of Peyton. International speakers include Father Chris Alar, Nikki Kingsley, and Bishop Oliver Doeme.
Over 10,000 pilgrims are expected to attend this year, with 50 buses already booked to bring people to the Knock shrine.
