Bishop Niall Coll delivers homily at Legion of Mary pilgrimage to Knock Shrine

Bishop Niall Coll spoke about the vision of Frank Duff during the annual Legion of Mary pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on September 27, 2026.

In his homily, Bishop Coll said Duff believed baptism is a calling rather than just something people receive. He noted that Duff founded the Legion of Mary in a Dublin room in 1922 to help a small group of Catholics deepen their prayer and serve those in need. Bishop Coll stated that Duff's primary achievement was his belief that ordinary men and women have a role in the mission of Christ through their baptism.

The bishop said Duff's approach anticipated modern discussions on synodality by emphasizing that all baptized people share in the life of the Church. He described Duff's vision as one where prayer leads to service and devotion to Mary leads people closer to the life of Jesus.