Many believe the most powerful prayer on earth played a role in Mary’s appearance with St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist in Knock, Ireland, on Aug. 21, 1879. Before this, Father Bartholomew Cavanagh, the parish priest, pledged he’d say 100 Masses for the souls in purgatory. He offered the last of these 100 Masses just days before the Marian apparition occurred. By 1880, Father Cavanagh recorded 300 cures credited to Mary. Looking for some heavenly help for departed loved ones? Seek Our Lady of Knock’s intercession this Aug. 21 by requesting a Mass enrollment at the Knock shrine.