James Wims

Journalist and newspaper editor
Past Vice-President, The Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ), London
Former Editor, 'The Journal' (CIoJ)
Member, SPJ (USA)

[James Wims @JamesWims]

Our Lady's Shrine, Knock invites all children who have received their 1st Holy Communion this year, from around Ireland, to a special celebration this Sunday, 1st. June.

It is at 12 noon in Our Lady’s Basilica, Knock, Co Mayo, eircode F12 Y226.

Free to all - no booking needed.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

All are welcome, from near and far, this Thursday evening, 29th. May, to the monthly Healing Mass in the chapel in the St. Camillus Nursing Centre, Killucan, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 VF51.

The 8pm Mass will also be live on the St. Camillus website, https://t.co/j6fgf3EFw2.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

Just 7 days to go...😀

Nationwide open invitation.

Attendance is free to all, no booking is required, and there is extensive free parking - just arrive!

12 noon in Our Lady’s Basilica, Knock, Co. Mayo (eircode: F12 Y226).

[James Wims @JamesWims]

Our Lady's Shrine, Knock has invited all children who have received their First Holy Communion this year, from throughout Ireland, to a special celebration on Sunday, 1st. June.

This Mass is at 12 noon in Our Lady’s Basilica, Knock, Co. Mayo.

Free to all - no booking required.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

Seriously worth a visit today - for all ages!

[James Wims @JamesWims]

It's that time of the year again - Star Wars Day...!
"May the 4th. be with you!" 😊

[James Wims @JamesWims]

Happy Mayo Day 2025, especially to all my friends in or from Mayo...! 😀
👍👍👍.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

Doing anything this Saturday morning, 03 May...?

All are welcome to Our Lady’s Shrine, Knock this Sat, 03 May, for the annual blessing of expectant mothers at 11am.

All can attend, including family members, partners and friends.

This is a free event and no booking is required.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

WHAT A DAY!

In case you overlooked it:

- it's Thursday, 1st May;
- it's the feast of St Joseph the Worker;
- it's May Day;
- it's International Workers' Day;
- it's traditionally the first day of summer,
- and (should you need to know)
- it's eight months to New Year's Day! ☺

[James Wims @JamesWims]

15 YEARS AGO TODAY...

It was 15 years ago today - on Friday, 30th. April, 2010 - that RTÉ broadcaster Gerry Ryan died.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

For those with an interest in history...

DIED 80 YEARS AGO TODAY

With war again in Europe, history records that it was today 80 years ago - on Monday, 30th April, 1945 - that Adolf Hitler (56) and his wife of one day, Eva Braun (33), killed themselves in their bunker in Berlin.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

Doing anything this Saturday morning, 03 May...?

All are welcome to Our Lady’s Shrine, Knock this Sat, 03 May, for the annual blessing of expectant mothers at 11am.

All welcome, including family members, partners, neighbours and friends.

A free event and no booking is needed.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY IN KNOCK TODAY

Today, Sunday, 27 April, is Divine Mercy Sunday 2025 worldwide (1st Sunday after Easter Sunday).

The annual Divine Mercy Sunday devotions in Our Lady's Shrine, Knock, Co Mayo, free to all, include
- 2.30pm Anointing of the Sick,
- 3.15pm Mass.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

109 YEARS AGO TODAY...

Not a word anywhere that today (Thur, 24 April, 2025) it is 109 years since the reading of the Proclamation and start of the 1916 Easter Rising, on Easter Monday, 24 April, 1916.

Pictured is the shell of the GPO afterwards, from on top of Nelson's Pillar.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

All are welcome, from near and far, this Thursday night, 24th. April, to the monthly Healing Mass in the chapel in the St. Camillus Nursing Centre, Killucan, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 VF51.

The 8pm Mass will also be live on the St. Camillus website, https://t.co/j6fgf3EFw2.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

BORN AND DIED ON THIS DATE:
- William Shakespeare was born on this date, 23rd April, in 1564, all of 461 years ago.

- He died exactly 52 years later, also on 23rd April, in 1616, all of 409 years ago.

- He coined so many phrases still in use today - these are just some of them:

[James Wims @JamesWims]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. PRESIDENT! 😀

A very happy birthday to the President of Ireland / Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D. Higgins (84) today, Friday, 18th. April, 2025 - to the day and the date.

President Michael D. Higgins was born on Friday, 18th. April, 1941.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

A poignant photo of passengers waiting to board the 'Titanic' at Cobh (then Queenstown), Co. Cork 113 years ago (on the night/morning of 14 April to 15 April, 1912) before it sailed, hit an iceberg, and sank.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

All welcome - bring family members and friends.

[James Wims @JamesWims]

167th ANNIVERSARY TODAY OF 17th OF 18 APPEARANCES IN LOURDES

Today, Mon, 7 April, 2025 is the 167th anniversary of the 17th of 18 appearances of Our Lady to Bernadette Soubirous (later St Bernadette) at the grotto in Lourdes, in the south of France - on Wednesday, 7 April, 1858.