The small village of Knock in the west of Ireland is busily preparing for the arrival of Pope Francis.
With just days to go before the papal visit the village in County Mayo is bedecked in bunting, flags and thousands of flowers with souvenir shops stocking up on religious statues, coffee mugs and fridge magnets in preparation for the 45,000 people who are expected to line the streets.
Around one-and-a-half million pilgrims visit Knock Shrine every year to see the site where some 15 people witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist in August 1879.
The Pope's visit on Sunday will last around 80 minutes and will include a tour around the village and a visit to the Apparition Chapel before he addresses the crowd from a stage.
Father Richard Gibbons, who has been the parish priest of Knock and rector of Knock Shrine for six years, has been instrumental in the huge planning operation.
From tree cutting, to painting and deciding on water locations, Fr Gibbons described the practicalities of preparing for a Pope visit.
"It has been absolutely hectic since we got notification officially in June," he said.
"Everyone has put in 110% and wanted to help in any way they can."
"The excitement is palpable and everyone is getting their place ready and cleaned."
Anne Lavin, head of grounds horticulture department, said that more than 50,000 flowers have been planted around the village ahead of the Pontiff's visit.
Dahlias, begonias, lobelias and lavender are among the colourful display of flowers that spill across the church grounds.
In August 1879, around 15 people from the village saw a light coming from the parish church and saw the apparition which lasted around two hours.
Each of the witnesses were asked to give a testimony to a commission of enquiry that was set in the months after the apparition.
Maria Casey, head of marketing and communications at the pilgrimage site, said that the witnesses' testimonies will be read out as part of the Papal visit.
Australian Associated Press
