It's estimated around 5,000 people took part in a prayer vigil at Knock Shrine in Co. Mayo this afternoon for mothers and their unborn babies. 

The Catholic Primate of All Ireland, Sean Brady said mass at the Bascilica following the procession.

The vigil comes a day after the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference confirmed that it is seeking legal advice on the proposed abortion legislation.

They have described the bill as "an aggressive attack on religious freedom in our society", because it appears to impose a duty on Catholic hospitals to provide abortions.

While, Cardinal Brady said the bill, which would allow for abortion in certain cases where the woman's life is at risk, is morally unacceptable as he says it would permit the direct intentional killing of an innocent life.