THOUSANDS of visitors are expected to descend on west Belfast today for the first day of the annual Clonard Novena.
The nine-day event, described as a festival of faith, held in honour of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, annually draws more than 100,000 visitors.
This year, those attending will see a woman take to the altar as a resident preacher for the first time.
Anne Walsh, from Newfoundland in Canada, is one of four resident preachers taking part in this year’s event, which runs until June 22.
Ms Walsh, who has more than 30 years’ experience with the Redemptorist Lay Community, has worked as a catechist and director of adult faith formation at parish, school board and diocesan levels
The other preachers include Fr Michael Kelleher, Fr Brendan Kelly and Fr Michael Brehl, the Superior General of the Redemptorists worldwide.
The novena, which has the theme ‘Home isn’t a place, it’s you and me’, is set to explore various aspects of family life and the idea of the church as a home.
This year's event will also be running a new, updated webcam service, which will allow new angles to be streamed to viewers to help them "participate more fully in the Eucharist". Behind-the-scene footage, including interviews with visitors, will also be broadcast between Masses.
Fr Noel Kehoe, Rector of Clonard Monastery, said the Clonard community was "very excited for the beginning of this year's Novena, especially as it deals with family and family life.
"Yesterday, the preparations were well under way," he said.
"Marquees went up, the toilets were installed and the shop was installed. The flags are up and the area is looking amazing. There is a real sense of buzz on the streets.
"Everybody is welcome to come, off all religions and none. This is an opportunity to reconnect again with the community to allow ourselves to be blessed by God in astounding ways and often surprising ways".
**Weekday sessions take place at 6.45am, 8.15am, 9.30am, 11am, 12.45pm, 4.30pm, 6pm, 7.30pm, 9pm and 10.30pm
Weekend sessions take place at 6.45am, 8.15am, 9.30am, 11am, 12.45pm, 3pm, 4.30pm, 6pm and 7.30pm
