MASS-GOERS attending a popular Novena in Co Fermanagh will no longer be served tea for "health and safety reasons".
The Novena of Hope at The Graan outside Enniskillen has been serving tea and biscuits to the faithful since it was first held 29 years ago.
However, The Graan's new rector, Fr Charles Cross, who has taken over from Fr Brian D'Arcy, said he took the decision after listening to concerns raised by some of those involved in organising the nine days of prayer and reflection.
"It's because of carrying the tea in the narrow confines of the church - there were concerns that it could be spilt and somebody could get scalded."
He said it was due to health and safety concerns that the novena previously stopped serving sandwiches.
"There are other reasons too - the age of some of the servers who are carrying the tea. Some people have been serving for 28 or 30 years."
He added: "There won't be tea but there will be the blessings of God which is the whole point of it."
Fr Cross said biscuits will still be served "for people who aren't off them for Lent".
"Someone left in five boxes of chocolate biscuits so we will enjoy them," he said.
GAA pundit Jarlath Burns will be one of the speakers at this year's Novena.
Others include the director of Irish Jesuit Communications, Pat Coyle, Church of Ireland Bishop Trevor Williams and Catholic lay deacon John Taafe.
The nine days of prayer will run from March 3 to March 12.
