THE 2017 Novena of Hope at The Graan Monastery in Enniskillen is due to get underway later this month - and will mark the end of an era with the departure of priest Fr Brian D'Arcy.
Now in its 28th year, the annual religious festival is due to begin on Saturday March 18 and run for nine consecutive days ending on Monday March 27.
There will be several famous faces at this year’s festival, which will mark the final Novena conducted by the popular Co Fermanagh priest.
The 71-year-old Passionist cleric will be replaced by Fr Charles Cross as Superior of St Gabriel's Retreat in Enniskillen.
Fr D'Arcy, who also works as a broadcaster, columnist and author, spent more than two decades at the Graan.
In what will be his last Novena at the monastery he will be conducting the opening Masses during the nine day devotion.
Among those included in the line up is TV presenter, scriptwriter and author Christy Kenneally, who will be speaking at all Masses for the opening two days.
Television personalities will also be represented by RTE’s Mary Kennedy, who will talk the following Thursday.
From the sporting world, Fermanagh GAA football manager Pete McGrath and Tipperary hurler John Leahy will be appearing, on the first Monday and Wednesday, respectively.
Also included in the line up is Jim Breen, the man behind the charity event ‘Cycle Against Suicide’, who will be speaking on the final Saturday.
Lisnaskea singer-songwriter Helena Connolly will be appearing on the last Sunday and Cavan-born motivational speaker Declan Coyle, director of Andec Communications, will be the final speaker on Monday 27.
Full details of the Novena services can be found at www.thegraan.com
