Northern Ireland

Novena of Hope to take place at The Graan Monastery in Enniskillen next month

Fr Charles Cross, Superior The Graan, said this year's Novena of Hope would be "an opportunity to thank God for the blessings we received during the two years of the pandemic..."
Fr Charles Cross, Superior The Graan, said this year's Novena of Hope would be "an opportunity to thank God for the blessings we received during the two years of the pandemic..."

The Novena of Hope will take place at The Graan Monastery in Enniskillen next month in person after covid forced in online.

It will run from Saturday, March 5 until March 14.

With restrictions now lifted, The Graan is looking forward to welcoming people back into the church though those who are unable to come in person, can still join in the Novena online.

The Novena of Hope takes place in honour of St Charles of Mount Argus,who lived in Ireland at Mount Argus for most of his life.

His gift of healing brought thousands to Mount Argus in Dublin each week right up until the time of his death in 1893.

There is a shrine to St Charles in The Graan Church which is visited by many people seeking healing and peace.

Speakers at this year's Novena include Derry woman, Pat Coyle, works for the Jesuits in Ireland, Cork author Christy Kenneally, who is well-known for his books and lectures on the subject of bereavement and dealing with loss, and Brenda Bannon, the recently retired former head of the Religious Department in Loreto Grammar School in Omagh.

Fr Charles Cross, Superior The Graan, said this year's Novena "will be an opportunity to thank God for the blessings we received during the two years of the pandemic, especially the dedication of front-line workers, scientists, carers and the many good people who helped us through this difficult time".