EVENT: Novena kicks off in Holycross Abbey at 7am on Thursday of this week

Holycross Abbey - where Francis Mahers Requiem Mass was celebrated.

placeholder image — Holycross Abbey - where Francis Mahers Requiem Mass was celebrated.

The festival of faith continues for nine days

The Holycross Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help kicks off in Holycross Abbey from tomorrow, Thursday September 8 and runs for nine days until September 16.

Over the last two years the annual Novena was held online only due to the presence of Covid 19. However, this year sees the return of pilgrims to the sacred Abbey once more and preparations have been underway for the celebration of the festival of faith which has seen thousands descend upon Holycross village over the years from early morning until late in the evening.

“A lot of work has been undertaken in recent weeks as we get ready to welcome all our visitors to the Abbey for the annual Novena. This is a very special time in our parish each year and the door of welcome is open to all to come along, take some time out for reflection and prayer and perhaps to avail of the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation,” PP Fr Celsus Tierney said this week.

The Abbey shop is always very busy during the course of the Novena

Weekday sessions at 7am, 10.30am, 4.30pm & 7.30pm. there will be an additional 12.30pm session on Sunday also.

Confessions will take place on weekdays throughout the Novena where priests are available and this represents a real opportunity for pilgrims to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Anointing of the Sick will take place on Saturday next September 10 at 2pm, Blessing of Infants on Sunday next September 11 at 2.30pm and the Penitential Service on Thursday week, September 15 at 7.30pm.

Parishioners will be on hand to help out with the many elements associated with running the annual Novena and Fr Celsus Tierney PP, will have much assistance throughout the nine days from visiting priests to ensure that Novena 2022 will be another great success.

As usual, pilgrims can submit petitions and intercessions in person at the Abbey, or, they can also be submimtted online at the email address below. All petitions will be included in the Novena prayers.

For information, please contact 0504-43124 or email [email protected]