THE Novena of Hope at The Graan in Enniskillen this year is a time to recognise and affirm the many gifts we have in our community. Most of all it is a special time of thanksgiving that our patron will be canonised as St Charles of Mount Argus on Sunday, June 3 this year.
It was the special intention for which the Novena of Hope in Mount Argus began in 1978 and The Graan in 1990. As always the personal stories of the gifted speakers fill us with inspiration.
The Novena takes place at St. Gabriel's Retreat, The Graan, Enniskillen from March 17/18 to 26 inclusive.
It begins with Fr Brian D'Arcy speaking at all the Masses on Saturday/Sunday.
On Monday John O'Shea, the founder and CEO of the Third World Charity GOAL, will highlight the magnificent work done by young people, amongst the poor, all over the world.
On Tuesday the gifted Fr Colm Kilcoyne will lead parishioners to experience God's forgiveness and mercy.
On Wednesday Peter Quinn, former President of the GAA, helps identify strengths and to use them for the good of the community.
On Thursday Rev Ruth Scott, the famed BBC Radio 2 broadcaster who works regularly in Northern Ireland on Cross Community Reconciliation Projects, will highlight how we can learn to be open to God's healing.
On Friday Brian McKee, Director of Down and Connor Youth Commission and well known writer, outlines how much the church has to learn from the dedicated and gifted young people all around us.
On Saturday Marion Carroll, who was cured at Knock, returns to share her story of miraculous healing and to open our eyes to God's miracles around us.
On Sunday Grainne Doherty, a qualified theologian and parish worker in the Passionist parish at Mount Argus, shows us the way to the future in a church in which the laity are leaders.
On Monday, March 26 Fr Brian will preach at the midday and evening sessions on the last day of the Novena and on both occasions will be joined by Archdeacon Cecil Pringle, Rector of the Church of Ireland, Rossorry, his wife Hilary and of course many members from the praying community at Rossorry. Fr Brian will remember the special gift left to us by Saint Charles of Mount Argus.
Blessing of babies at the 12.30pm session only on the final day of the Novena.
To cater for the large congregation attending The Graan for this 18th Annual Novena organisers have installed closed circuit television in adjoining rooms. In addition over 2,000 people will partake in the Novena from their homes all over Ireland. Everyone, no matter what your religion or your age, is welcome to attend. If it is not possible for you to attend every night, you will be most welcome to attend as many sessions as possible. The Novena is a special time of prayer and renewal during this Lenten period.
The Services are Saturday Vigil - March 17 - 6.30pm, Sundays 18 and 25 - 9am, 10.30am, 12noon and 4pm.Weekdays - 12.30pm and 8pm.
Saturday, March 24, 11am and 6.30pm. Days for the sick – 2.30pm on Wednesday, March 21 and Saturday, March 24.
Novena leaflets can be obtained by writing to: The Novena of Hope, The Graan, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh BT74 5PB. Please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope.
Visit The Grann's website at
www.thegraan.com
