Annual Novena starting in parish in Offaly this weekend

BIRR Parish are inviting everyone to their November Novena beginning on Saturday next October 25th and running until November 2nd.

This is the second year of the Novena, following from the successful one last year. The Novena is dedicated to those who have passed away, and to honour our faithful departed it will conclude with a Cemetery Sunday Ceremony on November 2nd at 2.30pm in Clonoghill.

The speakers at this year’s Novena bring a vast array of experience and life, not only in their field of expertise, but also to offer anchors and support. A distinguishing feature of their lives in their sense of hope, that no matter what happens, especially in difficulty and challenges, there is Hope. This fits in with the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025 which was declared by the late Pope Francis.

They are also delighted that the parishes within the Brendan Pastoral Area, which include Kinnitty, Kilcolman and Shinrone, will play an important part on the weekday nights of the Novena, and in particular the gathering of the combined choirs of the Brendan Pastoral Area on Friday October 31st at 7.30pm.

There are a number of special events that will take place during the week of the Novena, which include the visit of the Padre Pio Glove, the Relics of St Bernadette of Lourdes, and two Masses of Healing and Anointing.

READ NEXT: Offaly man elected new President of the European Economic and Social Committee

The following is a list of speakers and dates of celebrations which will take place in St. Brendan’s Church, Birr.

Saturday/Sunday October 25th/26th (All weekend Masses) - Nikki Hayes (Challenges of Addiction)

Monday October 27th at 7.30pm - Fr Bryan Shortall (Mass Celebrant)

Frank Murphy - (Milford Hospice Pastoral Care Team).

There will also be an opportunity to venerate the Glove of Padre Pio at this Mass

Tuesday October 28th at 7.30pm - Niamh Brennan (Chaplain and Spiritual Director/Supervisor).

Wednesday October 29th at 7.30pm - James Sexton (HIYA Entertainment/Events and Creator of 'Ireland’s Fittest Family’)

Thursday October 30th at 7.30pm - Fr Richard Gibbons PP and Rector of Knock Shrine

Friday October 31st - 11am - Fr. Tom Hannon - Mass of Healing and Anointing.

7.30pm – Fr Peter Burke - Mass of Healing and Anointing.

There will be an opportunity to venerate the Relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes at both ceremonies.

Saturday/Sunday November 1st/2nd (All weekend Masses) - Geraldine Mullen (Hope in the midst oftragedy)

The Novena will conclude with Cemetery Sunday in Clonoghill on November 2nd at 2.30pm.

The Novena is a wonderful opportunity to hear the experiences of others, to come together as a parish and pastoral area to celebrate all that is good and hopeful. All details of the Novena are available on Brendan Birr Facebook, Well Mush Facebook, Birr Parish Website and Notices.

Do spread the word out, and bring a friend. All are welcome!

READ NEXT: Second phase of community climate action programme commences in Offaly