The 28th Novena of Hope at the Graan Monastery – which may be the last novena overseen by Father Brian D’Arcy – will take place from March 18-27.

A number of locals have been invited to speak at the popular event, including former Impartial Reporter editor Denzil McDaniel.
“It would be wrong” to say this will the last Novena at the Graan, Fr. Brian said this week, “because it would put too much pressure on whoever follows me.”

READ: Destination unclear but another year for Fr. Brian D'Arcy at the Graan Monastery, Enniskillen

Father Brian is due to be replaced as Superior at the Graan in six months by Fr. Charles Cross. The change was announced last August following the Passionist Province of St. Patrick’s Provincial Chapter which is held every four years and can result in reshuffles across their monasteries in Ireland, Scotland and Paris. The 71-year-old cleric has requested time to focus on his media role but has not yet heard where he is to be stationed.

“I don’t know what the future holds. I’m living in the present,” he told The Impartial Reporter.

Speaking about the impending move on last Friday’s Late Late Show, Fr. Brian said: “I’d rather stay [in the Graan] and the people would rather I stay too but I have to accept it. The guys that are asking me to move are not enemies, they are friends. Whatever God wants for you, you try to do it.”

Commenting on the upcoming Novena, Fr. Brian said: “There’s a big, strong, local flavour.”

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Denzil McDaniel will speak at 12.30pm on Friday, March 24, followed by the Anglican Bishop of Clogher, John McDowell at 7.30pm.

“I wanted to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and to pray for unity in Christianity,” said Fr. Brian. He added: “Denzil has always been a supporter of the Novena through his involvement with Rossorry Church and has been in the congregation here on many occasions. His column in The Impartial Reporter is excellent and because of his work as a journalist and editor he has common sense, which we need more of.”
Other local speakers include Fermanagh GAA Manager Pete McGrath on Monday, March 20 and Lisnaskea singer Helena Connolly on Sunday, March 26.

READ: Faith, hope and even a ‘Wagon Wheel’ at inspiring Novena

“Pete McGrath is a man who is passionate about fulfilling all our abilities in life. His [sporting] pedigree is marvellous. Helena Connolly is returning to Fermanagh to head up Clogher don Oíge (the youth branch of the Clogher Diocese) and is well-known locally for her involvement with Tully and as a solo singer,” Fr. Brian explained.

Bereavement specialist and former Novena speaker Christy Kenneally will speak on Sunday, March 19; Fr. Denis Crosby “will give a different view of what the church and mercy is” on Tuesday, March 21; former Tipperary hurler John Leahy will speak about overcoming his alcohol addiction on Wednesday, March 22; RTÉ Nationwide presenter Mary Kennedy will address the congregation on Thursday, March 23; Jim Breen, the founder of Cycle Against Suicide, will speak about dealing with depression and suicide prevention on Saturday, March 25; and Cavan leadership trainer and motivational speaker Declan Coyle will speak on Monday, March 27.