Inspirational speakers draw thousands to Novena of Hope

Lily Dane • Published 11 Mar 2010 10:29 0 Comments

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RTE sports commentator Jimmy Magee, a guest speaker at the Graan's Novena of Hope, enjoying a light hearted moment with Father Brian D'Arcy.

The Novena of Hope 2010 at the Graan, Enniskillen, has been attracting "extraordinary" numbers of people since it opened at the weekend.

"It is phenomenal," said Fr. Brian D'Arcy, who was speaking yesterday, Wednesday, on the fifth day of the Graan's 21st Novena - a 10-day event on the theme "Hope in a time of crisis in the Church."

Packed churches are always attracted to the Novena and this year they have been 'out the doors for all the sessions'. Closed circuit television is being used in all adjoining rooms to cater for the large congregations.

Two thousand people plus are arriving daily, while yesterday, Wednesday, they expected to have around 3,000 in attendance. Six to 700 people were expected to attend the Service of the Sick led by Fr. Brian D'Arcy, who will also lead a second Service for the Sick at 2.30pm this Saturday. (These have become a central part of their Novena and all in need of the Sacrament are extended a welcome).

The speaker at the widely attended weekend Masses and on Monday afternoon was Fr. D'Arcy.

Monday's theme was 'Hope is a time for celebrating life' and there was a warm welcome for that night's speaker, well-known personality and broadcaster Jimmy Magee. He has had many crosses to carry in recent times including the death of his son from Motor Neurone Disease.

"He was marvellous; he was like a kindly grandfather full of real wisdom he had picked up along the journey of life," said Fr. Brian, who felt he was very interesting because of his background in sport. "He was very humorous as well."

'Hope is a time for forgiveness' was Tuesday's theme when Fr. Gary Donegan, from Holy Cross, Ardoyne, and a native of Newtownbutler, spoke at the afternoon and evening sessions. According to Fr. Brian he gave a wonderful sermon on reconciliation using his experience and taking examples from what is happening with reconciliation and forgiveness in his parish and area in Holy Cross.

Yesterday, Wednesday, Fr. Brendan Hoban, Parish Priest of Ballina in Co. Mayo, one of the most challenging and respecting speakers on Church matters in Ireland, gave the sermons at the 12.30pm and 8pm sessions. Fr. Brendan has his own radio programme, his own column in the Western People and has published many books.

"Hope is a time for listening," is the theme for today, Thursday's speaker, Marie Collins, a survivor of clerical sexual abuse in Dublin, who will join them in church at 12.30pm and 8pm. To have Marie come to The Graan and share her sorrow and her hopes is described as a rare privilege for them.

Tomorrow, Friday, Church of Ireland rector, the Rev. Arthur Barrett will speak at both sessions. Fr. Brian regards it as continuing the good work that has been going on for many years between the Graan and Rossorry.

This Saturday's theme is "Hope is finding the God of surprises" when the speaker at the 11am and 6.30pm services will be addiction counsellor Majella Coyle.

This Sunday's speaker Andrew O'Connell is employed by the Presentation Brothers to communicate faith and promote an understanding of Vocation among young adults in the parishes throughout the country. He will speak at the 10.30am, 12noon and 4pm Masses and Fr. Brian will be the speaker at the 9am Mass.

Monday, March 15 is the concluding day of this year's Novena, when the Blessing of babies takes place at the 12.30pm session. Among those to attend on the last day will be Archdeacon Cecil Pringle.

The speaker at the 12.30 and 8pm sessions will be Bishop Willie Walsh of Killaloe, who will soon retire. "I think he will give us some hope at the end of this tough year," believes Fr. Brian, who mentions that hope will be in the word compassion rather than rules.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 11 Mar 10

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