Encouraging attendance virtually and in-person at this year's Novena of Hope

The 10 days of devotional prayer began on March 5 and are continuing until Monday, March 14.

Josie McGulion and Veronica Swift, arriving at the Graan ahead of the Novena of Hope.

Commenting that the Novena is going very well, Father Charles Cross, C.P., Superior of The Graan, explained that attendees have responded particularly well to the Coronavirus Remembrance Trees.

“They have paper leaves and people write the names of those who have died of Covid or those who have not had a full funeral service because of the restrictions,” explained Fr. Charles, noting that attendees have taken the opportunity to write the names of loved ones on the leaves.

Attendees of this year’s Novena of Hope have been encouraged and inspired by the range of speakers so far.

Patricia Coyle, speaking at The Novena of Hope in the Graan.

On Monday, March 7, Patricia Coyle – who works with the Jesuit Order as a spiritual director, where she helps people experiencing low self-esteem – spoke on the topic, ‘Hope is learning the way of discipleship’.

“Patricia’s whole idea was [based on] a letter to the Ephesians, that we are God’s work of art and she was talking about how you’ll not be able to love other people unless you love and accept yourself, and the difficulty of accepting yourself and all of your weaknesses,” said Father Charles, commenting that Patricia spoke “very inspiringly”.

John and Ann McCaffrey attending the Novena.

‘Love thy neighbour’

“In all the gospels, Jesus says that the greatest commandment is to love your neighbour as yourself, and that idea of ‘Do you really love yourself?’, and how do we do that in today’s hurly-burly world [was something that we were all invited to think about],” he added.

Fr. Charles himself was speaking on Tuesday about reconciliation and accepting the mercy and forgiveness of God.

Talking about the good attendance of this year’s Novena, Fr. Charles noted that many people attended virtually via webcam.

Colette Keenan and Jean Harron.

“There were lots of texts and messages coming in on the webcam. We have people watching from as far away as Kerry and Cork. It’s very good, it’s wonderful.”

He went on to acknowledge that although crowds are not as big as seen at the Novena in pre-Covid times, this is understandable, as the pandemic is still an ongoing reality and people are still cautious.

“We are still wearing masks in the church, and we are still trying our best to maintain social distancing.

“It’s still risky, but in the daytime people have been coming out in good numbers,” said Fr. Charles, noting how safety is paramount.

May McLoughlin, Boho, looking forward to the Novena.

The Novena continues with more speakers scheduled for over the next few days.

“We have Rev. Ian Ellis, the Bishop of Clogher, coming on Friday, and on Thursday we have Brenda Bannon, who is a local woman from Monea now living in Omagh,” said Fr. Charles.

“It’s going good. Thank God, it’s shining,” he told this newspaper.