THOUSANDS of people will converge on Mount St Alphonsus Church from this Friday for the annual Solemn Novena, which will run through to June 26.
There will be 10 sessions on each day, commencing at 7am, with the last at 10.30 pm.
The Novena went truly international in the 1970s when Fr Vincent Kavanagh was at the helm, and its popularity has never dipped, continuing to attract the faithful from all over Ireland and further abroad.
It is known, for example, that some exiles plan their summer break in Limerick to coincide with the Novena.
Preachers this year include Rev Jane Galbraith, Church of Ireland curate; Fr Daniel Francis, Fr Peter Burns and Fr Tony Rice, from the Redemptorist Order, and Mrs Henrietta O’Meara, provincial delegate for youth ministry.
Fr Tony Rice, who is based in Dundalk, was ordained last year with Limerickman Fr Brian Nolan.
The annual children’s novena will take place on Sunday, June 20 at 4.30, with a blessing for babies and young children.
Counselling services, confessions, mass for the sick and infirm and the Sacrament of Reconciliation are highlights.
The Redemptorists made history last year when they transmitted services ‘live’ on the internet, a move designed to facilitate those confined to their homes. It will again be available on www.novena.ie.
A team of stewards will operate both inside and outside the church and motorists are advised when parking their vehicle, to show consideration for residents and others in the immediate vicinity.
It is estimated that an average of 1,000 people will attend each session.
Sessions will also be held at Corpus Christi, Moyross and Holy Family, Southill, each day at 7-30 pm, and also at St Mary’s Athlunkard Street, at 10 am and 7-30 pm each day,
