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Newry Cathedral is preparing to welcome people from the Diocese and beyond for a nine-day Solemn Novena to Saint Carlo Acutis, running from Sunday 4 October to Monday 12 October. Under the theme "Growing in Faith," the Novena will offer people of all ages the chance to come together in prayer and reflect on the life of the young saint.
Saint Carlo Acutis, who had a particular devotion to the Eucharist and Our Lady, also used his interest in technology to share his faith, giving his example particular relevance for young people growing up in today's digital world. His short life demonstrated that holiness is possible in the midst of ordinary, modern life.
Each evening of the Novena will feature a different speaker and theme. Seamus Ong will open proceedings on Sunday 4 October with "Call to Holiness," followed during the week by Ger Brennan on "The Eucharist," Sister Karen Small on "Prayer and Friendship with Jesus," Marie Patton on "The Rosary and Our Lady," Fr Anthony Moffett, and Fiona McAlinden on "Mercy and Service," with Allen Jophin speaking on "Technology for Good." On Sunday 11 October, Fiona Rutherford will speak on "My Encounter with Jesus," before James Doran brings the Novena to a close on Monday 12 October with the theme "Becoming Saints Together."
A particular feature of the Novena will be the presence of a first-class relic of Saint Carlo Acutis. Those attending each Novena Mass will have the opportunity to receive a blessing with the relic, with the Knights of St Columbanus assisting with its procession into the Cathedral. People will also be invited to write personal intentions on petition forms and place them in a petition box during the nine days.
Schools and young people will play an important part throughout the Novena, with local schools taking part in the liturgies. The Novena will culminate in a candlelight procession on Monday 12 October.
Masses will be celebrated at 7.30pm on weekdays, 6.00pm on Saturday and 5.30pm on Sunday. The invitation is open to everyone, including regular churchgoers, families, young people and those searching for renewed hope or a deeper sense of faith.
Saint Carlo Acutis said: "The closer we get to Jesus, the more we become like Him." Newry Cathedral is inviting people to come along this October and discover something of that journey for themselves.
