Attendees of this year's Novena of Hope at The Graan Monastery, Enniskillen, which begins on March 5, and will continue twice daily until March 14, will be encouraged to "refocus, renew and remember" during the 10 days of devotional prayer.

Last year the Novena was held online but with restrictions lifting this year, staff at The Graan are delighted to welcome people back into the church. However, those who are unable to come in person will still be able to join online.

"It's an opportunity for people to come out again and to reconnect. For many people it has been a long couple of years," said Father Charles Cross, C.P., Superior of The Graan, speaking to The Impartial Reporter.

He went on to explain that this year's Novena of Hope has a threefold purpose thanksgiving; remembering those who died; and celebrating the life of St. Charles of Mount Argus – on this the 200th anniversary of his birth.

St. Charles of Mount Argus, who is the inspiration for the Novena of Hope, was born on December 11, 1821 - two hundred years ago, and lived in Ireland at Mount Argus for most of his life. His gift of healing brought thousands to Mount Argus in Dublin each week right up until the time of his death in 1893. There is a shrine to Saint Charles in The Graan Church which is visited by many people seeking healing and peace.

Pope Francis has granted permission for a special Jubilee Year to be celebrated in Passionist churches including The Graan.

"Our Novena is a major part of these Jubilee celebrations. On the final day of the Novena there will be a Jubilee Blessing with the Relic of Saint Charles," said Fr. Cross.

Thanksgiving will be a prominent part of this year's Novena, with opportunities for attendees to thank God for the blessings they received during the two years of the pandemic.

"Especially the dedication of frontline workers, scientists, carers and the many good people who helped us through this difficult time,” said Fr. Cross.

He is also asking attendees to remember those who lost loved ones and friends, especially those who couldn’t have a proper funeral. They will be prayed for each day at the novena.

“For example the people who attend will have the opportunity to write the names of their departed loved ones on a paper leaf which can be placed on the Remembrance Tree. The tree will be displayed near the altar for all the novena services,” he said.

For this year's Novena, Fr. Cross has invited speakers who will bring hope and healing each day.

The schedule for speakers is as follows:

Saturday, March 5 at 6.30pm only and Sunday, March 6 services are 9am, 10.30am, 12noon and 4pm. Fr. Charles Cross will open the Novena.

Monday, March 7 (12.30pm and 7pm) Pat Coyle - Pat works for the Jesuits in Ireland and is a qualified as a secondary school teacher, lectured in third level education and worked as a journalist, producer and presenter with RTE, BBC, and UTV.

Tuesday, March 8 (12.30pm and 7pm). Fr. Charles Cross - Fr. Cross comes from Ardglass in Co. Down and has been the superior at the Graan for the last five years.

Wednesday, March 9 (12.30pm and 7pm) Christy Kenneally - Christy comes from Cork city. He is an author, speaker, poet, and TV presenter. He is well known for his books and lectures on the subject of bereavement and dealing with loss.

Thursday, March 10 (7pm) Brenda Bannon - Brenda comes from Omagh, Co. Tyrone. She is recently retired former head of the Religious Department in Loreto Grammar School in Omagh. She has been involved for many years with SPRED, youth ministry projects and “faith and light” communities.

Friday, March 11 (12.30pm and 7pm) Bishop Ian Ellis - Bishop Ellis is a former neighbour of the Graan when he was ministering in Rossorry. He is now Church of Ireland Bishop of Clogher, and will speak on the theme of hope for all Christians.

Saturday, March 12 (12.30pm and 6.30 pm) Frank Brown - Frank comes from Ardoyne in Belfast. He is an ex-Passionist student and is married with three children and now living in Dublin for the past thirty years. Frank has been a Parish Pastoral Worker in Dublin diocese for almost 12 years.

Sunday, March 13 services are 9am, 10.30am, 12noon and 4pm.

Monday, March 14 (12.30 and 7pm) Deacon John Taaffe - Deacon Taaffe comes from Drogheda in Co. Louth and was among the first to be ordained as permanent deacon in the diocese of Armagh. John works also as a counsellor in the HSE in his area.

Unfortunately because of the health risks to the vulnerable, we will not be able to hold our usual Days for the Sick this year, though the sick will be able to share in the Novena online.

Noting that, as always, the Novena is open to all, Fr. Cross added: "What really makes it are the people that come and the people leaving in their petitions.

"There are so many people in need who are suffering mental stress who need a bit of peace, a bit of healing because this Covid has been rough, it has affected us all.

"These days will be moments that we can refocus, renew and remember that we are all called to be beloved children of God," he told this newspaper.