Thursday, March 02, 2017

Portlaoise Parish Annual Novena to include Mass for families affected by suicide

The Portlaoise Parish Annual Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will take place from Saturday 4 March to Sunday 12 March in Saint Peter & Paul’s Church, Portlaoise. 

A number of visiting priest and guest speakers will enrich the celebrations during the Novena.

Over the nine days, the Novena will explore different themes highlighting the joys and struggles of life. 

On Friday 10 March, a special midnight Mass will be celebrated for all families affected by suicide. The theme will be “The darkest hour comes before the dawn”.

Other events during the Novena will include a Ceremony of Light and Hope for all Confirmation candidates on Sunday 5 March, a celebration of Music Ministry in honour of the 60th anniversary of Saint Joseph’s Accordion Band on Tuesday 7 March, and the ceremony of Anointing of the Sick which will be held on Friday 10 March.

Guest speakers will include Sister Consilio, founder of Cuan Mhuire; Bishop Patricia Storey, Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath and Kildare; and Pro-Life speaker Bernadette Goulding.

Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin will celebrate the closing Masses on Sunday 12 March.

For full details of Mass times and guest speakers during the Novena, please see www.kandle.ie.