Novena selfies a big hit at Dundalk Novena
Catholics from across the island of Ireland and overseas have flocked in their tens of thousands to the annual novena to St Gerard Majella, offered by the Redemptorists in Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Rector of St Joseph’s monastery, Fr Michael Cusack told The Irish Catholic the novena had seen “exceptional” numbers this year, with over 10,000 people attending a day.
“At the weekends we have much bigger crowds of over 12,000, so the church is packed to capacity for at least six of the sessions,” he said.
St Gerard is known for his protection of expectant mothers and babies, and Fr Cusack said the blessing of babies and children was “utterly packed out” as well as the “big sessions anointing of sick and aged”.
Solidarity
“People have a great faith in St Gerard. He is someone they can identify with. They feel great solidarity with him and truly believe in his intervention, particularly in relation to fertility and expectant mothers,” Fr Cusack said.
This year the novena has a social media aspect, with the Redemptorists asking people to take novena selfie photos and post them on the Facebook page of the Redemptorists in Dundalk.
The idea was suggested by Matthew Creggan, who is studying for the priesthood, and has seen hundreds of people taking photos of themselves at the church.
“It has created bit of a buzz,” Fr Cusack said. “It speaks to the young people, and older people love it too.”