Novena responds to call for prayers for marriage

A Co. Meath-based priest and blogger has launched an initiative to encourage the faithful to take part in a novena of prayer in advance of the same-sex marriage referendum.

“The bishops of Ireland, in their various letters and statements have called on the faithful to pray intently at this time, so this novena is in response to that call, recognising the need for prayer to be part of the overall campaign for marriage and the family,” said Fr John Hogan.

The Novena to the Holy Family takes place from May 13, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima until May 21, the day before the marriage referendum. It will be offered for the cause of marriage and family life in Ireland, and Catholics are invited to pray the novena “and if possible to participate in the spiritual exercises as part of the novena”.

The novena prayer and more information on the initiative is available on www.novena4ireland.wordpress.com