Reds turn to social media to promote novena

Reds turn to social media to promote novena

Survey of people at Clonard novena shows social media most popular form of communication

The Redemptorist community in Clonard Monastery, Belfast, plan to use social media to interact with those who attend their annual novena, after a survey found it was the preferred method of communication.

A new report into the habits of those who attended the 2015 Clonard Solemn Novena found that 60% would like to receive information via email or social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.

Of the 1,200 people surveyed, the majority of whom were aged 60 or over, some 69% felt preaching was relevant and helped them grow in faith and understanding, and the anointing of the sick and the services for babies and young people received particular praise.

Demographics

Rector of Clonard Fr Noel Kehoe said the “insight into demographics, preferences for times of sessions, liturgies, services and how best to communicate with those who attend the novena will help us structure our aspirations for the future”.

The annual Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Clonard Monastery is one of the largest religious festivals in Ireland and will take place from June 14-23. Over 300,000 people attend the annual Redemmptorist June novenas in Limerick (Mount St Alphonsus), Esker Monastery (Athenry, Co. Galway), Ballinasloe and Belfast.