UPWARDS OF 150,000 people are expected to take part in this year's novena at the Marian Shrine in Knock, Co Mayo, which begins next week.
The 31st national solemn novena begins on Thursday, August 14th, and continues until August 22nd. The theme of the novena is "the creed that is dear to the Church".
Speakers this year include: Rev Dr Eamon Conway; Fr Seán McDonagh; Sr Stanislaus Kennedy; Bishop Philip Boyce of Raphoe; Bishop Christopher Jones of Elphin; Msgr Hugh Connolly, president of St Patrick's College, Maynooth; Dr Michael Drumm of the Mater Dei Institute in Dublin; Canon James Ronayne, parish priest of Clifden; and Fr Paddy Rushe, national co-ordinator for diocesan vocations.
Two sessions will take place each day at 3pm and 8.30pm.
The afternoon session will include the anointing of the sick and will conclude with a Eucharistic procession and Benediction at the Apparition chapel. The evening session will conclude with a candlelit rosary procession.
The afternoon session will be broadcast daily on the internet by Midwest Radio at www.midwestirishradio.com.
For further information, contact the Knock Shrine office at 094-9388100 or log on to www.knock-shrine.ie
