Beyoncé’s role in new approach to Novena at Galway Cathedral!

Rather than hymns, the faithful may well be bouncing home from the Novena with Beyoncé’s hit Crazy in Love ringing in their ears as they attend this year’s Novena in Galway Cathedral fresh from its makeover for its 50th anniversary.

The theme of the 33rd Novena by the Redemptorists is inspired by the new tone and emphasis adopted by Pope Francis, which is all about pointing the Church back to basics and taking it out to the streets.

“He has challenged Catholics to leave their comfort zones, to leave the security of church and sacristy and living room, and go out onto the streets, out into the periphery, out to where people are lost or hurt or abandoned, and to stand in solidarity with them as good news people. Everything we do must point to God’s crazy love for all,” according to this year’s Novena booklet.

Worshippers attending services next month may be surprised to learn that homilies will not only centre on Pope Francis’ teachings.

There will also be a quick lesson on pop music.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune