Record crowds expected as Novena coincides with Lent

In what may be the only time in its history that the two have coincided, the Galway Solemn Novena takes place during Lent this year, with record crowds expected to attend as part of their penitence.

The Novena begins on Monday and over the nine days, nine parables as told by Jesus in the Bible will be explored. Among the themes delved into by the celebrants will be the importance of living in the moment, the dangers of greed, and the benefit of new beginnings.

For the first time, a Church of Ireland rector will preach during the service with Rev Gary Hastings of St Nicholas’ Church among the guest speakers.

Galway City Council has given permission to close the Old Gael Road to traffic to allow those attending to park, which gives an extra 100 spaces. Mass times are scheduled outside of peak traffic hours and the most popular sessions are also earmarked for the weekends – the anointing the sick takes place at the 11am session on Saturday, February 20, while the blessing of babies and children takes place after all sessions on the following Sunday.

At its busiest, there could be 2,000 members of the faithful thronging to the Cathedral for a service, with around 10,000 expected to descend on the city until February 23, reflects Diocesan Secretary Fr Martin Whelan.

“I’d say more people will go to the Novena this year because it takes place during Lent. People will use it for their Lenten commitment, before or after work,” he said.

“It takes place during Lent because Easter is so early this year. Someone thinks that may have happened many years ago but I’m not sure it has ever happened before. It’s certainly very rare.”

Week day Mass times are at 7.45am, 11am, 1.10pm, 3.30pm, 7.30pm, 9pm and Mass will be said at 9am, 10.30am, 12.30pm, 4.30pm, 6.30pm and 8pm on Sunday. The Candle Light meditation sessions will take place at 10pm on Wednesday February 17 and Monday February 22 and last about an hour.