40th annual novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Monday 5 February - Tuesday 13 February 2024
Theme: "But above all, do not lose hope." (Pope Francis)
Session times
- Monday - Saturday: 11:00am, 1:10pm, 7:30pm
- Sunday: 10:30am, 12:30pm, 3:00pm, 6:00pm
Confessions daily (except Sunday), from an hour before each session until an hour afterwards.
Guided Holy Hour by candlelight Nightly 8:30pm - 9:30pm, except Saturday & Sunday.
Sacrament of the Sick on Saturday 10 February at 11:00am; an invitation to participate is extended to all who are burdened by illness or who feel the weight of years.
Consecration of Families to Our Lady at all sessions on Sunday 11 February.
Live Streaming: The final session each day will be live-streamed on the Cathedral webcam, as well as on YouTube and Facebook.
Speakers
Monday 5 February
Mr Damian Richardson
Theme: There is always a space in which the good seed can grow.
In the depths of addiction and despair, Damien found hope in God. From rave parties and heroin addiction to redemption, Damian’s story serves as a poignant reminder that hope should never be abandoned.
Tuesday 6 February
Fr Brendan Callanan CSsR
Theme: Faith is not a light which scatters all our darkness, but a lamp which guides our steps.
A Redemptorist since 1964, Fr Brendan has devoted over five decades to service, journeying from South America's vibrancy to the tranquillity of native Ireland and recently settling in Dundalk. His life embodies the Redemptorist mission, illustrating how decades of faith and service create a tapestry of shared values.
Wednesday 7 February
Ms Ciara Ferry
Theme: Mary is Mother of Hope. With her "Yes" she opened the door of our world to Christ.
Ciara hails from Co. Donegal and is an alumna of University of Galway. With a dedicated background in youth ministry, Ciara spent six years training and guiding teams of young missionaries with NET Ministries Ireland. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Theology and Catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Ciara's journey reflects her commitment to both academic and spiritual growth, as she continues to bridge her faith with practical engagement and education.
Thursday 8 February
Ms Geraldine Mullan
Theme: The right to weep must not be denied.
On 20 August 2020, Geraldine faced an irreversible tragedy, losing her husband John (49), and their children Tomás (14) and Amelia (6) in a catastrophic car accident. Despite profound grief, she courageously navigates each day, seeking fragments of hope and resiliently illuminating her path forward.
Friday 9 February
Mr Paul Keogh
Theme: The young can no longer be robbed of hope.
Married to Sinéad with four children, Paul co-founded Elation Ministries, a Christian music group. He serves as principal of the College of the Immaculate Conception, Summerhill, Sligo.
Saturday 10 February
Fr Vincent Sherlock
Theme: Taking a risk for Christ: no vocation is born of itself or lives for itself.
Fr Vincent Sherlock, ordained in 1987, serves as parish priest in Tubbercurry-Cloonacool, Co. Sligo. A prolific writer, he contributes to the Irish Catholic and the Messenger magazine, emphasizing faith and communication.
Sunday 11 February
Bishop Michael Duignan
Theme: It is not possible to go backwards. We must go forward. Always forward.
Bishop Michael Duignan, a native of Athlone, Co Roscommon, holds a rich background in academia and administration. Following doctoral studies in Rome, he returned to his roots in Elphin diocese, contributing significantly to administration, education, and the formation of deacons. His ordination as the Bishop of Clonfert in 2019 marked a pivotal moment in his service to the Church. In 2022, his responsibilities expanded as he took on the role of the Bishop of Galwa and Kilmacduagh, in addition to serving as Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora. Bishop Duignan's journey reflects a lifelong commitment to spiritual leadership and the pastoral care of diverse communities.
Monday 12 February
Dr Suzanne Mulligan
Theme: Becoming architects of peace.
Dr Suzanne Mulligan, a native of Co. Longford, is lecturer in Moral Theology at St Patrick's Pontifical University, Maynooth. She is editor of Irish Theological Quarterly and a member of CTEWC Planning Committee. Her research focuses on Catholic social teaching, women's rights, homelessness, and climate justice.
Tuesday 13 February
Fr John Harris OP
Theme: Mercy gives us back the future.
Fr John, born in 1963 to a Limerick working-class family, is the youngest of four siblings. Joining the Dominican Order after completing his Leaving Certificate in 1980, he was ordained as a priest in 1988. Following studies in Rome, he engaged in pastoral work in Drogheda and later joined the teaching staff of the Dominican seminary in Tallaght in 1995. Completing his doctorate in moral theology in 2004, he became the national spiritual director of Youth 2000 for a decade. While teaching in Dublin, he was part of the Dominican preaching team, delivering sermons in Ireland, the USA, the UK, and Italy. Elected prior of the Dominican Community in Newbridge in 2016, overseeing Dominican College with 900+ students, he assumed the role of prior provincial of the Irish Province of the Dominicans in 2021.