Killenummery & Killery Parish invites everyone to take part in its upcoming Novena in Remembrance & Hope, running from Saturday, 31 October, to Sunday, 15 November 2026.

This special programme brings together prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, guest speakers and opportunities to remember loved ones who have died. It is a time for the parish community and visitors to come together in faith, finding comfort in prayer and hope in God’s promise of eternal life.

The theme of the novena reflects the lives of the saints, who lived for the glory of God, in imitation of Christ and in accordance with the Father’s will.

A Programme of Prayer and Reflection

The novena opens on Saturday, 31st October, with a 7.30pm Vigil Mass at St Mary’s Church, Killenummery, with Michael Harding, author and playwright, as the guest speaker.

On Sunday, 1st November, the programme continues with 11.30am Mass at St Therese’s Church, Ballintogher. The guest speaker will be Sr Anna Burke, a Sister of Mercy, who has recently published her book The Living Image.

Monday, 2nd November, will be a particularly important day of remembrance, with the Annual Mass for the Deceased of the Parish at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Killenummery. The special guest speaker will be Sean Keane, whose music and reflections bring together the past and present, helping to inspire new generations and offering a perspective on bereavement.

The programme continues on Tuesday, 3rd November, with a 7.30pm Mass at St Therese’s Church, Ballintogher. Fr Sean Kelly will celebrate the Mass and bring the relics of St Padre Pio.

On Wednesday, 4th November, the 7.30pm Mass at St Mary’s Church, Killenavogue, will be celebrated by Fr Patsy. The evening will include the relics of St Padre Pio and guest speaker Rev. John Deane O’Keeffe, a minister in the Reformed Episcopal Anglican Church and a lecturer in criminology and psychology.

Healing, Music and Prayer

Thursday, 5th November, will focus on Healing Through the Eucharist, with a 7.30pm Mass at St Therese’s Church, Ballintogher. The guest speaker will be Marion Carroll, who will share her personal testimony of a miracle cure at Knock Shrine. The evening will also feature a special appearance and performance by the Coolaney Gospel Choir.

On Friday, 6th November, a 7.30pm Mass will take place at St Michael’s Church, Killavoggy. Fr Patsy will celebrate the Mass and lead the Rosary for the dead by candlelight.

The programme continues on Saturday, 7th November, with a 7.30pm Vigil Mass at St Mary’s Church, Killenummery. Fr Patsy will celebrate the Mass, with guest speaker Noelene Kelly, a bereavement counsellor.

On Sunday, 8th November, the 11.30am Mass at St Therese’s Church, Ballintogher, will again feature Noelene Kelly, offering further reflection on bereavement and the support available to those experiencing loss.

Remembering Loved Ones

The novena also includes opportunities to gather in prayer at local cemeteries.

On Sunday afternoon, 1st November, there will be an open-air Rosary for the dead at Carrowcairn Cemetery, with a collection at the entrance.

Further open-air Rosary gatherings are scheduled for Sunday, 8th November, at Killery Cemetery, and Sunday, 15th November, at Creevelea Abbey Cemetery, both at 3pm, with collections at the entrances.

These gatherings offer an opportunity to remember family members, friends and all those who have gone before us, while supporting one another through prayer and the shared hope of the Christian faith.

All Are Welcome

The Novena in Remembrance & Hope offers an opportunity to pause amid the busyness of daily life, remember those we love and reflect on the importance of faith, community and hope.

Through the celebration of Mass, the witness of guest speakers, music, the Rosary and prayer for the dead, the parish invites people to find comfort and strength in the presence of God.

Everyone is warmly welcome to attend the celebrations throughout the novena.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4

For the full programme of celebrations, including dates, times and locations, please consult the novena poster.