Jesuit Knock-out

Michael Paul Gallagher SJ and Conall O’Cuinn SJ spoke recently at two sessions each of the Knock Novena on September 16th and 17th respectively. Each session was attended by approximately 4,000 people – not quite the 5,000 at the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, but the event had some of the efficiency with which Jesus had the apostles organize and feed the crowd. Michael spoke on the theme of ‘Praying Our Vulnerabilities’, referring to both Newman and his own on-going radio-therapy. Conall spoke on ‘The Spirituality of Repentance and Healing’, using the readings in reference to a Swedish film called As it is in Heaven and the present abuse and victim issue. By the time both celebrants returned to the sacristy a professional CD copy of their talk was already for sale in bookshop. The West is awake and the Novena was definitely a Knock-out!