Jesuits to preach at Novena of Grace

The Novena of Grace in honour of Saint Francis Xavier takes place all over Ireland from 4 to 12 March 2022. This year the very popular event coincides with the 400th anniversary of the canonisation of the saint on 12 March.

Fr Donal Neary SJ, a preacher this year at Gardiner Street Parish in Dublin, explains the purpose of the Novena. He says:

“It is simply nine days of prayer, bringing intentions to the Lord and opening ourselves to his grace. Its special focus is on the following of Jesus in the life of St Francis Xavier, listening to the word of God in the Eucharist and following responses to it in the homily.”

According to Fr Neary, the Novena combines the best of the traditional format with contemporary content. He says:

“Some see it as a sort of Lenten retreat, a way of getting in touch with their faith and their needs. They like the homily, the décor of the church especially when lit with tiny red candles in the darkness; they like the guided prayer at the end.

They are hungry for a positive spirituality and open to the Ignatian journey of prayer – being loved, being called, being challenged, being sent.”

Belvedere College SJ, which is located near St Francis Xavier’s Church on Gardiner Street, sends students to the Novena Mass each year. One student says:

“Some people who attend this Mass have been coming to the same event in the same church for over sixty years. Something which I think brings out the importance it has on the lives of many people throughout the city.

I think a visit to Gardiner Street during early March would definitely be worth the journey.”

Below, find a list of Jesuits who are preaching at the Novena this year:

Gardiner Street Parish, Dublin

• 11 am Mass each day: Fr Charlie Davy SJ
• 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm (Saturdays 6 pm only; Sunday 3.30 pm only): Fr Donal Neary SJ
• The Masses will also be made available via the parish’s webcam ».

Donnycarney, Dublin 

• 10 am each day
• Fri 4th, Sat 5th, Sun 6th: Fr Terence Harrington OFM Cap
• 7, 8, 9: Fr Peter McVerry SJ
• 10, 11, 12: Fr William J Reynolds SJ

Coolock, Dublin

• 7.30pm on Friday, 4 March: Fr Mike Drennan SJ

St Gabriel’s Parish, Dollymount, Dublin

• 10.30 am each day: Fr Dermot Mansfield SJ

Sutton, Dublin 

• 10 am each day: Fr Kevin O Rourke SJ

Enniskillen, Fermanagh

• 10 am and 7 pm
• Sunday March 6th: Ms Pat Coyle, Director Irish Jesuit Communications

Novena Prayer

O most kind and loving saint, in union with you I adore the Divine Majesty. The remembrance of the favours with which God blessed you during life, and of your glory after death, fills me with joy; and I unite with you in offering to God my humble tribute of thanksgiving and of praise.

I implore of you to secure for me, through your powerful intercession, the all important blessing of living and dying in the state of grace. I also beseech you to obtain the favour I ask in this Novena (here mention the favour to be asked for):

but if what I ask is not for the glory of God or for the good of my soul, obtain for me what is most conducive to both.

Amen.