“Many worries and prayers entrusted”

The Novena of Grace in honour of Saint Francis Xavier took place from 4 – 12 March 2026 in Gardiner Street Church. Drawing together people from across Dublin and beyond in prayer, reflection, and community.

Energetic and Engaging Homilies

In the following reflection, Brendan Comerford, SJ, coordinator of Saint Francis Xavier church, shares his experience of the 2026 Novena—highlighting the prayerful atmosphere, the strong sense of participation, and the impact of this important event in the life of the church

The annual Novena of Grace to Saint Francis Xavier took place from March 4 to 12. This is the most significant event in our liturgical year here at St. Francis Xavier’s Church.

We were very fortunate to have Fr. Brian Christopher, SJ. as our preacher for the Novena. Fr. Brian, who is the superior of the Jesuit community in Belize, Central America, came to us highly recommended—and he did not disappoint.

The Novena consisted of three sessions each day over the nine days. Approximately 1,500 people attended daily, coming from all over Dublin and beyond. They responded warmly to Fr. Brian’s lively, energetic, and engaging homilies. He was very well received by all.

We were greatly aided in prayer by the beautiful singing of our cantor, Margaret Brennan, along with the contributions of four different organists. A particularly powerful moment followed Communion each day: two minutes of complete silence in a darkened church, with only the high altar illuminated by numerous red candles. The stillness was profound—one could hear a pin drop—as people entered into deep and reverent prayer.

We were also grateful for the generous service of the young altar servers from Belvedere College throughout all the sessions.

It was especially moving to hear some of the petitions read aloud before the Masses. These reflected the real suffering and anxieties present in people’s lives. Many worries and heartfelt prayers were entrusted to the intercession of St. Francis Xavier.

I found the entire experience of the Novena of Grace to be deeply spiritually consoling, and I already look forward to March 2027.

Brendan Comerford, SJ.
Coordinator of St Francis Xavier Church

16 March 2026