Newry Cathedral is preparing to welcome people from across the Diocese and beyond for a special nine-day Solemn Novena to St Carlo Acutis, taking place from Sunday October 4 to Monday October 12, 2026.
Under the theme “Growing in Faith”, the Novena will provide an opportunity for people to come together in prayer and to reflect on the remarkable example of St Carlo Acutis, whose short life demonstrated that holiness is possible in the midst of ordinary, modern life.
Each evening of the Novena will have a different speaker and theme. Seamus Ong will open the Novena on Sunday October 4 with “Call to Holiness”, followed during the week by Ger Brennan on “The Eucharist”, Sr Karen Small on “Prayer and Friendship with Jesus”, Marie Patton on “The Rosary and Our Lady”, Fr Anthony Moffett, Fiona McAlinden on “Mercy and Service”, and Allen Jophin on “Technology for Good”.
On Sunday October 11, Fiona Rutherford will speak on “My Encounter with Jesus”, while James Doran will bring the Novena to its conclusion on Monday October 12 with the theme “Becoming Saints Together”.
A particularly special feature will be the presence of a first-class relic of St Carlo Acutis. At every Novena Mass, those attending will have an opportunity to receive a blessing with the relic. The Knights of St Columbanus will assist with its procession into the Cathedral.
The Novena will culminate with a candlelight procession on October 12.
