The annual Clonard Novena takes place during June of each year with tens of thousands of people attending services over the nine days.

 

The Solemn Novena in Clonard has been one of the most outstanding demonstrations of the faith of the Catholic people of Belfast.People arrive in their thousands each day from just after 6am until near to midnight 18 hours later and this goes on for nine consecutive days in the month of June each year.The first service gets under way at 7am, with 10 sessions throughout the day.

 

People from all over Ireland flock to the west Belfast monastery to take part in the services, which are open to people of all faiths.

 

What is "the Novena" and why is it special?