Worshippers warned to park legally

Galway Gardaí have appealed to the public to park responsibly and legally during this year’s Solemn Novena, which takes place at Galway Cathedral from Monday 6 to Tuesday 14 February.

Between 10,000 and 14,000 worshippers flocked to Galway each day during the nine-day event last year, and similar numbers are expected this year.

“As the novena attracts a large amount of people each year, we are appealing to people to park responsibly and legally,” said a garda spokesperson, who also warned motorists to be aware that routes around the Cathedral can get very congested during the Solemn Novena.

The call has been echoed by the novena organisers, who have appealed to all those attending the event to park responsibly.

“With large numbers attending, finding a parking space can be time-consuming and difficult; we ask everyone for patience and courtesy. In particular, please park legally - do not park on double yellow lines or footpaths, do not block gateways, etc,” a statement from Galway Cathedral reads.

The theme of this year's annual Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is ‘Eucharist, food for life’. There are six sessions each day, taking place from Monday to Saturday at 7.45am, 11am, 1pm, 3.30pm, 7.30pm, and 9.30pm.

Sessions on Sunday take place at 9am, 10.30am, 12.30pm, 4.30pm, 6.30pm and 8.15pm. The preachers at the novena this year are Séamus Enright, Brendan Keane and Derek Ryan.

Thursday 9 February will be devoted to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Four of the sessions that day – 7.45am, 1.10pm, 7.30pm and 9.30pm – are services of reconciliation and there will be mass at the remaining two – 11am and 3.30pm – with confessions before and after.

The sick will be anointed at the 11am session on Saturday 11 February and children and babies will be blessed after all sessions on Sunday 12 February.

There will also be an hour of quiet prayer by candlelight before the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesday 8 February and Monday 13 February, between 10pm and 11pm both evenings.