Carlo Acutis Novena to Bring Nine Days of Faith, Prayer and Hope to Newry Cathedral – Sunday 4 October to Monday 12 October 2026.
Newry Cathedral is preparing to welcome people from across the Diocese and beyond for a special nine-day Solemn Novena to Saint CarloAcutis, taking place from Sunday 4 October to Monday 12 October 2026.
Under the theme “Growing in Faith”, the Novena will provide an opportunity for people of all ages to come together in prayer and to reflect on the remarkable example of Saint Carlo Acutis, whose short life demonstrated that holiness is possible in the midst of ordinary, modern life.
Carlo, who had a particular devotion to the Eucharist and Our Lady, also used his interest in technology to share his faith. His example has a special relevance for young people growing up in today’s digital world.
Each evening of the Novena will have a different speaker and theme:
Seamus Ong will open the Novena on Sunday 4 October with “Call to Holiness”, followed during the week by Ger Brennan on “The Eucharist”, Sister Karen Small on “Prayer and Friendship with Jesus”, Marie Patton on “The Rosary and Our Lady”, Fr Anthony Moffett, Mark McDonnell on “Charity and Service”, and Alan Jophin on “Technology for Good”. On Sunday 11 October, Fiona Rutherford will speak on “My Encounter with Jesus”, while James Doran will bring the Novena to its conclusion on Monday 12 October with the theme “Becoming Saints Together”.
A particularly special feature will be the presence of a first-class relic of Saint 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.
People will also be invited to write their personal intentions on petition forms and place them in a special petition box during the Novena.
Schools and young people will play an important part throughout the nine days, with local schools participating in the liturgies.
The Novena will culminate with a candlelight procession on Monday 12 October.
Masses will be celebrated at 7.30pm weekdays, 6.00pm on Saturday and 5.30pm on Sundays.
The invitation is open to everyone – regular churchgoers, families, young people and those who may simply be searching for renewed hope or a deeper sense of faith.
Saint Carlo famously said: “The closer we get to Jesus, the more we become like Him.” This October, Newry Cathedral invites everyone to come along and discover something of that journey for themselves.