Our November Novena (in honour of the Holy Souls) has concluded for this year. We take this opportunity to thank everyone who made it such a success. Thank you to our Speakers who shared their wisdom and experiences, to our Choir Teams and leaders – Mary, Annette & Gus, Don & Reeni, Sacristans Michelle and Mary, Hospitality Teresa & Jo, Christy & Mike, Shannon Pioneer Association, Order of Malta, Parking Teams, Collectors, Readers, Eucharistic Ministers & Shop Team Brenda & Aideen. We hope that all who attended or tuned in got something from the Novena and we thank you, the people of Shannon, for your great attendance and support.
Our inspirational Speakers covered various relevant community topics were: Bishop Fintan Monahan, speaking on Faith, Life, Living and the opportunities that brings for us all. Dr. Frank Murphy, Milford Pastoral Team, speaking on the pastoral support to the dying and their families in Milford Hospice at the end of life. Gary Fitzgibbon, a native of Shannon, spoke of his personal journey with great honesty on the challenges of mental health and his involvement with ‘Darkness into Life’. Patrice Hayes, Principal of St. Aidan’s School spoke about her experiences of social media and the need for parents/grandparents and the family circle to be aware of the dangers posed to young people. On Tuesday evening, Nov 6, Fr. Pat Hogan of Moyross Parish spoke on the social challenges facing parishes today and told of his experience of working in Moyross, and also in the Prison system in Limerick. Wednesday evening was the turn of Carol Byrne, an investigative journalist with the Clare Champion who has done wide research on the problem of drugs in the Clare area and how it has impacted on the lives of so many. She spoke of the problems being experienced by some of our own community in Shannon and for the need of families to be aware of the danger signs especially vulnerable children as young as 10 years of age being tempted into taking drugs and to always advise the authorities of any suspicious activities in local areas.
Fr. Damian Ryan (Charismatic Renewal of Ireland) was our guest speaker on November 8th and conducted a Mass of Healing and Anointing for the large crowds who attended who were in need of strength and healing.
On November 9th – (final night) – Mrs. Olive Foley – A Mum and wife the late Anthony (Axel) Foley RIP. Olive spoke of her grief and shock two years ago when Anthony died suddenly and how her faith and her belief in the goodness of God is getting her through a very difficult period in her life and the lives of the their two young sons Tony & Dan.