Preparing for the 100th year of Novena

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Final preparations are underway for an annual tradition of local devotion of faith.

This year it’s celebrating a milestone anniversary.

Saint Ann’s Basilica in Scranton is getting ready for the 100th year of the Novena.

The pilgrimage of faith is a time to honor and pray to Saint Ann the mother of Mary.

This past weekend, members of the parish had a chance to see the 100th anniversary of the Solemn Novena archives and photo display gallery.

Saint Ann’s Solemn Novena begins July 17 and runs through the 26.

Throughout those nine days, thousands of people come to pray and reflect.

“We began almost by accident because our Passionist community always said prayers every week to the saint after whom the monastery was named and some of the lay people found out about it can we say those prayers with you we said definitely you should be able to do that and it’s been going on ever since made it through the roaring 20s the great depression made it through all the world wars people came through all of it people increased their presence during those stressful times,” explained Father Richard Burke.

To see a schedule for masses beginning next Wednesday visit our Facebook page .

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