FALL RIVER — Saint Anne Shrine in Fall River is hosting its 151st (which includes the old parish church on Hunter Street) Solemn Novena and Feast of St. Anne on July 17-26.
During the first nine days (July 17-25), Mass will be celebrated daily at 6:30 p.m. Mass will be followed by a Holy Hour, during which the Novena to St. Anne will be prayed, and the day’s preacher will give a reflection.
July 26, the feast of St. Anne, will feature opportunities for the Sacrament of Confession between 1-3 p.m., devotions at 3 p.m., the recitation of the Rosary at 5 p.m., and the Solemn Feast Mass at 6 p.m., followed by an outdoor pilgrims’ procession.
The theme of this year’s novena is “Saint Anne: Grandmother of the Eucharist.” The theme seeks to highlight the connection between the Shrine’s patronal namesake and the ongoing Eucharistic Revival being promoted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The preachers of the Novena are Father Michael Racine (July 17and 19), Father Edward A. Murphy (July 18), and guest missionary Father Tony Stephens, CPM (July 20-26).
Michael E. Antaya, director of Liturgy & Devotions at the Shrine, said: “The annual Solemn Novena is the highlight liturgical event at the Shrine. It has drawn faithful pilgrims from all over the region and beyond. It is my goal as Liturgical Director to reinvigorate a spirit of pilgrimage and encourage the faithful to take part in these spiritual exercises at the Shrine.”
Saint Anne Shrine of Fall River is an historic Catholic shrine located in the heart of Fall River. Since 1895, it has welcomed visitors and pilgrims from across the world who are drawn by its magnificent architecture, history, and confirmed physical healings.
The Shrine currently operates under the St. Anne Shrine Preservation Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and is owned by the Diocese of Fall River.
For more information about this event, please contact Michael E. Antaya at info@st-annes-shrine.org, or at 508-678-1510. All other inquiries may be sent to Sonja Morinat sonja@westcottcollective.org, or at 508-974-3794.
