JOHN McAreavey and the
mother of young cancer victim Donal Walsh will be
among the "inspirational" keynote speakers at a
nine-day celebration of faith and hope.
Dr Brendan Comiskey who resigned as bishop of Ferns
twelve years ago will also take part in the 25th
annual Novena of Hope later this month. The novena
is hosted each year by well known priest Fr Brian
D'Arcy in his native Co Fermanagh. John McAreavey
will address the event on the evening of March 24.
"John will share how he personally coped with the
tragic murder of his beautiful wife in such
appalling circumstances. We know it will be a truly
inspirational night for all of us," said Fr D’Arcy.
He said he was also delighted that Elma Walsh would
make the long journey from Co Kerry to speak to the
crowds on March 29 about her beloved son Donal who
died of cancer last year aged just 16.
"Nobody will ever forget (Donal's) plea to young
people to recognise the beauty of their own life.
Even as he knew cancer was taking his life away, he
wrote articles and spoke on television about how we
should treasure our lives always.
“Elma…will help us understand where Donal got his
strong faith from.
"This year we have made a special effort to invite
speakers who were given heavy crosses to carry but
still found hope through their faith and community,”
added Fr D’Arcy. The Novena of Hope is open to
everyone and runs from March 22 - March 31 at The
Graan, Enniskillen. |