There is nothing like it in the country.

Well, it is a remarkable event, all right.

I think there's something similar in the Redemptorist churches in Limerick and Belfast in the month of June, but this one here in Dundalk, certainly in this region, is, is unique.

I mean, eight sessions a day for nine consecutive days, the church full every time.

Uh, that's a remarkable demonstration of people committed to church, isn't it? And, uh, th- they, they come because they, they want to come.

Uh, interesting, last year, we did a survey at the novena and asked people what aspects of it impacted most on them.

Uh, people referred to the preaching, which they found very relatable to their own lives, the beautiful music, and also, and I believe very importantly, a great sense of belonging, that they are with other people o- on a journey together.

It says, "Called and sent: Living our baptism today." What's behind that? What's the thought process behind this theme?