Homily of Bishop Fintan Monahan, Start of the Novena, Our Lady’s Well, Dromelihy, Kilmacduane Parish, Cooraclare, Feast of Our Lady, Assumed into Heaven, 15th of August, 2026
A phobal Dé, it is a grace and a blessing to gather at the dawning of a new day, here at Our Lady’s Well, Dromellihy, for the opening of our novena on this Feast of the Assumption.
For generations, pilgrims have come to this sacred place, bringing their prayers, their burdens, and their gratitude. Today, we join that long procession of faith, beginning 9 days of prayer under the mantle of Our Lady of the Harvest.
Solemnity of the Assumption
The feast of the Assumption reminds us that Mary’s journey of faithful discipleship now finds its fulfilment in the glory of God. She points us to her Son and to our eternal home.
Our Lady of the Harvest
Here, in this rural corner of County Clare, the title ‘Our Lady of the Harvest’, ‘Lá fhéile Muire sa bhfómhar’ speaks to our lives, as fields ripen with the fruits of months of labour. We remember that the harvest is also a sign of the good that grows quietly in families, parishes, and communities.
Peace be with You
This year’s novena is inspired by the greeting of our Holy Father, Pope Leo: ‘Peace be with you.’ These words echo Christ’s gift to His disciples. How much our world longs for such peace! We think of lands torn by war, families displaced, lives shattered by violence. Yet peace is also needed much closer to home, within our families, neighbourhoods, and even our own hearts. The peace of Christ begins quietly. It grows where forgiveness overcomes resentment, where kindness replaces harshness, and where hope overcomes despair.
Intercession of Our Lady
So, as we begin these days of prayer, let us bring all our intentions, families, the sick and the lonely, young people, vocations, and the needs of our world to Our Lady’s loving care.
May this sacred place continue to be a wellspring of grace for all who come here. And may Our Lady, assumed body and soul into heavenly glory, walk with us through this novena, drawing us ever closer to her Son, the Prince of Peace. Amen.