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Smoke Clears for St. Ann's Novena Miraculous Relief
18 Jul
Summary
- Novena began Friday with hundreds attending Mass outdoors.
- Wildfire smoke initially caused indoor services for health concerns.
- The event is an annual tradition for many families across generations.
The 102nd Solemn Novena to St. Ann began on Friday, July 18, 2026, at St. Ann's Monastery Shrine and Basilica in Scranton. Hundreds of attendees gathered for the initial Masses and services. Organizers moved the 8 a.m. Mass indoors due to concerns over lingering smoke from Canadian wildfires, which had caused an "unhealthy" air quality alert in Pennsylvania.
Fortunately, by late morning, the skies cleared, allowing the 11:45 a.m. Mass and novena to proceed outdoors on the basilica grounds. Despite some attendees wearing masks, the change in weather was met with relief. This annual event is a cherished tradition for many families, with some attending for generations and hoping to pass it down.
The novena, themed "Reading the Signs of the Times," features guest preachers Rev. Rick Frechette, C.P., a medical doctor in Haiti, and Rev. Jack Conley, C.P., from Chicago. The services will continue through July 26, which is the feast day of St. Ann.
