SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A century old tradition for a catholic church is making its final preparations as the Novena for Saint Ann begins Friday.
The Novena, a devotional for nine days in the Catholic Church, begins with mass on Friday morning at Saint Ann’s Basilica in Scranton.
For 102 years, Passionists at Saint Ann’s have gone to the grounds on Saint Ann Street to spend time with their faith and family members.
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Different generations of parishioners have come out to the sacred ground to make final touches. Grass mowed, mulch laid and plenty of signs to celebrate the age-old tradition.
“We want to make it nice for everybody,” Brian McHugh of Scranton said. “I think just everybody together for 10 days and can get away from the hustle and bustle out there and get here.”
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McHugh said he is coming to the Basilica since he was a young boy. Today, his children and grandchildren are continuing the annual pilgrimage.
“When you come and see these multi-generational families coming and spending an hour, two hours here on the grounds and they’re all focused on praying, that is an amazing thing.” Reverend Richard Burke said.
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