Unsettled skies that eventually developed into a nice day greeted visitors to St. Ann’s Monastery Shrine and Basilica on Wednesday as the 102nd Solemn Novena to St. Ann passed its midpoint. The novena began Friday and will continue through Sunday, the feast day of the namesake saint. Masses are celebrated daily at 7, 8 and 11:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Novena devotions will occur after the 8 and 11:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Masses, and at 3:30 p.m. Special Masses include the Mass of the Anointing of the Sick at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, and a Children’s Mass with blessing for children and grandparents at 10 a.m. Saturday. Sunday’s schedule includes Mass and novena at 4:30, 7, 8, 10 and 11:45 a.m.; Mass and novena in Polish, 1:30 p.m.; Mass and novena in Spanish, 4:45 p.m.; and Solemn Closing of the Novena celebrated by Scranton Bishop Joseph Bambera, 6:30 p.m.
Volunteers fix the chairs underneath the tent outside before the afternoon service during St. Ann’s Solemn Novena at St. Ann’s Monestary and Shrine Basilica in Scranton Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A parioshiner sits down during St. Ann’s Solemn Novena at St. Ann’s Monestary and Shrine Basilica in Scranton Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Billy West, of Scranton, looks on as he sits on a bench during St. Ann’s Solemn Novena at St. Ann’s Monestary and Shrine Basilica in Scranton Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Brothers Dean 5, and Roman,Forgione, 10, of Clarks Summit, light candles in the grotto during St. Ann’s Solemn Novena at St. Ann’s Monestary and Shrine Basilica in Scranton Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)