The 101st annual St. Ann’s Solemn Novena will begin Thursday at St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica in West Scranton, continuing through July 26 with the Feast of St. Ann. Each year, thousands travel each day to the Passionist monastery at 1239 St. Ann’s St. in reverence of the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary as part of a tradition that started in 1924. Between 8,000 and 10,000 people are expected to attend the novena daily across its 10 days, many of whom visit each day, said the Very Rev. Richard Burke, C.P., rector of St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica. For those unable to attend, the novena is broadcast on television, radio and the internet. For information: stannsnovena.org.
Tents outside The Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The parish is making preparations the annual Novena. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER)