The theme of this year’s novena is ‘Mary as friend, sister and mother’ and the devotional observance is being directed by Meath diocesan priest Fr Shane Crombie.
Tributes to 81-year-old Fr Michael Guckian, who served in the Philippines as a missionary for 30 years, describe him as “a walking saint”.
As National President, Noel Clear championed the establishment of the SVP's Social Policy Division and the appointment of policy officers
