SCRANTON – For more than a century, generations of faithful have made their way to West Scranton each summer, carrying with them prayers, petitions and hopes – and the Solemn Novena to Saint Ann continues to give them a place to bring it all.
From July 17-26, 2026, thousands of people once again gathered at Saint Ann Basilica for the annual Solemn Novena to Saint Ann, filling the grounds for nine days of prayer and preaching and culminating with the Feast Day of Saint Ann and a Closing Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton.
This year’s Novena challenged attendees to consider how faith speaks to a rapidly changing world.
The theme for the 2026 Novena was “Reading the Signs of the Times,” with Passionist priests Father Rick Frechette, C.P., and Father Jack Conley, C.P., offering reflections throughout the observance.
Father Rick encouraged the faithful to look honestly at the blessings and challenges surrounding them and to consider how they could live the Gospel faithfully in an increasingly complicated world.
He spoke about the ways technology, artificial intelligence and constant connectivity can contribute to alienation, while also emphasizing the distinctly human gifts of compassion and community.
“We are made in the image of Trinity, a togetherness, a community,” Father Rick said in his reflection for the Novena’s first day, urging those gathered to bring their personal and collective needs to Saint Ann and seek God’s guidance in navigating the difficulties of the times.
Father Jack similarly challenged the faithful not to allow their faith to remain something learned only in childhood, but instead to continue growing in understanding and wisdom. His reflections explored faith formation, doubt, and the importance of listening for the voice of God amid the many competing messages of life.
As the Novena ended, Father Jack reminded pilgrims that faith is not static.
“As we conclude our Novena this year, we allow God to continue to transform us,” he said.
Domenica Matuszewski of Saint Ann Basilica Parish has attended the Novena since she was a child. She describes it as a highlight of her family’s summer and said she has experienced prayers answered through Saint Ann’s intercession.
“There is a peacefulness and a sacredness when you are here,” she said.
James Kryzanowski of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Scranton said he first started attending the Novena with his parents, aunts and uncles when he was young. Now a parent himself, he said it is important for future generations to understand the significance of Saint Ann and the Novena.
“It’s almost like a family get-together,” he said. “You see people that you haven’t seen for a while. It has become a family tradition.”
Young people also played an active role in this year’s celebration. Many volunteered to serve the crowds who visited the parish’s food pavilion.
“I love the environment here. I love the people here. Everybody is so sweet and so nice,” Olivia Wasp, a young adult from Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Dickson City said.
“You definitely meet new people,” Gregg Russo, a young adult from Saint Patrick Parish in Scranton, added. “It’s very fun to do. You make friends.”
At the July 26 Closing Mass of the Novena, Bishop Bambera reflected on the parables of the buried treasure and the pearl of great value – proclaimed during the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time – as a fitting conclusion to the Novena.
The true treasures of life, the Bishop explained, are not things that can be bought, built or brokered, but the values rooted in Jesus Christ, including love, justice, mercy, faithfulness, gratitude and peace.
“For as much as we struggle to find our way,” Bishop Bambera said. “Your presence on this hillside for the past nine days is a powerful sign to our complicated world about where we are willing to invest our lives.”
That investment, he said, is ultimately not in a place or thing, but “in the person of Jesus Christ.”