SCRANTON — West Scranton resident Chris Patchoski grew up attending the Solemn Novena to St. Ann but serving in the armed forces, he sees it in a different way.
Patchoski, his wife, Alicia Patchoski, and their daughter Charlotte, 7, were among throngs of people who came to the first day of the 101st annual St. Ann’s Solemn Novena on Thursday.
At a midday Mass in front of St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica, hundreds of people of all ages sat under two large white tents, and on benches and chairs on the hill surrounding the church in West Scranton.
One of those sitting on the grass was 2-year old Bonadia Howe of Roaring Brook Twp., who colored pictures of cartoon sea creatures and played with small animal figures as her grandmother Susan Archer watched from a seat behind her.
Archer, of Scranton, and her brother Steve Fisk, who resides in Dunmore, grew up attending the novena with their late mother, Mary Fisk.
“We came every … novena every year since we were little children,” Steve Fisk said.
People attend the Solemn Novena Mass at St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica Thursday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Very Rev. Richard Burke, C.P., rector of St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica, conducts mass during the 101st St. Anne’s Solemn Novena Thursday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Rev. Curtis Kiddy speaks during the St Ann’s Solemn Novena Mass Thursday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
People attend the Solemn Novena Mass at St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica Thursday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Visitors pay their respects to the statue of St. Ann in the St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica Grotto during the Solemn Novena in Scranton Thursday, July 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
People visit The Stations of the Cross at St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica during the Solemn Novena in Scranton Thursday, July 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Visitors partake in Holy Communion during the St. Ann’s Solemn Novena at St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica Thursday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Mass begins at St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica during the Solemn Novena in Scranton Thursday, July 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Visitors pay their respects to the statue of St. Ann in the St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica Grotto during the Solemn Novena in Scranton Thursday, July 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The statue of St. Ann occupies the St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica Grotto during the Solemn Novena in Scranton Thursday, July 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The cross at St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica is framed through trees during the St Ann’s Solemn Novena Mass Thursday. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Visitors sing hymns during the Solemn Novena at St. Ann’s Monastery and Shrine Basilica in Scranton Thursday, July 17, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Archer said the novena allows her to pray for those who need prayers and gives her thanksgiving for what she’s received. Fisk added it is also an opportunity to pay devotion to St. Ann, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Patchoskis said the novena is a time of reflection and to be grateful for what they have. Chris Patchoski, who served two years in the Army and six years in the Pennsylvania National Guard, and like Archer and Fisk has attended since he was a child, said he became more drawn to the novena after his time in service. He said it allows him to reflect on his life and be thankful for what he and his family have.
“I like the fact that I can just be here, be at peace and reflect a little bit,” he said. “It feels really good.”
Alicia Patchoski said it allows her to not only take a moment to reflect but to spend time with her family and God.
The Very Rev. Richard Burke, C.P., the basilica’s rector, welcomed those in attendance to the novena during the Mass, saying he looked forward to the prayers that will be offered during the 10 days of the Solemn Novena.
The Rev. Curtis Kiddy, C.P., one of two guest preachers during this year’s novena, delivered a message of walking in faith and how God has a plan for everyone. He also said the theme of this year’s jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope,” reminds us not to lose hope.
Charlie Barlow of Jermyn said the novena is a reminder that faith is important.
“I find that it always brings me to a place of peace within myself, and it also strengthens and deepens my faith,” he said.
Thousands are expected to attend the novena, which continues through July 26 with the Feast of St. Ann.