Novena 2013
Anna Rodgers' *Novena (2013)* captures a poignant moment in Irish religious history, as Stephen Vaughan and Kay Ferreter step into St.
Director: Anna Rodgers
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Novena (2013) about?
*Novena* follows Stephen Vaughan and Kay Ferreter as they speak at St. Joseph's Redemptorists Church during the Solemn Novena Festival, sharing their experiences as LGBTQ+ Catholics excluded by church doctrine. Their personal stories challenge traditional beliefs and call for a more accepting faith.
Who directed Novena?
*Novena* was directed by Anna Rodgers, a filmmaker known for her work exploring social and religious themes with empathy and depth.
Who stars in Novena?
The documentary features Kay Ferreter and Stephen Vaughan, whose moving testimonies form its emotional core, alongside Father Michael Cusack.
Is Novena (2013) worth watching?
Though brief, *Novena* packs an emotional punch, offering a rare glimpse into the intersection of faith and identity. Its unflinching honesty and historical significance make it a compelling watch, especially for those interested in LGBTQ+ and religious themes.
How long is Novena?
The runtime of *Novena* is 18 minutes.
About Novena (2013): A Gay Catholic's Fight for Inclusion in 18 Minutes
Anna Rodgers' *Novena (2013)* captures a poignant moment in Irish religious history, as Stephen Vaughan and Kay Ferreter step into St. Joseph's Redemptorists Church in Dundalk to share their deeply personal journeys as gay and lesbian individuals raised within the Catholic tradition. Their emotional address during the Solemn Novena Festival challenges centuries of doctrine, revealing the pain of exclusion while advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive faith. The 18-minute documentary weaves raw testimony with the quiet tension of a congregation possibly hearing these stories for the first time, creating an atmosphere of both urgency and fragile hope.
Set against the backdrop of Ireland's evolving relationship with its Catholic identity, *Novena* transcends its brief runtime to deliver a powerful exploration of identity, faith, and belonging. Rodgers' sensitive direction allows Vaughan and Ferreter's candid reflections to take center stage, transforming a traditional religious event into a platform for modern reckoning. The film doesn't just document a speech—it captures the quiet revolution of voices that refuse to remain silent any longer.