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``Where the
Bishop is, there let the multitude of believers be; |
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Novenas
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| Its
name deriving from the Latin word "novem," meaning "nine," a
novena is nine days-long prayer to obtain special graces, to obtain
specific intentions, for thanksgiving, or to prepare for a specific
feast, such as Christmas or a Saint's day. Though they are not part of
our liturgy and
remain a "popular devotion" (a very few are prayed paraliturgically),
they've been prayed since the very beginning of the Church -- and
before its official beginning: Mary and the Apostles prayed from
Christ's
Ascension to the Pentecost, a period of nine days (Acts 1). Even
earlier, it's quite possible -- likely -- that, given the tradition
that Prophets are born and die on the same date, and given the probable
date of the Crucifixion (3 April, A.D. 33), Christ was conceived on
April 3, a novena of days after the Annunciation on March 25. Also, a
nine-day period of supplication was a pagan Roman and Eastern practice,
so novenas were easily accepted by the earliest converts in these
lands. The Christian and Jewish meaning of the number "9" may also have entered into Christian thinking on the matter, as "9" was associated with suffering, grief, and imperfection, making it a fitting number for when "man's imperfection turned in prayer to God" (Catholic Encyclopedia). St. Jerome wrote that "the number nine in Holy Writ is indicative of suffering and grief" (Ezechiel, vii, 24). Novenas, then, often, but not necessarily, have about them a sense of "urgency"; they are typically made for special intentions, one's own or another's ("I'll make a novena for you"). Novenas to certain Saints are often made according to that Saint's patronage; for ex., because of his New Testament letter encouraging Christians to persevere in the face of persecution, St. Jude is the patron of desperate situations and "hopeless" causes, so a person who finds himself or a loved one in a real tough bind might make a novena to St. Jude (by the way, it is traditional, after making a novena to St. Jude, to make a public expression of your gratitude. This is the reason for those mysterious thank you notes to St. Jude that you might see in your local newspaper's Classifieds section). There are four main types of novenas, but a novena may fit into more than one category:
In
some novenas, the same prayer is said each day for nine days, or
sometimes 9 times in one day; others may have (or add) different
prayers for each of the 9 prayer sessions. Some "novenas" aren't properly
called "novenas" because the number nine plays no role in any way, but
still retain the label. |
Selection of Traditional Novenas
Novena to the Sacred Heart Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on the Feast of Corpus Christi and ending on the Feast of the Sacred Heart O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore Thee, I love Thee and with a lively sorrow for my sins, I offer Thee this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to Thy will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in Thee and for Thee. Protect me in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions; give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, Thy blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Within Thy Heart I place my every care. In every need let me come to Thee with humble trust saying, Heart of Jesus help me. Novena to the Precious Blood Say once a day for 9 days By the Voice of Thy Blood, O Jesus! I would press Thee, solicit Thee, importune Thee, though Thou seemest to reject my supplications. I will not leave Thy bleeding feet until Thou hearest me. Too many graces, too many mercies have come from Thy Blood, for me not to hope, even to the end in its efficacy. Then, O Jesus! by the Precious Blood seven times shed for the welfare of men, by each drop of that Sacred Price of our redemption, by the tears of Thy Immaculate Mother, I conjure Thee, I supplicate Thee, hear my earnest prayer. (Mention your intentions here) O Thou, who during all the days of Thy mortal life, consoled so many sufferings, healed so many infirmities, raised so often a sinking courage; Thou will not fail to have pity on a soul who cries to Thee from the depths of her anguish! Oh, no, it is impossible! Another sigh from my heart, and from the wound in Thine own, there will flow to me, upon a wave of Thy merciful Blood, the grace so ardently desired. O Jesus, Jesus! hasten the moment when Thou wilt change my tears into joy, my sighs into thanksgivings. Holy Mary, Source of the Divine Blood! I conjure Thee not to lose this occasion of glorifying the Blood which made Thee Immaculate. Amen. Novena to the Holy Face Say once a day for 9 days O Lord Jesus Christ, in presenting ourselves before Thine adorable Face, to ask of Thee the graces of which we stand in most need, we beseech Thee above all, to grant us that interior disposition of never refusing at any time to what Thou requirest of us by Thy holy commandments and divine inspirations. Amen. O Good Jesus, who hadst said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you," grant us O Lord, that faith which obtains all, or supply in us what may be deficient; grant us, by the pure effect of Thy charity, and for Thine eternal glory, the graces which we need and which we look from Thine infinite mercy. Amen. Be merciful to us, O my God, and reject not our prayers, when amid our afflictions, we call upon Thy Holy Name and seek with love and confidence Thine adorable Face. Amen. O Almighty and Eternal God, look upon the Face of Thy Son Jesus. We present It to Thee with confidence to implore Thy pardon. The All-Merciful Advocate opens His mouth to plead our cause; hearken to His cries, behold His tears, O God, and through His infinite merits, hearken to Him when He intercedes for us poor miserable sinners. Amen. Adorable Face of Jesus, my only love, my light, and my life, grant that I may know Thee, love Thee and serve Thee alone, that I may live with Thee, of Thee, by Thee and for Thee. Amen. Eternal Father, I offer Thee the adorable Face of Thy Beloved Son for the honor and glory of Thy Name, for the conversion of sinners and the salvation of the dying. O Divine Jesus, through Thy Face and Name, save us. Our Hope is in the virtue of Thy Holy Name! Amen. Novena to the Holy Name Say once a day for 9 days O Merciful Jesus, Who didst in Thy early infancy commence Thy office of Savior by shedding Thy Precious Blood, and assuming for us that Name which is above all names; we thank Thee for such early proofs of Thine infinite love. We venerate Thy sacred Name, in union with the profound respect of the Angel who first announced it to the earth, and unite our affections to the sentiments of tender devotion which the adorable name of Jesus has in all ages enkindled in the hearts of Thy Saints. Animated with a firm faith in Thy unerring word, and penetrated with confidence in Thy mercy, we now most humbly remind Thee of the promise Thou hast made, that where two or three should assemble in Thy Name, Thou Thyself wouldst be in the midst of them. Come, then, into the midst of us, most amiable Jesus, for it is in Thy sacred Name we are here assembled; come into our hearts, that we may be governed by Thy holy spirit; mercifully grant us, through that adorable Name, which is the joy of Heaven, the terror of Hell, the consolation of the afflicted, and the solid ground of our unlimited confidence, all the petitions we make in this novena. Oh! blessed Mother of our Redeemer! Who didst participate so sensibly in the sufferings of thy dear Son when He shed His Sacred Blood and assumed for us the Name of Jesus, obtain for us, through that adorable Name, the favors we petition in this novena. Beg also, that the most ardent love may imprint on our hearts that sacred Name, that it may be always in our minds and frequently on our lips; that it may be our defense and our refuge in the temptations and trials of life, and our consolation and support in the hour of death. Amen. Novena to the Infant of Prague Say once a day for nine days -- or, in cases of great urgency, once an nour for nine hours on one single day before an image of the Infant of Prague. An image you can use here. O Jesus, who has said ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you, through the intercession of Mary, Thy Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek and I ask that my prayer may be granted. (Mention your intentions here) O Jesus, who has said all that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will will grant you, through the intercession of Mary, Thy Most Holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask Thy Father in Thy Name, that my prayer be granted. (Mention your intentions here) O Jesus, who has said "Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but My word shall not pass", through the intercession of Mary, Thy Most Holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted. (Mention your intentions here) I prostrate myself before Thy holy image, O most gracious Infant Jesus, to offer Thee my most fervent thanks for the blessings Thou has bestowed upon me. I shall incessantly praise Thine ineffable mercy and confess that Thou alone art my God, my Helper, and my Protector. Henceforth my entire confidence shall be placed in Thee! Everywhere I shall proclaim aloud Thy mercy and generosity so that Thy great love and the great deeds which Thou dos perform through this miraculous image may be acknoweldged by all. May devotion to Thy Holy Infancy increase more and more in the hearts of all Christians, and may all who experience Thine assistance persevere with me in showing increasing gratitude to Thy most holy infancy, to which be praise and glory forever. Amen. Novena to Christ the King Pray once a day for 9 days, especially beginning 10 days before the Feast of Christ the King (the last Sunday in October). Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be before praying the following prayer: O Lord our God, Thou alone art the Most Holy King and Ruler of all nations. We pray to Thee, Lord, in the great expectation of receiving from Thee, O Divine King, mercy, peace, justice and all good things. Protect, O Lord our King, our families and the land of our birth. Guard us we pray, Most Faithful One. Protect us from our enemies and from Thy just judgment. Forgive us, O Sovereign King, our sins against Thee. Jesus, Thou art a King of Mercy. We have deserved Thy just judgment. Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us. We trust in Thy Great Mercy. O most awe-inspiring King, We bow before Thee and pray: may Thy reign, Thy Kingdom, be recognized on earth. Amen. Novena to the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ The Novena may be prayed any time, but Jesus asked that it especially be prayed beginning on Good Friday and ending the day before Low Sunday (what is now also known as Divine Mercy Sunday -- the Sunday after Easter). First Day: Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon the trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit. O omnipotence of Divine Mercy, salvation of sinful man, You are a sea of mercy and compassion. You aid him who entreats You with humility. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy forever and ever. Amen. Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet Second Day: Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in us, that we may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see us may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven. The fountain of God's love dwells in pure hearts, bathed in the Sea of Mercy, radiant as stars, bright as the dawn. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son, in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen. Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet Third Day: Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely. The miracles of mercy are impenetrable. Neither the sinner nor just one will fathom them. When You cast upon us an eye of pity, You draw us all closer to Your love. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen. Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet Fourth Day: Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of pagans who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart. May the light of Your love enlighten the souls in darkness; Grant that these souls will know You and, together with us, praise Your mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of pagans and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen. Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet Fifth Day: Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of heretics and schismatics. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to adore the generosity of Your mercy. Even for those who have torn the garment of Your unity, a fount of mercy flows from Your Heart. The omnipotence of Your mercy, O God, can lead these souls also out of error. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of heretics and schismatics, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen. Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet Sixth Day: Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy. A truly gentle and humble soul already here on earth the air of paradise breathes, and in the fragrance of her humble heart the Creator Himself delights. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls, and upon the souls of little children, who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen. Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet Seventh Day: Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. A soul who praises the goodness of her Lord; she is always close to the living fountain and draws graces from Mercy Divine. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them, I Myself will defend as My own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour of their death, those souls who will venerate My fathomless mercy. Amen. Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet Eighth Day: Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of the purifying fire, that in that place, too, the power of Your mercy may be praised. From the terrible heat of the cleansing fire rises a plaint to Your mercy, and they receive comfort, refreshment, relief in the stream of mingled Blood and Water. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way than through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen. Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet Ninth Day: Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. 0 Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power. Fire and ice cannot be joined; Either the fire dies, or the ice melts. But by Your mercy, O God, You can make up for all that is lacking. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls, who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen. Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet Novena to the Holy Ghost Pray especially starting on the day after Ascension Thursday, ending on the Pentecost First Day: Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given us forgiveness of all our sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us Thy sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be's Second Day: Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever; help me to shun all things that can offend Thee, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in heaven, where Thou livest and reignest in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be's Third Day: Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be's Fourth Day: Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in times of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be's Fifth Day: Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be's Sixth Day: Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be's Seventh Day: Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be's Eighth Day: Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all passing joys and satisfactions of the earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be's Ninth Day: Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration, may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and seven Glory Be's Novena to the Holy Family Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless us and grant us the grace of loving Holy Church, as we are bound to do, above every earthly thing, and of ever showing forth our love by the witness of our deeds. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless us and grant us the grace of openly professing, as we are bound to do, with courage and without human respect, the faith that we received of Thy gift in Holy Baptism. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless us and grant us the grace of sharing, as we are bound to do, in the defense and propagation of the Faith, when duty calls, whether by word or by the sacrifice of our fortunes and our lives. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless us and grant us the grace of loving one another in mutual charity, as we are bound to do, and establish us in perfect harmony of thought, will and action, under the rule and guidance of our holy Pastors. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless us and grant us the grace of conforming our lives fully, as we are bound to do, to the commandments of God's law and that of His holy church, so as to live always in that charity which they set forth. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we ask in particular this special favor (Mention your intentions here) Novena to the Most Powerful Hand (Mano Poderosa) O Powerful Hand of God! I place my Christian soul before Thee, and in my despair and anguish, beseech Thee to bring the most powerful strength of Thy Helping Hand to come to my rescue. Help me to keep Thee in view! I place the devotion of my sorrowful heart at Thy feet that I may be pardoned from a destiny of suffering. May the loving kindness of Thy Sacred Heart and the wonders of Thy Powerful Hand help me and give me strength and wisdom to live in peace and happiness. Amen. (Mention your intentions here) Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and One Glory Be three times Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us. Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes Opening Prayer To Be Prayed Each Day Be blessed, O most pure Virgin, for having vouchsafed to manifest thy shining glory with life, sweetness and beauty, in the Grotto of Lourdes, saying to the child, St. Bernadette: “I am the Immaculate Conception.” A thousand times we praise thee for thine Immaculate Conception. And now, O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Infirm, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, thou knowest our wants, our troubles, and our sufferings; deign to cast upon us thy look of mercy. By appearing in the grotto of Lourdes, thou wast pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, from whence thou dost dispense thy favors, and already many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and physical. We come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence to implore thy maternal affection, and intercession. Obtain for us, O loving Mother, the request we beseech of thee… (Mention your intentions here)
Through gratitude for thy favors, we will endeavor to imitate thy virtues, that we may one day share thy glory. O Queen of Heaven. O Mary Immaculate, O Mother of Christ, thine influence was plentitudinous with thy Divine Son, while still upon earth. Do thou shine forth thine influence ever present in Heaven. Pray for us, and obtain for us from thy Divine Son our special request, if it be His Will. Amen. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us. First Day O Mary Immaculate, O Sovereign Grace, Virgin and Mother, and Queen of Heaven, chosen from all eternity to be the Mother of the Eternal Word and by that virtue, preserved from Original Sin, we kneel before thee as did little Bernadette at Lourdes and pray with childlike trust in thee, that as we contemplate thy glorious appearance there, thou wilt look with mercy on our present petition, and secure for us a favorable answer to the request for which we offer this novena. (Mention your intentions here) O Brilliant star of purity, O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in thine Assumption, triumphant in thy Coronation, show unto us thy mercy, O Virgin Mary, O Queen of Heaven and Our Mother, and be our comfort, our hope, our strength, and our consolation. Amen. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us. Second Day Blessed be thee, O most pure Virgin, for having vouchsafed to manifest thyself shining with light, sweetness and beauty, in the Grotto of Lourdes, saying to the child Saint Bernadette: “I am the Immaculate Conception!” O Mary Immaculate, inflame our hearts with one ray of the burning love of thy pure heart. Let them be consumed with love for Jesus and for thee, in order that we may merit one day to enjoy thy glorious eternity. O Mediatrix of All Graces here below, take into thy keeping, and present to thy Divine Son, the intention with which we are offer this novena. (Mention your intentions here) O Brilliant star of purity, O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in thine Assumption, triumphant in thy Coronation, show unto us thy mercy, O Virgin Mary, O Queen of Heaven and Our Mother, and be our comfort, our hope, our strength, and our consolation. Amen. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us. Third Day “Thou art all fair, O Mary, and there is in thee no stain of original sin.” O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. O brilliant Star of Sanctity, as on that lovely day, upon the rough hewn rocks at Lourdes, when thou didst speak to the child Bernadette, and a fountain broke from the plain earth, and miracles happened, and the great shrine of Lourdes began, do now, we beseech thee, hear our fervent prayer and likewise obtain for us the fulfilment of the intention we now so earnestly seek. (Mention your intentions here) O Brilliant star of purity, O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in thine Assumption, triumphant in thy Coronation, show unto us thy mercy, O Virgin Mary, O Queen of Heaven and Our Mother, and be our comfort, our hope, our strength, and our consolation. Amen. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us. Fourth Day O Immaculate Queen of Heaven, we thy wayward, erring children, join our unworthy prayers of praise and thanksgiving to those of the Angels and Saints, and thine own, that the One, Holy, and Undivided Trinity may be glorified on earth, as They are in Heaven. Our Lady of Lourdes, as thou didst look down with love and mercy upon Bernadette as she prayed her Rosary in the grotto, look down now, we beseech thee, with love and mercy upon us. From the abundance of graces granted to thee by thy Divine Son, O Mother of God, grant to each of us all that thy motherly heart sees we need, and at this moment, look with special favor on the intention for which we offer this novena. (Mention your intentions here) O Brilliant star of purity, O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in thine Assumption, triumphant in thy Coronation, show unto us thy mercy, O Virgin Mary, O Queen of Heaven and Our Mother, and be our comfort, our hope, our strength, and our consolation. Amen. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us. Fifth Day O Mary Immaculate, Mother of God and our mother, from the heights of thy dignity, look down mercifully upon us while we, full of confidence in thy unbounded goodness, and confident that thy Divine Son will look favorably upon any request thou makest of Him in our behalf, we beseech thee to come to our aid, and secure for us the intention for which we offer this novena. (Mention your intentions here) O Brilliant star of purity, O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in thine Assumption, triumphant in thy Coronation, show unto us thy mercy, O Virgin Mary, O Queen of Heaven and Our Mother, and be our comfort, our hope, our strength, and our consolation. Amen. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us. Sixth Day O glorious Mother of God, so powerful under thy special title of Our Lady of Lourdes, to thee we raise our hearts and hands to implore thy powerful intercession in obtaining from the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, and for the special intention for which we so earnestly offer this novena. O Lady of Bernadette, with the stars of heaven in thy hair, and the roses of Earth at thy feet, look with compassion upon us today as thou didst so long ago, on Bernadette, in the Grotto of Lourdes. (Mention your intentions here) O Brilliant star of purity, O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in thine Assumption, triumphant in thy Coronation, show unto us thy mercy, O Virgin Mary, O Queen of Heaven and Our Mother, and be our comfort, our hope, our strength, and our consolation. Amen. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us. Seventh Day O Almighty God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary did preparest a worthy dwelling place for Thy Son, we humbly beseech Thee, that as we contemplate the apparition of Our Lady in the Grotto of Lourdes, we may be blessed with health of mind and body. O most gracious Mother Mary, O Mother of Our Lord and Redeemer, look down with favor upon us, as thou didst that day on Bernadette, and intercede with Him for us, that the intention we now so earnestly seek, may be granted to us. (Mention your intentions here) O Brilliant star of purity, O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in thine Assumption, triumphant in thy Coronation, show unto us thy mercy, O Virgin Mary, O Queen of Heaven and Our Mother, and be our comfort, our hope, our strength, and our consolation. Amen. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us. Eighth Day O Immaculate Mother of God, from Heaven itself, thou camest to appear to the little Bernadette, in the rough Grotto of Lourdes! And as Bernadette knelt at thy feet and the miraculous spring burst forth, and as multitudes have knelt ever since before thee in that grotto of Lourdes, O Mother of God, we kneel before thee today to ask that in thy mercy, pleadest thou with thy Divine Son, to grant the special intention for which we offer this novena. (Mention your intentions here) O Brilliant star of purity, O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in thine Assumption, triumphant in thy Coronation, show unto us thy mercy, O Virgin Mary, O Queen of Heaven and Our Mother, and be our comfort, our hope, our strength, and our consolation. Amen. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us. Ninth Day O glorious Mother of God, to you we raise our hearts and hands to implore thy powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly for the grace of a happy death. O Mother of our Divine Lord, as we conclude this novena for the special favor we seek at this time. (Mention your intentions here) O Immaculate Mary, O Bernadette of Lourdes, we feel animated with confidence that thy prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard. O Mother of Our Lord, through the love thou bearest to Christ Jesus, and for the glory of His Holy Name, hear our prayers, and obtain our petitions. O Brilliant star of purity, O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in thine Assumption, triumphant in thy Coronation, show unto us thy mercy, O Virgin Mary, O Queen of Heaven and Our Mother, and be our comfort, our hope, our strength, and our consolation. Amen. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us. Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Say once a day for 9 days O Mother of Perpetual Succour, behold me, a miserable sinner at thy feet. I have recourse to thee and put my trust in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity upon me, I hear thee called by all, the refuge and the hope of sinners, be then my refuge and my hope. Succour me for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to me, a poor sinner, who recommend and dedicate myself to thee, as thy perpetual servant. I bless and thank God, for, having in his Mercy given me this confidence in Thee, the pledge, as I believe, of my eternal salvation. Alas, too often in past times have I miserably fallen, because I had not recourse to thee, I know that with thy help I shall conquer. I know that thou will help me, if I recommend myself to thee, but I fear lest in the occasion of falling, I should cease to call upon thee, and, so should loose my soul. This then is the grace I seek from thee, and I beg of thee, as far as I know how and can, to obtain it for me, namely, in the assaults of hell, always to have recourse to thee and to say to thee; O Mary, help me, Mother of Perpetual Succor, suffer me not to lose my God. Amen. Novena to the Immaculate Conception Say once a day for nine days, especially starting on November 29 and ending on December 7, the Vigil of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Immaculate Virgin! Mary, conceived without sin! Remember, thou wert miraculously preserved from even the shadow of sin, because thou wert destined to become not only the Mother of God, but also the mother, the refuge, and the advocate of man; penetrated therefore, with the most lively confidence in thy never-failing intercession, we most humbly implore thee to look with favor upon the intentions of this novena, and to obtain for us the graces and the favors we request. Thou knowest, O Mary, how often our hearts are the sanctuaries of God, Who abhors iniquity. Obtain for us, then, than angelic purity which was thy favorite virtue, that purity of heart which will attach us to God alone, and that purity of intention which will consecrate every thought, word, and action to His greater glory. Obtain also for us a constant spirit of prayer and self-denial, that we many recover by penance that innocence which we have lost by sin, and at length attain safety to that blessed abode of the saints, where nothing defiled can enter. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. V. Thou are all fair, O Mary. R. Thou art all fair, O Mary. V. And the original stain is not in thee. R. And the original stain is not in thee. V. Thou art the glory of Jerusalem. R. Thou art the joy of Israel V. Thou art the honor of our people. R. Thou art the advocate of sinners. V. O Mary. R. O Mary. V. Virgin, most prudent. R. Mother, most tender. V. Pray for us. R. Intercede for us with Jesus our Lord. V. In thy conception, Holy Virgin, thou wast immaculate. R. Pray for us to the Father Whose Son thou didst bring forth. V. O Lady! aid my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto thee. Let us pray Holy Mary, Queen of Heaven, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and mistress of the world, who forsakest no one, and despisest no one, look upon me, O Lady! with an eye of pity, and entreat for me of thy beloved Son the forgiveness of all my sins; that, as I now celebrate, with devout affection, thy holy and immaculate conception, so, hereafter I may receive the prize of eternal blessedness, by the grace of Him whom thou, in virginity, didst bring forth, Jesus Christ Our Lord: Who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, in perfect Trinity, God, world without end. Amen. Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Say once a day for nine days, especially starting on August 13 and ending on August 21, the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary O Heart of Mary, Mother of God and our Mother; Heart most worthy of love, in which the adorable Trinity is ever well-pleased, worthy of the veneration and love of all the Angels and of all men; Heart most like to the Heart of Jesus, of which thou art the perfect image; Heart, full of goodness, ever compassionate toward our miseries; deign to melt our icy hearts and grant that they may be wholly changed into the likeness of the Heart of Jesus, our divine Saviour. Pour into them the love of thy virtues, enkindle in them that divine fire with which thou thyself dost ever burn. In thee let holy Church find a safe shelter; protect her and be her dearest refuge, her tower of strength, impregnable against every assault of her enemies. Be thou the way which leads to Jesus, and the channel, through which we receive all the graces needful for our salvation. Be our refuge in time of trouble, our solace in the midst of trial, our strength against temptation, our haven in persecution, our present help in every danger, and especially at the hour of death, when all hell shall let loose against us its legions to snatch away our souls, at that dread moment, that hour so full of fear, whereon our eternity depends. Ah, then, most tender Virgin, make us to feel the sweetness of thy motherly heart, and the might of thine intercession with Jesus, and open to us a safe refuge in that very fountain of mercy, whence we may come to praise Him with thee in paradise, world without end. Amen. Novena to Our Lady of Good Success Say once a day for nine days, especially starting on 24 January and ending on 1 February, the eve of the Feast of the Purification, or Candlemas Hail Mary Most Holy, Beloved Daughter of God the Father Through the intercession of Mother Mariana de Jesus Torres, grant thy good success to this request. (mention your intentions here) Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Saint Michael, pray for us. Hail Mary Most Holy, Admirable Mother of God the Son Through the intercession of Mother Mariana de Jesus Torres, grant thy good success to this request. (mention your intentions here) Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Saint Gabriel, pray for us. Hail Mary Most Holy, Most Faithful Spouse of the Holy Ghost Through the intercession of Mother Mariana de Jesus Torres, grant thy good success to this request. (mention your intentions here) Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Saint Raphael, pray for us. Hail Mary Most Holy, Temple and Sacrarium of the Most Holy Trinity. St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, pray for us. Our Lady of Good Success, thou who art the all-powerful intercessor before the Most Holy Trinity, deign to hear and answer my request - so long as it contributes to the salvation of my soul and the glory and exaltation of Holy Mother Church. Hail holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us. And after this our exile show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen. Novena to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Say once a day for nine days, especially starting on 7 July and ending on 15 July, the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. (Mention your intention here) O Star of the Sea, help me and show me in this that thou art my Mother. O holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech thee, from the bottom of my heart, to help me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand thy power. O show me in this that thou art my Mother! O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Sweet Mother, I place this cause in thy hands. Sweet Mother, I place this cause in thy hands. Sweet Mother, I place this cause in thy hands. Novena in Honor of the Dolors of the Blessed Virgin Say once a day for nine days, especially starting on 6 September and ending on 14 September, the eve of the Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Mary O most holy and afflicted Virgin! Queen of martyrs! Thou who didst stand beneath the Cross, witnessing the agony of thy divine Son -- through the unceasing sufferings of thy life of sorry, and the bliss which now more than amply repays thee for thy past trials, look down with a mother's tenderness and pity on me, who kneel before thee to venerate thy dolors, and place my requests, with filial confidence, in the sanctuary of thy wounded heart; present them, I beseech thee on my behalf, to Jesus Christ. Through the merits of His most sacred death and passion, and through thy sufferings at the foot of the Cross, I hope to obtain the grant of my present petition. To whom shall I recur in my wants and miseries if not to thee, O Mother of mercy, who, having so deeply drunk of the chalice of thy Son, canst compassionate the woes of those who still sigh in the land of exile? Sancta Maria, Mater Dolorosa, ora pro me! Novena to Our Lady of the Snows Pray especially beginning on July 27 and ending on August 4. O Mary, ever blessed Virgin, Mother of God, Queen of the angels and of the saints, I salute thee with the most profound veneration and filial devotion. I renew the consecration of myself and all I have to thee. I thank thee for thy maternal protection and for the many blessings that I have received through thy wondrous mercy and most powerful intercession. In all my necessities I have recourse to thee with unbounded confidence. Our Lady of the Snows, O Help of Christians, O Mother of Mercy, I beseech thee now to hear my prayer, and to obtain for me of thy divine Son the favor that I request in this novena. (Mention your intentions here) Obtain for me, also, dearest Mother, the grace that I may imitate thee and become more like to thee in the practice of the virtues of humility, obedience, purity, poverty, submission to the will of God, and charity. Be my protectress in life, guard and guide me in dangers, direct me in perplexities, lead me in the way of perfection, and assist me in the hour of my death, that I may come to Jesus, and with thee enjoy Him, bless Him, and love Him eternally in heaven. Amen. Novena to Our Lady of Ransom Pray especially starting on September 15 and ending on September 23. O Immaculate and wholly pure Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Queen of the world, hope of those who are in despair, thou art the joy of the Saints; thou art the peacemaker between sinners and God; thou art the advocate of the abandoned, the secure haven of those who are on the sea of the world; thou art the consolation of the world, the ransom of slaves, the comfortress of the afflicted, the salvation of the universe. O great Queen, we take refuge in thy protection: "We have no confidence but in thee, O most faithful Virgin." After God thou art all our hope. We bear the name of thy servants; allow not the enemy to drag us to hell. I salute thee, O great Mediatress of peace, between men and God, Mother of Jesus our Lord, who is the love of all men and of God, to whom be honor and benediction with the Father and the Holy Ghost. Amen. Pray one Pater and one Gloria Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee to we cry poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then most gracious advocate thine eyes of mercy towards us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen. Novena to the Most Holy Name of Mary Pray especially starting on September 3 and ending on September 11. O great Mother of God and my Mother Mary, it is true that I am unworthy to name thee; but thou, who lovest me and desirest my salvation, must, notwithstanding the impurity of my tongue, grant that I may always invoke thy most holy and powerful name in my aid, for thy name is the succor of the living, and the salvation of the dying. Ah, most pure Mary, most sweet Mary, grant that henceforth thy name may be the breath of my life. O Lady, delay not to help me when I invoke thee, for in all the temptations which assail me, and in all my wants, I will never cease calling upon thee, and repeating again and again, Mary, Mary. Thus it is that I hope to act during my life, and more particularly at death, that after that last struggle I may eternally praise thy beloved name in heaven, O clement, O pious, O sweet Virgin Mary. Ah, Mary, most amiable Mary, with what consolation, what sweetness, what confidence, what tenderness, is my soul penetrated in only naming, in only thinking of thee! I thank my Lord and God, who, for my good, has given thee a name so sweet and deserving of love, and at the same time so powerful. But, my sovereign Lady, I am not satisfied with only naming thee, I wish to name thee with love: I desire that my love may every hour remind me to call on thee, so that I may be able to exclaim with St. Bonaventure, “O name of the Mother of God, thou art my love.” My own dear Mary, O my beloved Jesus, may your most sweet names reign in my heart, and in all hearts. Grant that I may forget all others to remember, and always invoke, your adorable names alone. Ah! Jesus my Redeemer, and my Mother Mary, when the moment of death comes when I must breathe forth my soul and leave this worid, deign, through your merits, to grant that I may then pronounce my last words, and that they may be, “I love thee, O Jesus; I love thee, O Mary; to you do I give my heart and my soul.” Amen (Mention your intentions here) Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 3 December and ending on 11 December, the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupeh Our Lady of Guadalupe, according to thy message in Mexico I venerate thee as the Virgin Mother of the true God for whom we live, the Creator of all the world, Maker of heaven and earth. In spirit I kneel before thy most holy image which thou didst miraculously imprint upon the cloak of the Indian Juan Diego, and with the faith of the countless numbers of pilgrims who visit thy shrine, I beg thy for this favor: (Mention your intentions here) Remember, O Immaculate Virgin, the words thou hast spoken to thy devout client: "I am a merciful mother to thee and to all thy people who love me and trust in me and invoke my help. I listen to their lamentations and solace all their sorrows and sufferings." I beg thee to be a merciful mother to me, because I sincerely love thee and trust in thee and invoke thy help. I entreat thee, our Lady of Guadalupe, to grant my request, if this should be the will of God, in order that I may bear witness to thy love, thy compassion, thy help and protection. Do not forsake me in my needs. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. Pray three Hail Marys Novena to Our Lady of Knock Pray especially starting on August 14 and ending on August 22. It's recommended to attend Mass or pray the Rosary daily while praying this novena. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Give praise to the Father Almighty, to His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord, to the Spirit Who lives in our hearts, both now and forever. Amen. Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to your people in a time of distress, and comforted them in sorrow. You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your divine Son, remembering His promise, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find." Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to heaven. Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who live with me. Comfort me when I am sick, lonely or depressed. Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass. Give me a greater love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Pray for me now, and at the hour of my death. Amen. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy of us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace. St. Joseph, Chosen by God to be The Husband of Mary, The Protector of the Holy Family, The Guardian of the Church. Protect our families In their work and recreation And Guard us on our journey through life. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy of us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace. St. John, Beloved Disciple of the Lord, Faithful priest, Teacher of the Word of God. Help us to hunger for the Word. To be loyal to the Mass And to love one another. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy of us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace. Our Lady of Knock, pray for us. Refuge of Sinners, pray for us. Queen Assumed into Heaven, pray for us. Mother of Nazareth, pray for us. Queen of Virgins, pray for us. Help of Christians, pray for us. Health of the Sick, pray for us. Queen of Peace, pray for us. Our Lady, Queen and Mother, pray for us. Our Lady, Mother of the Church, pray for us. (Mention your intentions here) With the Angels and Saints let us pray: Give praise to the Father Almighty, to His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord, to the Spirit who lives in our hearts, both now and forever. Amen. Novena to St. Joseph Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 10 March and ending on 18 March, the eve of the Feast of St. Joseph O glorious descendant of the kings of Judah, Inheritor of the virtues of all the patriarchs. Just and happy St. Joseph, listen to my prayer. Thou art my glorious protector, and shall ever be, after Jesus and Mary the object of my most profound veneration and confidence. Thou art the most hidden, though the greatest Saint, and art particularly the patron of those who serve God with the greatest purity and fervor. In union with all those who have ever been most devoted to thee I now dedicate myself to thy service; beseeching thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, who vouchsafed to love and obey thee as a son, to become a father to me; and to obtain for me the filial respect, confidence and love of a child towards thee. O powerful advocate of all Christians, whose intercession, as St. Theresa assures us, has never been found to fail, deign to intercede for me now, and to implore for me the particular intention of this Novena. (Mention your intentions here) Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Present me O great Saint to the adorable Trinity, with Whom thou hadst so glorious and so intimate a correspondence. Obtain that I may never efface by sin the Sacred Image according to the likeness of which, I was created. Beg for me that my divine Redeemer would enkindle in my heart and in all hearts, the fire of His Love, and infuse therein the virtues of His adorable infancy, His purity, simplicity, obedience, and humility. Obtain for me likewise a lively devotion to thy virgin spouse, and protect me so powerfully in life and death, that I may have the happiness of dying as thou didst, in the friendship of my Creator, and under the immediate protection of the Mother of God. Amen. Unfailing Novena to St. Joseph This prayer, it is said, has “has never been known to fail, provided that the request is for one’s spiritual benefit or for those whom we are praying for.” Pray it for nine mornings. O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him close in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me. Amen. Novena to St. Michael the Archangel Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 20 September and ending on 28 September, the eve of the Feast of St. Michael. Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His Catholic people, I turn to thee with confidence and seek thy powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who hast made thee so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer. Thou knowest the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirit who tempts me. I desire to imitate thy loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and thy great love for God and men. And since thou art God’s messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to thee this special request: (Mention your intentions here) Saint Michael, since thou art, by the will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in thy prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God’s holy will, my petition will be granted. Pray for me, Saint Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through thy powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death and reach Heaven where we may praise and love God with thee forever. Amen. Novena to St. Gabriel the Archangel Say once a day for 9 days, especially starting on March 15, and ending on March 23, the eve of the Feast of St. Gabriel In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O blessed Archangel Gabriel, we beseech thee, do thou intercede for us at the throne of divine mercy in our present necessities, that as thou didst announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, so through thy prayers and patronage in heaven we may obtain the benefits of the same, and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the living. Amen. (Mention your request here) Say one Our Father, One Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Novena to St. Raphael the Archangel Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on October 15, and ending on October 23, the eve of the Feast of St. Raphael. V. O God, come to my assistance; R. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. O Christ, Splendor of the Father, Life and Strength of the heart, in the presence of the Angels we celebrate Thee by our prayers and hymns, uniting our voices with their melodious concerts. We praise with reverence all the celestial Princes, but especially the Archangel St. Raphael, the faithful Companion by whose power the Devil was enchained. O Christ, King full of goodness, by this guardian remove far from us all the wickedness of the enemy; purify our hearts and our bodies, and by Thy sole clemency, introduce us into Paradise. In harmonious concerts let us give thanks to the Father, glory to Jesus Christ and to the Comforter, God three in One, living before all ages. Amen. Say one Hail Mary St. Raphael, pray for us. Christ, the glory of the Angel choirs! Of man the Maker and Redeemer blest! Grant us one day to reach those bright abodes, And in Thy glory rest. And Raphael, physician of the soul, Let him descend from his pure halls of light, To heal our sicknesses and guide for us Each dubious course aright. Thou, too, fair Virgin, Daughter of the skies! Mother of light and Queen of Peace! descend; Bringing with thee the radiant court of Heaven To aid us and defend. This grace on us bestow, O Father blest, And Thou, O Son by an eternal birth; With Thee, from both proceeding, Holy Ghost, Whose glory fills the earth. Amen. V. Pray for us, St. Raphael. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray: O God, Who to Tobias, Thy servant, when on his journey, didst give blessed Raphael the Archangel, for companion; grant that we who are also Thy servants, may likewise be safeguarded by his watchfulness, and be made strong by his help. May he who we faithfully believe ever to stand before Thy Majesty, offer up our prayers to be blessed by Thee; through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen. Novena to Guardian Angel Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on September 23 and ending on October 1, the eve of the Feast of the Guardian Angels. O holy angel, whom God, by the effect of His goodness and His tender regard for my welfare, has charged with the care of my conduct, and who assists me in all my wants and comforts me in all my afflictions, who supports me when I am discouraged and continually obtains for me new favors. I return thee profound thanks, and I earnestly beseech thee, o most amiable protector, to continue thy charitable care and defense of me against the malignant attacks of all my enemies. Keep me away from all occasions of sin. Obtain for me the grace of listening attentively to thy holy inspirations and of faithfully putting them into practice. In particular, I implore thee to obtain for me the favor which I ask for by this novena. (Mmention your intentions here) Protect me in all the temptations and trials of this life, but more especially at the hour of my death, and do not leave me until thou hast conducted me into the presence of my Creator in the mansions of everlasting happiness. Novena to St. John the Baptist Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on June 15 and ending on June 23, the eve of the Feast of St. John. O glorious St. John the Baptist, of those born of women the greatest of prophets; thou, though sanctified from thy mothers womb and most innocent, didst nevertheless will to retire into the desert, there to practise austerities and penance; obtain for us from our Lord the grace to be detached, at least in the affections of our hearts, from all earthly treasure, and to practise Christian mortification with interior recollection and a spirit of holy prayer. Pray one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria O most zealous Apostle, who, without working any miracle on others, but solely by the example of thy life of penance and the power of thy words, didst draw after thee crowds, in order to prepare them to worthily receive the Messiah, and listen to his heavenly teaching; grant that it may be given to us also, by the example of a holy life and the practice of good works, to lead many souls to God, and, above all, those who have been enveloped in the darkness of error and ignorance, and led astray by vice. Pray one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria Unconquered martyr, who for the honour of God and the salvation of souls, didst, with heroic constancy, and at the cost of life itself, with stand the impious Herod, reproving him openly for his bad and dissolute life ; obtain for us a brave and generous heart, so that, overcoming all human respect, we may boldly profess our faith, and follow the teaching of our divine master Jesus Christ. Pray one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria V. Pray for us, St John the Baptist. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, Who hast made this day worthy of honour in the nativity of St John, grant to Thy people the grace of spiritual joys, and direct the minds of all the faithful into the way of eternal salvation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Novena to St. Peter and St. Paul Pray especially beginning on 20 June and ending on 28 June, the eve of the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul. O holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, I choose you this day and forever to be my special patrons and advocates; thee, Saint Peter, Prince of the Apostles, because thou art the Rock, upon which Almighty God hath built His Church; thee, Saint Paul, because thou wast fore-chosen by God as the Vessel of election and the Preacher of truth in the whole world. Obtain for me, I pray you, lively faith, firm hope, and burning love; complete detachment from myself, contempt of the world, patience in adversity, humility in prosperity, attention in prayer, purity of heart, a right intention in all my works, diligence in fulfilling the duties of my state of life, constancy in my resolutions, resignation to the will of God and perseverance in the grace of God even unto death; that so, by means of your intercession and your glorious merits, I may be able to overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, and may be made worthy to appear before the chief and eternal Shepherd of souls, Jesus Christ, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth for endless ages, to enjoy His presence and love Him forever. Amen. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. V. Thou shalt make them princes over all the earth. R. They shall be mindful of Thy name, O Lord. Let us pray: O God, Whose right hand raised up blessed Peter, when he walked upon the water and began to sink, and thrice delivered his fellow-Apostle Paul from the depths of the sea, when he suffered shipwreck: graciously hear us and grant, by the merits of them both, that we also may attain unto everlasting glory: Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen. Novena to St. Sebastian Pray especially beginning on 11 January and ending on 19 January, the eve of the Feast of St. Sebastian on January 20. This novena can be downloaded in pdf format: Novena to St. Sebastian (pdf) Day One Meditation: The Gift of Faith: St. Sebastian lived in the early times of the holy church, when to be a Christian meant to stand up for your faith and eventually to die for it. However we know that he was born of Christian parents. So he passed the days of his childhood under the tutelage of pious parents, who cared for a thorough instruction in doctrine and training of young Sebastian. God had His own plans with the child, who was to become the strong support and guide of his fellow Christians during the turbulent times of the persecution to come, when he himself was privileged to die as martyr for Christ. But also for all times he was to serve to the Christian world as shining example of a fearless life by faith. God so willed it that as soldier in the Roman army he attracted the attention and good pleasure of the emperor and being of noble extraction he was raised to the rank of an officer in his palace guard. Application: Centuries separate us from the Infant Church. The Lord Who watches over it has brought it up through the perilous times of many persecutions. It is a church of Martyrs as in the beginning, so now, and ore martyrs are being made today than ever before in history. We must, therefore, have the faith of the martyrs; like the Apostles we must rejoice to be made worthy to suffer for the name of Christ, at least a little disdain, or contempt, or even loss of temporal goods. As in the time of St. Sebastian, the masses around us do not love Christ, or do not love Him enough; some are even against Him, they hate Him. But the Lord is with us; that should suffice to make us confident and happy. Be grateful for the grace of holy faith. Holy Martyr, St. Sebastian, no greater gift could be vouchsafed thee than the gift of holy faith. Sanctified in holy baptism thou grewest in holiness since the days of thy childhood. So much has God loved thee that He made thee a pillar of strength in the early church. Strengthen also my faith, that it may become for me a source of energy for a perfect Christian life and that I too may be a shining example to my fellow man. Amen. Prayer My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ see me humbly prostrate before Thee to implore Thy mercy. I am a wretched sinner who has lived hitherto in ease and wanton negligence of my Christian duties. How dangerously close have I been in the past to becoming a traitor to Thee! Pardon me, good and merciful Jesus. I will change my life: with ardent love I will adhere to Thee in future and prove myself worthy of being Thy disciple and follower of St. Sebastian. Amen. Pray one Pater, one Ave, one Gloria, and the Litany of St. Sebastian (see below) Day Two Meditation: Live by Faith: When the Roman empire showed already signs of imminent dissolution, emperor Diocletian, thinking of how to stem the tide, resolved to exterminate the Christians, as he believed them to be the cause of ruin. It was one of the most savage and best planned persecutions which struck at all the social classes of the people; many of the noble families were dragged before the judges. Among others also Marcus and Marcelianus, friends of the emperor and of Sebastian were thrown into prison. Sebastian, deeply sorrowed visited them, comforting and encouraging them and their companions, all suffering for the faith, so much that they looked forward with joy for the day when they could suffer death “for the Name of Christ.” Our Lord, pleased by him and spoke to him the following words: “Sebastian, I came to tell you how much I am delighted for what you are doing to My beloved disciples; I promise to be with you always till you are united with Me in glory.” Greatly comforted Sebastian continued his work of mercy and led many to glorious martyrdom. Application: Like Pius XI so now Pius XII is wearing himself out calling upon Catholics to be good Catholics. What’s wrong then with us? We are half-Catholics, too much emotional, too little instructed; not full members of the one and only apostolic and catholic, i.e. universal Church, set down on earth to unify and save the whole human race. We are private and fearful Catholics hugging the faith to our hearts and hiding it there. Faith must reveal itself to the outside, must benefit others, lift up and strengthen in faith those of our brethren who have become weak and deficient. Faith is nothing that could be hidden away, closed up within the heart. Our Christian life, therefore, must be a kind of martyrdom, unbloody though, but real, because day by day we are called to confess Christ. If St. Sebastian, if all the Saints were willing rather to die for their faith than to give it up, we at least must be willing to live our faith and confess it in private and public life. Prayer O glorious St. Sebastian, fearless Confessor of Christ and Consoler of those who were going to lay down their life in testimony for their faith: in shame and sorrow I must confess that in the past so many times I have failed to comply with my religious duties. It was Christ Whom I made suffer, instead of I suffering for Christ. I am resolved to do away with lukewarmness, I shall endeavor to give an example to those around me who deny Christ by shamefully neglecting their Christian obligations. Help me, dear Saint, and Patron to show them the way to the true joys of heaven. Amen. Pray one Pater, one Ave, one Gloria, and the Litany of St. Sebastian (see below) Day Three Meditation: Faith, Your Greatest Treasure: With intrepid courage Sebastian preached the faith in the troubled times of persecution to Christians and pagans alike. Moved by the encouraging words of the staunch Christian soldier many pagans were converted and baptized, others, by the astounding miracles Sebastian performed before their eyes. Not alone that he cured their bodily ailments; he convinced them to be baptized, to become Christians and to live a good Catholic life. He had exposed himself and before long he was accused of being a Christian and was apprehended. The emperor would not believe when the news were broken to him. “Sebastian? that flawless officer and soldier; Sebastian who never has abused my confidence in him? he can not, he must not be a Christian. If however it were true, I would easily change his mind. . .” - “Yes, Lord,” the captain of the palace guard said, “it is true, I am a Christian” when confronting the emperor. “What evil do you find in it? What harm did it do to you? I always have been a Christian.” “Tell me,” the emperor responded, “I speak as a friend to a friend - what do you want me to do for you? Is it wealth, honor, higher rank and position? You have it; only relinquish that foolish faith in Christ.” Sebastian answered: “O Lord, what little and trifling thing you proffer; I am richer than you can make me; the greatest honor was bestowed upon me by being made a Christian.” Thereupon the emperor seeing his love spurned, raged in fury. He ordered him to be stripped of his insignia, degraded, thrown into prison, to be killed in shortest time, shot with arrows. Hearing these words Sebastian rejoiced, his face shining with inexpressible delight: he could die for Christ also. Eagerly he looked ahead for his martyrdom, which would unite him with Christ. Application: How much do you love your holy faith? Do you teach the ignorant or the little ones? Do you lead back to faith those who have lost it or work on them, who do not live up to it? Do you sacrifice your leisure time, pleasure, company and social enjoyment to make Christ live and reign in the hearts of your fellowman? Do you sacrifice to make Him known, loved and served as Lord and King in the Christian home? This is Catholic Action enjoined by the Vicar of Christ on earth on all as a tribute for the unmerited grace of faith. Do not take that slightly. Prayer O St. Sebastian, thou strong Pillar of faith, to Countless pagans thou hast shown the way to Christ; the Christians, enlightened by Thy words, gladly sacrificed earthly life and all, that they may gain all and Life Eternal. Steadfastly Thou withstoodst the emperor and didst vanquish human wisdom in defense of Christian truth. Thou didst despise the pleasures and treasures of the world to gain the everlasting joys of heaven: obtain for me the grace that I may grow ever stronger in my faith and never put my trust in the fallacious things of the world. May I also be ready to sacrifice everything rather than to be separated from Christ in eternity. Amen. Pray one Pater, one Ave, one Gloria, and the Litany of St. Sebastian (see below) Day Four Meditation: Faith Means to Suffer for Christ: Sebastian was marched off and out of the city by the soldiery to suffer the punishment decreed upon him by the emperor. He had made his choice for a greater Lord than Diocletian, to Whom he had sworn allegiance in baptism and for Whom he was going now to shed his blood. May the arrows fall upon him in showers; he would offer them his breast, his body, his heart, that beat fervently for Christ; may they open the blood-wells therein that the blood may stream forth freely, cover him with the garment of love, in which his beloved Master was clothed when nailed to the Cross. Horrified, the crowd witnessed the bloody spectacle, and like a flash of lightning it came upon them, it entered into their minds and heart: here stands a valiant soldier, who has better arms to wield, who fights his battle for victory; a hero whose head will wear the crown of glory. Application: Martyrs have never been wanting in the church of Christ; they numbered thousands in the primitive church; they died by the thousands in the subsequent centuries; they die also in our times for Christ. The Martyr of Golgotha calls for followers. Do you possess that martyr-spirit, the marrow of Christian life? In St. Sebastian’s time, to be a Christian meant to give up for Christ’s sake all pagan pleasures and entertainments. On principle the Christians shunned the theatres, public baths, dances, amphitheatres, other pagan festivals, because they were incompatible with their faith in Christ Crucified. We are living again in a pagan world and Catholics seem to see no evil in the amusements of our days. They go to shows that slowly corrode the delicate innocence of a Christian soul; they attend bathing exhibitions and beauty contests; they frequent dancing places, social parties and other affairs of such kind, where the devil reaps his crop and Christ weeps over lost sheep. Would you call that dying with Christ on the cross? St. Sebastian would tell you a different story. “I renounce Satan, his works, his pomps.” You spoke these words. Do they have, still a meaning to you? Renounce, then, paganism of our days and associate with St. Sebastian and the martyrs of all times, bloody or unbloody. Be a martyr in spirit and action. Christ calls on you. He could die once without you, but now He can not live without You; living for Him, working for Him, sacrificing for Him, dying for Him you make Christ live in your life, you make Christ live in the world. Prayer Holy Martyr, St. Sebastian, great was thy love of Christ, when for His sake thou wouldst suffer and die. Obtain for me from Jesus, our Divine Victim Who offered His body an oblation for the salvation of our souls, pardon for my cowardice in the past, especially for the traitorous action of loving the world and running after its vile pleasures. May I also in all truthfulness be able to say with St. Paul: “I live; now not I, but Christ lives in me;” Christ poor and despised, Christ hated and persecuted, Christ suffering and crucified, may He live in me henceforth, as He has lived in thee, His holy Martyr. Amen. Pray one Pater, one Ave, one Gloria, and the Litany of St. Sebastian (see below) Day Five Meditation: Faith, A Light Shining in Darkness: The executioners had done their gruesome work and left the place, leaving behind, tied to the tree the apparently lifeless body of their victim. But Sebastian wasn’t dead yet. In the dark of the night an angel descended and consoled the brave soldier of Christ, who again had gained consciousness. The angel told him how greatly the church would be honored on account of his heroism and how many would embrace holy faith because of the example he had set in his martyrdom; he also announced to him the glorious reward he may expect from Christ Whom he has loved so much. Sebastian felt happy and thanked the Lord for this sweet visitation. Then the angel called out into the night to attract the attention of people living in the neighborhood. A Christian lady, Irene by name, as if having waited for the signal hastened to snatch the body of the holy martyr, still alive. Hurriedly she cut the ropes with which the soldiers had tied the body to the trunk of the tree, wrapped her cloak around him and supporting him she managed to bring him to her house. There she tended his wounds and took good care of him till he was cured. Greatly moved by the story of the angel which Sebastian told to the lady, they both gave thanks to the Lord for the wonderful manifestation of love and mercy. Application: The body is not only the dwelling of the soul but in Holy Baptism the Blessed Trinity has taken up their abode within. What the All-holy God thus has honored and reverenced you can not, you must not vilify. Respect the temple of the Most High, and during all your life keep both body and soul in worshipful service of God. It is unchristian and draws God’s displeasure upon any one who indulges in such shows and exhibitions, in which, so to speak, the body is made an idol for worship, a modern Venus, or perhaps a golden calf. Beauty contests and Queen Contests are a cult of the flesh at the cost of the culture of the soul; the soul alone is worthwhile to cultivate; divorced from the animating spirit the body is but dust and ashes, an abominable thing, as it appears after the separation has been made in death. Indwelled by God thru grace in life it shall be honoured and glorified thru all eternity. Do not call yourself a Christian, if by your presence or active participation in such abominable practices, you subscribe to paganism in our days. You would not account with the company of Jesus and Mary at such shows? Would you? It’s time to make a clear-cut division line between truth and error, Christ and Belial, Christians and pagans, and to take your stand. Prayer O glorious St. Sebastian, Pride of holy Church: I praise the Lord Who has glorified thee, His holy Martyr, in order to corroborate the faith in the hearts of the Christians. From thy place of glory look down upon me, so weak and wavering in faith, that I rightly may fear to become a traitor to the cause of Christ, our Saviour. Pray to Jesus for me that I may walk with unbending strength of will on the path of genuine Christian teachings and never side the world in defending the principles of hell. Make me see in the light of faith the truth that makes man free. Help me cultivate to perfection the spiritual life with Christ and through Christ and in Christ here on earth and forever in heaven. Amen. Pray one Pater, one Ave, one Gloria, and the Litany of St. Sebastian (see below) Day Six Meditation: Faith Teaches You How to Live Your Life: The emperor thought that Sebastian was dead. He rejoiced not little in the thought that he felled a strong pillar of the church of Christ. Imagine therefore his surprise and terror when one day, not long after, he stood before him, his erstwhile captain, his wounds perfectly healed and his body restored to health and vigor. “What,” he said, not fully trusting his eyes, “are you not Sebastian, whom I had ordered to be killed by arrows, for stubbornly adhering to that foolish Christian belief? How do you dare to appear before me now?” - “The Lord Jesus gave me back again the life which you tried to take from me, so that you be given fresh proof of the truth that there is but one Lord-God and that your gods are false and impotent,” said Sebastian. Hearing these words the emperor raged in anger and cried out to his soldiers: “Take this proud wretch, who dares to speak thus to me. Torture him, flog him, and kill him for sure.” - Sebastian answered: “Know, my lord, that your tortures will be welcome to me; they will not make me relinquish my faith and betray Christ Who loved me and freed me from the slavery of sin and Satan. I shall not stop to preach Him and would gladly give one thousand lives for Him, if I had them.” Application: You will not have to give to Christ two lives nor shall you live for and with Christ twice. Therefore that life you have, that one you cherish, that one life which is so short: give it to Him, live it with Him unreservedly. A Christian is a man in whom Christ repeats His life, more or less perfectly, divinely, according to the permission granted to him to do so. And did it ever come to your mind what it means to refuse Him to live in you according to His pleasure, or to restrict Him in His freedom and disposition over you? To live twice would mean to undergo a test twice, to overcome the world, the flesh, the enemy of your soul once and again, when actually you had gone thru your task already. So it was with Sebastian, who had to suffer a second time the death of cruel martyrdom. Be once a martyr, a witness for Christ, by a life of renunciation and abnegation; be a witness for Christ by a real, true and good Catholic life. Do it well once for the love of HIM Who will be your reward exceedingly great. Prayer St. Sebastian, Martyr and Patron, fearlessly thou didst appear before the emperor who hated you so much; but thou didst love him and therefore wouldst try again to preach to him the truth about the Kingdom of God on earth, that he might see and believe and bend his knees in the worship of the one, true God. Refusing to listen he lost the eternal Kingdom which you gained in greater splendour and glory. Come to my aid in the confusing battles of opinions and man-made doctrines, that I may cling to Christ, my Lord and Saviour and defend the principles of His holy Gospel by living it till the last day of my life. I implore thee, holy Patron, to assist me in my last battle with the enemy that I may gain life everlasting in heavenly glory. Amen. Pray one Pater, one Ave, one Gloria, and the Litany of St. Sebastian (see below) Day Seven Meditation: The Greatness and Beauty of a Life by Faith: For a second time Sebastian was fastened to the trunk of the tree; for a second time, the executioners did their bloody work on the soldier-martyr. Aside from humiliations heaped upon the scion of a noble family and high ranking officer the torture was indescribable. With crude clubs they beat him, till pieces of flesh fell from the body. Then they shot him again with arrows. With astounding humility and patience Sebastian suffered this inhuman treatment, praying all the while for his torturers and for the victory of the cause of Christ. That Christ may live in the hearts of men, he offered Him his life. The Lord accepted the holocaust; He took the precious life of His martyr to make him live and reign forever with Him in heavenly glory. Application: When a prospective Christian is presented for Holy Baptism, the priest asks him: “What dost thou ask of the church of God?” Answer: “Faith.” He continues questioning: “What does faith bestow upon thee?” Answer: “Life everlasting” i.e. Everlasting life through faith, or through a life on earth based on the principles that faith teaches us. The earthly life is but a dark shadow of the true life to follow; it is the price to be paid to gain the other life, the greater, the fuller life, the life without the alloy of earthly tress and scum, but of purest joy and happiness. That happiness for which you are made, for which you crave with the last fiber of your heart. Do not make the mistake of so many who run after the shadow, which they can not catch, when staking all their chances on the trump-card of earthly happiness. So “make use of the things of this world,” advises St. Paul, “as to pass through them unimpeded on your way to heaven.” That’s the reason why a good Christian’s life is an unbloody martyrdom, a continuous dying to oneself, that Christ may live in him. “Do you believe in Jesus Christ?” That was another question by the priest before he proceeded to baptize you. Do you believe that Jesus Christ wishes to repeat His life in you, He is the great meaning of it? Live with Christ henceforth, He and you like one. To be poor like HIM, mortified and crucified like Him. That’s the beauty and greatness of the life of a Christian: HE and YOU living together and walking together on the Via Crucis towards the gates of heaven. Prayer Holy Patron, St. Sebastian, for centuries thou livest with Christ in heavenly bliss and yet it is like starting only life in heaven. I rejoice in Thy unending glory and happiness. Compassionately look down upon me, thy miserable client, who must pass thru the excruciating years of trial in a world of temptations and allurements. When I look back upon my life I am confused by the many infidelities, my frequent failures, my breaking of baptismal vows and shameless forsaking of Christ, my Saviour. Holy Martyr, obtain pardon for my sins against my Christian vocation; for having lived carelessly, neglectfully even in my most essential obligations; having denied Christ to live in me, refused to be crucified with Him. Save me, good St. Sebastian from eternal death in hell and by Thy powerful intercession help me so to order my life that I may be found worthy of sharing with thee the unending joys of heaven. Amen. Pray one Pater, one Ave, one Gloria, and the Litany of St. Sebastian (see below) Day Eight Meditation: A Life by Faith Bears Many Fruits: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of Christians.” A mysterious word, as old as the church is. While living, Sebastian thru his words and miracles has led many to the fount of baptism and has fanned in the hearts of the confessors of Christ the desire to die for Him. The miracle of conversion to the true faith was still more multiplied after his death. The emperor learned of it and conscious of his impotence ordered that the corpse of the martyr be thrown into a foul-smelling pit, where the cadavers of dead animals were thrown, so as to prevent the Christians to pay their martyr reverence and respect. However, this base intention of the emperor was foiled, as the corpse, when being flung downward was caught by a protruding branch of a tree. The news of it was brought by Sebastian himself that very night to a pious lady, St. Lucina, whom he begged to go and fetch the body and bury it in the catacombs at the feet of the princes of the Apostles, Sts. Peter and Paul. On this spot was built later the church of St. Sebastian, where the relics of this martyr of Christ are kept till now. Application: A seed-grain was Christ Himself, Who suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. “Unless the grain is buried in the ground it can not bear fruit” He had said. The fruits: mankind redeemed, men saved for heaven. A seed-grain was Sebastian, shot, flogged, buried; the fruits: conversions, new Christians, better Christians in the times to come till now and till the end; Christians inspired and inflamed by his example, his intercession in heaven. A seed-grain every Christian must be; our life buried in Christ must produce new or better Christians around us, near and far. That are miracles performed by you and your Christian brother; yes, miracles are but a commonplace in Christian and catholic life. Why shouldn’t they be? Is it possible to imagine that Christ should live in us and nothing happen? We are transmitters, channels, instruments, Christ-bearers. If we are not that, we are nothing. If we are not communicating divine life to the world, we are not true Catholics; we are only second rate Catholics. Take this to heart; it’s always time to amend. Prayer Holy Martyr, St. Sebastian, glorified by the holy lives of so many whom thou hast inspired and animated to follow thee to martyrdom, I resolve today to follow and to undergo voluntarily the unbloody martyrdom of dying to myself, that Christ may live in me and in the souls of my brethren. Continue thy soul-saving and sanctifying apostolate from heaven and shield us against the many enemies that surround us, that the number of Christ-loving souls may increase. Keep us, O holy Martyr and powerful Protector, from pestilence and contagious diseases of body and soul, and prevent us from descending into the pit of burning fire and brimstone when the end comes; make us enjoy then with thee the glories of heaven. Amen. Pray one Pater, one Ave, one Gloria, and the Litany of St. Sebastian (see below) Day Nine Meditation: Fear God Alone, Not Men: Diocletian goes down in history as a great emperor; in the Kingdom of God he is a zero. But St. Sebastian is and remains in eternity a hero, whom God has crowned with glory. He is not dead and remembered only by name, as Diocletian is, but he lives in the Church, be lives in the hearts of the Christians who venerate him; to his honour churches and altars have been erected all over the world. Diocletian is a poor wretch who once believed he could stamp out the memory of Sebastian. God stood in the way of his pernicious plans and sided with Sebastian, His martyr, whom He honored and crowned with glory. Application: What is the power of man? the influence he wages over his fellowman? What is wealth that dazzles many? What honor or high position that make others tremble? A whiff in the air, a vapor blown by the slightest wind, smoke that defiles the air. And less even. Our Lord has pronounced His woe over those things because they stand in the way of salvation to many. It is indeed better to be rid of that earthly dross and to occupy our mind with them; use our time and talents for the problem of how “to carry away the Kingdom of heaven,” because as our Lord said, “it suffers violence.” A pious, godly life is the only reasonable life. The soul, God, eternity, must be moved every morning anew into the centre of our interest, to which the eye keeps fastened all day long, so that we be busy that day, and every day, seeking and acquiring the treasures, which “rust and moths do not consume and thieves do not steal.” They are saved, imperishable; we must possess them if we wish to be truly happy in this life and in eternity. Prayer St. Sebastian, holy Patron, in thy heavenly glory and joy forget us not, who carry on the incessant struggle against the enemies of holy faith, who endanger our salvation. Grant that I may adhere to God, my Lord, and to Jesus Christ with my whole heart. Obtain for me on this last day of the novena a holy fear of God, my Lord and King, that I may serve Him with perfect love, with submission and resignation to His most holy will. Free me from the fear and respect of men, who can not truly do harm to me, that I may never waver in the fulfillment of my obligations to God and my soul. Amen. Pray one Pater, one Ave, one Gloria, and the Litany of St. Sebastian (see below) Litany of St. Sebastian Lord, have mercy on us! Lord, have mercy on us! Christ, have mercy on us! Christ, have mercy on us! Lord, have mercy on us! Lord, have mercy on us! Christ hear us! Christ, graciously hear us! God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us! God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us! God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us! Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us! Holy Mary, Queen of Martyrs, pray for us. Saint Sebastian, pray for us. Invincible Martyr, pray for us. Knight, noble by birth and fame, pray for us. Glorious warrior and martyr of Christ, pray for us. Patron and mirror of Christian soldiers, pray for us. Despiser of the world, pray for us. Conqueror of Satan, pray for us. Comfort of the dying, pray for us. Consoler of the afflicted, pray for us. Announcer of the word of God, pray for us. Protector and Patron of countries and cities, pray for us. Saint Sebastian, perfect in virtue and wisdom, pray for us. St. Sebastian, lover of God and men, pray for us. St. Sebastian, might in word and work, pray for us. St. Sebastian, who didst strengthen the Christians in torments and death, pray for us. St. Sebastian, who didst fortify those wavering in their faith, pray for us. St. Sebastian, who didst encourage the doubting to persevere to the end, pray for us. St. Sebastian, who, in flamed with love of God, didst despise the pains inflicted by the tyrant, pray for us. St. Sebastian, surrounded by celestial light, pray for us. St. Sebastian, instructed by the holy Angels, pray for us. St. Sebastian, giving speech to the dumb, pray for us. St. Sebastian, who for defending the truth was wounded by arrows, pray for us. St. Sebastian, who was put to death with clubs, pray for us. St. Sebastian, who was crowned with eternal glory, pray for us. St. Sebastian, great intercessor for us with God, pray for us. St. Sebastian, endowed with power from God to avert pestilence and all contagious diseases, pray for us. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Spare us, O Lord! Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Graciously hear us, O Lord! Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Have mercy on us, O Lord! Christ, hear us! Christ, graciously hear us! Let us pray: Mercifully look on our weakness, O almighty God. Since the weight of our own evil deeds bears us down, may the glorious intercession of Thy blessed martyr Sebastian be our protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth as one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Novena to St. Benedict Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 12 March and ending on 20 March, the eve of the Feast of St. Benedict. O glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of all virtues, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me, humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thy loving heart to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in all the dangers which daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy toward those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, in the confident hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore (mention your intentions here), if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul. Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen. Novena to St. Blaise Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 25 January and ending on 2 February, the eve of the Feast of St. Blaise. Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saving, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. O God, deliver us through the intercession of Thy holy bishop and martyr Blaise, from all evil of soul and body, especially from all ills of the throat; and grant us the grace to make a good confession in the confident hope of obtaining Thy pardon, and ever to praise with worthy lips Thy most holy name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. St. Blaise, gracious benefactor of mankind and faithful servant of God, who for the love of our Saviour didst suffer so many tortures with patience and resignation; I invoke thy powerful intercession. Preserve me from all evils of soul and body. Because of thy great merits God endowed thee with the special grace to help those that suffer from ills of the throat; relieve and preserve me from them, so that I may always be able to fulfil my duties, and with the aid of God's grace perform good works. I invoke thy help as special physician of souls, that I may confess my sins sincerely in the holy sacrament of Penance and obtain their forgiveness. I recommend to thy merciful intercession also those who unfortunately concealed a sin in confession. Obtain for them the grace to accuse themselves sincerely and contritely of the sin they concealed, of the sacrilegious confessions and communions they made, and of all the sins they committed since then, so that they may receive pardon, the grace of God, and the remission of the eternal punishment. Amen. My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Nicholas Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 27 November and ending on 5 December, the eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas. All-praised and all-honored hierarch, great wonderworker, Saint of Christ, Father Nicholas, man of God and faithful servant, man of love, chosen vessel, strong pillar of the Church, most-brilliant lamp, star that illumines and enlightens the whole world. Thou art a righteous man that did flourish like a palm tree planted in the courts of the Lord; dwelling in Myra thou hast diffused the fragrance of myrrh, and thou pourest out the ever-flowing myrrh of the grace of god. By thy presence most-holy Father, the sea was sanctified when your most-miraculous relics were carried to the city of Bari, from the East to the West to praise the name of the Lord. O most-superb and most-marvellous wonderworker, speedy helper, fervent intercessor, good shepherd that saveth the rational flock from all dangers, we glorify and magnify thee as the hope of all Christians, a fountain of miracles, a defender of the faithful, a most wise teacher, a feeder of the hungry, the gladness of those that mourn, clothing of the naked, healer of the sick, pilot of those that sail the sea, liberator of prisoners, nourisher and protector of widows and orphans, guardian of chastity, gentle tutor of children, support of the aged, guide of fasters, rest of those that labor, abundant riches of the poor and needy. Hearken unto us that pray unto thee and flee to thy protection. Show thy mediation on our behalf with the Most High, and obtain through thy God-pleasing intercessions all that is useful for the salvation of our souls and bodies. Keep this holy habitation, every city and town, and every Christian country, and the people that dwell therein, from all oppression through thy help, for we know that the prayer of a righteous man availeth much for good; and after the most-blessed Virgin Mary, we have thee as a righteous mediator with the All-Merciful God, and to thy fervent intercession and protection we humbly hasten. Do thou, as a watchful and good shepherd, keep us from all enemies and pestilence, earthquake and hail, famine, flood and fire, the sword and invasions, and, in all our misfortunes and affliction, do thou give us a helping hand and open the doors of God’s compassion; for we are unworthy to look upon the height of Heaven because of the multitude of our sins. We are bound by the bonds of sin and have not done the will of our Creator nor kept His commandments. Wherefore, we bow the knees of our broken and humble heart to our Maker, and we ask thy fatherly intercession with Him lest we perish with our sins. Deliver us from all evil, and from every adverse thing. Direct our minds and strengthen our hearts in the orthodox Faith, which, through thy mediation and intercession, neither wounds, nor threats, nor plague, nor the wrath of our Creator shall lessen. But vouchsafe that we may live a peaceful life here and see the good things in the land of the living, glorifying the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God glorified and worshipped in Trinity, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Novena to St. Patrick Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 8 March and ending on 16 March, the eve of the Feast of St. Patrick. Blessed saint Patrick, glorious Apostle of Ireland, who didst become a friend and father to me for ages before my birth, hear my prayer and accept, for God, the sentiments of gratitude and veneration with which my heart is filled. Through thee I have inherited that faith which is dearer than life. I now make thee the representative of my thanks, and the mediator of my homage to Almighty God. Most holy Father and patron of my country, despise not my weakness; remember that the cries of little children were the sounds that rose, like a mysterious voice from heaven, and invited thee to come amongst us. Listen, then, to my humble supplication; may my prayer ascend to the throne of God, with the praises and blessings which shall ever sanctify thy name and thy memory. May my hope be animated by the patronage and intercession of our forefathers, who now enjoy eternal bliss and owe their salvation, under God, to thy courage and charity. Obtain for me grace to love God with my whole heart, to serve him with my whole strength, and to persevere in good purposes to the end, o faithful shepherd of the Irish flock, who wouldst have laid down a thousand lives to save one soul, take my soul, and the souls of my countrymen, under thy special care. Be a father to the Church of Ireland and her faithful people. Grant that all hearts may share the blessed fruits of that Gospel thou didst plant and water. Grant that, as our ancestors of old had learned, under thy guidance, to unite science with virtue, we too, may learn, under thy patronage, to consecrate all Christian duty to the glory of God. I commend to thee my native land, which was so dear to thee while on earth. Protect it still, and, above all, direct its chief pastors, particularly those who teach us. Give them grace to walk in thy footsteps, to nurture the flock with the word of life and the bread of salvation, and to lead the heirs of the Saints thou hast formed to the possession of that glory which they, with Thee, enjoy in the kingdom of the Blessed: through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen. V. Pray for us, O glorious saint Patrick. R. And obtain for us the intention of this Novena. Novena to St. Brigid Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 23 January and ending on 31 January, the eve of the Feast of St. Brigid. O Glorious St. Brigid, Patroness of Ireland and Mother of the Churches, protect the Irish Church and preserve the true Faith in every Irish heart, at home and abroad. Obtain for us the grace to walk faithfully in the path of Christian perfection during life, and so to secure a holy and happy death, with life everlasting, in thy blessed company, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Novena to St. Columba Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 31 May and ending on 8 June, the eve of the Feast of St. Columba. O glorious St. Columba, in remembrance of the love you bore your native land in the golden days, when you declared your spirit would always be with us, we beg of you to intercede for us that we may worthily imitate your virtues, especially your great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Turn to Jesus on the altar, and never cease to pray for us until the fire of Divine Love burns brightly and steadfastly in every Irish heart. Obtain for our rulers and for all, the true spirit of charity. Let not your interest in the schools of Ireland be less than it was formerly. Bless the labours of those who work in them that the land you loved so well on earth may become again the "Isle of Saints and Scholars." We invoke your powerful intercession against the dread evils of intemperance and for the preservation of the faith and virtue of the Irish people. Pray for us now and always, that faithfully fulfilling the duties of our state, we may love Jesus and Mary with our whole hearts, and thus prove worthy of your love and protection. Amen. Novena to St. Dominic Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 30 July and ending on 7 August, the eve of the Feast of St. Dominic. O renowned champion of the faith of Christ, most holy saint Dominic, who didst renounce the honour and dignity of an earthly principality to embrace the poor, laborious, and mortified life which should distinguish a disciple of Him Who has said: "If any man will come after Me, let him take up his cross and follow Me." O burning torch, who being thyself consumed with the fire of divine love, didst incessantly labour to enkindle that sacred flame in the hearts of others, look down upon me from that throne of glory where thou enjoyest the reward of all thy labours, and obtain that some sparks of that blessed fire may be lighted in my soul, to animate and encourage me under any crosses or trials with which it shall please the divine goodness to visit me. Thou, O great Saint, regardest as nothing all the afflictions thou didst endure, and all the toils thou didst undergo for the promotion of God's holy cause; obtain, I beseech Thee, that the same ardent love which strengthened thee, may make sweet to me labours, humiliations, disgraces, or whatever other mortifications I may have to suffer for the Name of Jesus. May I ever bear in mind that nothing can happen to me but by the particular dispensation of a God Who is infinitely wise, and therefore knows what is best for my welfare; infinitely powerful, and consequently able to effect it; and above all, infinitely merciful and loving, Who has laid down His life for my redemption, and continues daily to give new proofs of His love and bounty. O tender Father of the poor who, when all other resources were exhausted, didst offer thyself for their relief, obtain for me that true spirit of compassion for the suffering members of Jesus Christ, which shone forth so conspicuously in thy holy life. May I, by charity to those whom Jesus so dearly loves, lay up for myself treasures in heaven, where thou now enjoyest that which the eye hath not seen, nor the ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, but which God has prepared for those who love Him, and who prove themselves His Disciples by the observance of His Divine precept "love one another." I praise and thank God for the high degree of sanctity to which He had raised thee, and the special privileges by which He has distinguished thee. I conjure thee, by that gratitude with which thou shalt for all eternity be penetrated for thy Divine Benefactor, implore for me the grace to root out of my heart whatever is not agreeable in His sight, especially that evil habit by which I most frequently offend Him. Obtain likewise the favours I request in this Novena, through thy powerful intercession. (Mention your intentions here) O glorious Mother of God, Queen of the most sacred Rosary, thou who didst love Dominic with the affection of a mother, and were most tenderly loved and honoured by him, look upon me, for his sake, with an eye of pity, deign to join with him in presenting these petitions to thy most Blessed Jesus. I sincerely desire from this moment to love Him with all my heart, and serve Him with all my strength, and now place myself under thy powerful protection, as a sure means of obtaining all the graces necessary to serve Him faithfully here, that I may eternally rejoice with Him hereafter. Amen. Novena to St. Jude Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 19 October and ending on 27 October, the eve of the Feast of St. Jude. When the Novena is finished, you must publicly thank St. Jude for his prayers for you. This is often done by taking out a small ad in the Classifieds section of newspapers. To Saint Jude, Holy Saint Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke thy special patronage in time of need. To thee I have recourse from the depths of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition, in return I promise to make thy name known and cause thee to be invoked. Saint Jude pray for us and all who invoke thy aid. Amen. Recite an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times. Keep your promise to St. Jude and make his name known. Novena to St. Valentine Pray once a day for nine days, especially starting on February 5 and ending on the eve of St. Valentine's Day (February 14) O glorious advocate and protector, Saint Valentine, look with pity upon our wants, hear our requests, attend to our prayers, relieve by your intercession the miseries under which we labor, and obtain for us the Divine blessing, that we may be found worthy to join thee in praising the Almighty for all eternity; through the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray, then, O holy Martyr, for the faithful, who are so persevering in celebrating thy memory. The day of Judgment will reveal to us all thy glorious merits. Oh! intercede for us, that we may then be made thy companions at the right hand of the Great Judge, and be united with thee eternally in heaven. Let us pray: Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that we who solemnize the festival of blessed Valentine, Thy Martyr, may, by his intercession, be delivered from all the evils that threaten us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Mention your intentions here) Saint Valentine, advocate and protector, pray for us. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Novena to St. Catherine of Alexandria Pray once a day for nine days, especially from November 16 and ending on November 24, the eve of St. Catherine's Feast Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshipping Thy Divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy Divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in whose honor I make this novena, and following her example imitate, like her, the life of Thy Divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. (Mention your intentions here) O God, Who didst distinguish Thy holy virgin and martyr Catherine by the gift of great wisdom and virtue, and a victorious combat with the enemies of the Faith; grant us, we beseech Thee, through her intercession, constancy in the Faith and the wisdom of the saints, that we may devote all the powers of our mind and heart to Thy service. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Novena to St. Margaret of Antioch Pray especially beginning on 11 July and ending on 19 July, the eve of the Feast of St. Margaret on 20 July Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy Divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy Heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy Divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the Saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy Divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this most powerful and holy Helper, St. Margaret, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. (Mention your intention here) O God, grant us through the intercession of Thy holy Virgin and Martyr Margaret, undauntedly to confess the Faith, carefully to observe the chastity of our state of life, and to overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and thereby escape the punishments of eternal damnation. Amen. O glorious St. Margaret, holy Virgin and Martyr, thou didst faithfully preserve the robe of holy innocence and purity, valiantly resisting all the blandishments and allurements of the world for the love of thy Divine Spouse, Jesus Christ; help me to overcome all temptations against the choicest of all virtues, holy purity, and to remain steadfast in the love of Christ, in order to preserve this great gift of God. Implore for me the grace of perseverance in prayer, distrust of myself, and flight from the occasions of sin, and finally the grace of a good death, so that in Heaven I may "follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth." Amen. My Lord and God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the Saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Barbara Pray especially beginning on 25 November and ending on 3 December, the eve of the Feast of St. Barbara on 4 December Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. God, Who didst adorn Thy holy virgin and martyr Barbara with extraordinary fortitude in the confession of the Faith, and didst console her in the most atrocious torments; grant us through her intercession perseverance in the fulfilment of Thy law and the grace of being fortified before our end with the holy sacraments, and of a happy death. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Intrepid virgin and martyr, St. Barbara, through thy intercession come to my aid in all needs of my soul. Obtain for me the grace to be preserved from a sudden and unprovided death; assist me in my agony, when my senses are benumbed and I am in the throes of death. Then, O powerful patroness of the dying, come to my aid! Repel from me all the assaults and temptations of the evil one, and obtain for me the grace to receive before death the holy sacraments, that I breathe forth my soul confirmed in faith, hope, and charity, and be worthy to enter eternal glory. Amen. St. Barbara, at my last end Obtain for me the Sacrament; Assist one in that direst need When I my God and Judge must meet: That robed in sanctifying grace My soul may stand before His face. My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Vitus Pray especially beginning on 6 June and ending on 14 June, the eve of his Feast on 15 June Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. Grant us, O God, through the intercession of St. Vitus, a due estimation of the value of our soul and of its redemption by the precious blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ; so that, for its salvation, we bear all trials with fortitude. Give this Thy youthful servant and heroic martyr as a guide and protector to Christian youths, that following his example they may after a victorious combat receive the crown of justice in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. St. Vitus, glorious martyr of Christ; in thy youth thou wast exposed to violent and dangerous temptations, but in the fear of God and for the love of Jesus thou didst victoriously overcome them. O amiable, holy youth, I implore thee by the love of Jesus, assist me with thy powerful intercession to overcome the temptations to evil, to avoid every occasion of sin, and thus to preserve spotless the robe of innocence and sanctifying grace, and to bring it unstained to the judgment-seat of Jesus Christ, that I may forever enjoy the beatific vision of God which is promised to the pure of heart. Amen. My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Lawrence Pray especially starting on August 1 and ending on August 9, the eve of the Feast of St. Lawrence. O glorious Saint Lawrence, Martyr and Deacon, who, being subjected to the most bitter torments, didst not lose thy faith nor thy constancy in confessing Jesus Christ; obtain in like manner for us such an active and solid faith, that we shall never be ashamed to be true followers of Jesus Christ, and fervent Christians in word and in deed. Pray one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria V. Pray for us, O holy Lawrence, R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray: Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, the grace to quench the flames of our wicked desires, who didst give unto blessed Lawrence power to be more than conqueror in his fiery torments. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Novena to St. Christopher Pray especially beginning on 16 July and ending on 24 July, the eve of the Feast of St. Christopher on 25 July Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. O God, Who didst make St. Christophorus a true Christ-bearer, who converted multitudes to the Christian faith, and who didst give him the grace to suffer for Thy sake the most cruel torments; through the intercession of this saint we implore Thee to protect us from sin, the only real evil. Preserve us, also, against harmful elementary forces, such as earthquake, lightning, fire, and flood. Amen. Great St. Christophorus, seeking the strongest and mightiest master thou didst find him in Jesus Christ, the almighty God. of heaven and earth, and didst faithfully serve Him with all thy power to the end of thy life, gaining for Him countless souls and finally shedding thy blood for Him; obtain for me the grace to bear Christ always in my heart, as thou didst once bear Him on thy shoulder, so that I thereby may be strengthened to overcome victoriously all temptations and resist all enticements of the world, the devil, and the flesh, and that the powers of darkness may not prevail against me. Amen. My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Erasmus (Elmo) Pray especially beginning on 24 May and ending on 1 June, the eve of the Feast of St. Erasmus on June 2. Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. O God, grant us through the intercession of Thy dauntless bishop and martyr Erasmus, who so valiantly confessed the Faith, that we may learn the doctrine of this faith, practise its precepts, and thereby be made worthy to attain its promises. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Holy martyr Erasmus, who didst willingly and bravely bear the trials and sufferings of life, and by thy charity didst console many fellowsufferers; I implore thee to remember me in my needs and to intercede for me with God. Staunch confessor of the Faith, victorious vanquisher of all tortures, pray Jesus for me and ask Him to grant me the grace to live and die in the Faith through which thou didst obtain the crown of glory. Amen. My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Denis (Dionysius) Pray especially beginning on 30 September and ending on 8 October, the eve of the Feast of St. Denis on 9 October Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. O God, Who didst confer Thy saving faith on the people of France through Thy holy bishop and martyr Dionysius, and didst glorify him before and after his martyrdom by many miracles; grant us through his intercession that the Faith practised and preached by him be our light on the way of life, so that we may be preserved from all anxieties of conscience, and if by human frailty we have sinned, we may return to Thee speedily by true penance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Glorious servant of God, St. Dionysius, with intense love thou didst devote thyself to Christ after learning to know Him through the apostle St. Paul, and didst preach His saving name to the nations, to bring whom to His knowledge and love thou didst not shrink from martyrdom; implore for me a continual growth in the knowledge and love of Jesus, so that my restless heart may experience that peace which He alone can give. Help me by thy powerful intercession with God to serve Him with a willing heart, to devote myself with abiding love to His service, and thereby to attain the eternal bliss of heaven. Amen. My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Eustace Pray especially beginning on 11 September and ending on 19 September, the eve of the Feast of St. Eustace on 20 September. Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. O God, Who didst lead Thy holy martyr Eustachius safely through many trials and dangers to the glorious crown of martyrdom; enlighten and strengthen us through his intercession, that we persevere in Thy love amid the trials of this life, and by resignation to Thy holy will come forth from the darkness of this earth into the light of Thy eternal glory. Amen. Heroic servant of God, St. Eustachius, cast from the height of earthly glory and power into the deepest misery, thou wast engaged for a long time in the labor of a menial servant, eating the bitter bread of destitution; but never didst thou murmur against the severe probation to which God subjected thee. I implore thee to aid me with thy powerful intercession, that in all conditions I may resign myself to the holy will of God, and particularly that I may bear poverty and its consequences with patience, trusting in God’s providence, completely resigned to the decrees of Him who humbles and exalts, chastises and heals, sends trials and consolations, and who has promised to those who follow Him in the spirit of poverty His beatific vision throughout all eternity. Amen. My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Pantaleon Pray especially beginning on 18 July and ending on 26 July, the eve of the Feast of St. Pantaleon on 27 July. Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. O God, Who didst give to St. Pantaleon the grace of exercising charity toward his fellow-men by distributing his goods to the poor, and hast made him a special patron of the sick, grant, that we, too, show our charity by works of mercy; and through the intercession of this Thy servant preserve us from sickness. But if it be _ Thy will that illness should afflict us, give us the grace to bear it patiently, and let it promote our soul’s salvation. Amen. St. Pantaleon, who during life didst have great pity for the sick and with the help of God didst often relieve and cure them; I invoke thy intercession with God, that I may obtain the grace to serve Him in good health by cheerfully fulfilling the duties of my state of life. But if it be His holy. will to visit me with illness, pain, and suffering, do thou aid me with thy powerful prayer to submit humbly to His chastisements, to accept sickness in the spirit of penance’ and to bear it patiently according to His holy will. Amen. My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Cyriacus Pray especially beginning on 30 July and ending on 7 August, the eve of the Feast of St. Cyriacus on 8 August. Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. O God, Who didst grant to St. Cyriacus the grace of heroic charity and trustful resignation to Thy holy will; bestow upon us, through his intercession, the grace to walk before Thee in self-denying charity and to know and fulfil Thy will in all things. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. St. Cyriacus, great servant of God, loving Christ with all thy heart, thou didst for His sake also love thy fellow-men, and didst serve them even at the peril of thy life, for which charity God rewarded thee with the power to overcome Satan, the arch-enemy, and to deliver the poor obsessed from his dreadful tyranny; implore for me of God an effective, real, and true charity. Show thy power over Satan also in me; deliver me from his influence when he tries to tempt me. Help me to repel his assaults and to gain the victory over him in life and in death. Amen. My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Ephraem the Syrian Say once a day for nine days, especially starting on 9 June and ending on 17 June. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant.Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. Amen. (Mention your intentions here) St. Ephrem the Syrian, pray for us. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Novena to St. Lucy Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 4 December and ending on 12 December Saint Lucy, thy beautiful name signifies light. By the light of faith which God bestowed upon thee, increase and preserve this light in my soul so that I may avoid evil, be zealous in the performance of good works, and abhor nothing so much as the blindness and the darkness of evil and of sin. By thine intercession with God, obtain for me perfect vision for my bodily eyes and the grace to use them for God's greater honour and glory and the salvation of all men. Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. Amen. (mention your intentions here) Novena to St. Agnes Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 12 January and ending on 20 January, the eve of the Feast of St. Agnes. O singular example of virtue, glorious Saint Agnes, by the living faith which animated thee from thy tenderest years, and rendered thee so pleasing to God that thou didst merit the martyr's crown: obtain for us the grace to keep our holy faith inviolate within us, and to profess ourselves Christians sincerely in word and work; may our open confession of Jesus before men cause Him to bear a favorable witness to us before His eternal Father. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be O invincible Martyr, Saint Agnes most renowned, by thy confidence in God's help, when, being condemned by the impious Roman prefect to see the lily of thy purity stained and trampled in the mire, thou didst not despair, still trusting firmly in the God who giveth His angels charge over them that trust in Him: we beseech thee by thine intercession to obtain for us from Almighty God the forgiveness of all our sins and the sure confidence that He will bestow upon us life everlasting and the means necessary to merit it. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be O courageous maiden, Saint Agnes most pure, by the burning love with which thy heart was on fire, and which preserved thee from harm in the midst of the flames of passion and of the stake, where the enemies of Jesus Christ sought to destroy thee: obtain for us from Almighty God that every unclean flame may be extinguished in us and only that fire, which Jesus Christ came to enkindle upon the earth, may burn within us; so that, after spending a blameless life in the practice of this fair virtue, we shall be worthy to have a share in the glory thou didst merit by the purity of thy heart and by thy martyrdom. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be Novena to St. Agatha Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 27 January and ending on 4 February, the eve of the Feast of St. Agatha. O glorious St Agatha, who remained faithful to Our Lord even unto death, intercede for me as thou dost rejoice in the reward of thy virtues. Cast a glance of pity on me and grant my petition, if such be the will of God. Make my troubles into thine own. Plead for the grace yearned for ardently, and for a blessing that may strengthen me during life, so to assist me/her to lead a faithful life, so that, one day, I may join you in eternity to behold the Source of Eternal Joy. Amen. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be Novena to St. Cecilia Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 13 November and ending on 21 November In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. St. Cecilia, pray for us. St. Cecilia, wise virgin, pray for us. St. Cecilia, whose heart burned with the fire of divine love, pray for us. St. Cecilia, apostle by thy zeal and charity, pray for us. St. Cecilia, who converted thy spouse and procured for him the crown of martyrdom, pray for us. St. Cecilia, who by your pleadings moved the hearts of pagans, and brought them into the true Church, pray for us. St. Cecilia, who did unceasingly see thy guardian angel by your side, pray for us. St. Cecilia, who mingled thy voice with the celestial harmonies of the virgins, pray for us. St. Cecilia, who by thy melodious accents celebrated the praises of Jesus, pray for us. St. Cecilia, illustrious martyr of Jesus Christ, pray for us. St. Cecilia, who during three days suffered most excruciating torments, pray for us. St. Cecilia, consolation of the afflicted, St. Cecilia, protectress of all who invoke thee, pray for us. St. Cecilia, patroness of holy canticles, pray for us. St. Cecilia, special patroness and advocate of all singers, musicians, authors, and students, pray for us. We salute thee, O Virgin, who gave thy blood for the defense and faith of Jesus Christ. (Mention your intention here) Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Novena to St. Monica Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 25 April and ending on 3 May, the eve of the Feast of St. Monica. Exemplary mother of the great Augustine, thou didst perserveringly pursue thy wayward son, not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so that they may learn to draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain close to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray. Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced thy heart during thy lifetime. Yet thou didst never despair or lose faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, thou didst pray daily for the conversion of thy beloved husband, Patricius, and thy beloved son, Augustine. Grant me that same fortitude, patience and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, that God may favorably hear my plea for (Mention your intentions here) And grant me the grace to accept His will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. Novena to St. Augustine Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 19 August and ending on 27 August, the eve of the Feast of St. Augutine. First Day: O holy Saint Augustine, who has famously declared that “Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.”, aid me in my own search for our Lord that through your intercession I may be granted the wisdom to determine the purpose God has planned for me. Pray that I be blessed with the courage to follow God’s will even at times when I do not understand. Ask our Lord to lead me to a life worthy of His love, that I may one day share the riches of His kingdom. Petition our Lord and Savior to ease the burden of my problems and grant my special intention, and I will honor you all of my days. Beloved Saint Augustine the miracles you have performed for the greater glory of God have caused people to seek your intercession for their most pressing concerns. Hear my cries as I invoke your name to petition God for an increased faith and to aid me in my present distress. (Mention your intentions here) Glorious Saint Augustine I boldly ask for your intercession confident in your boundless wisdom and compassion. May this devotion lead me to a life dedicated to the fulfilling the will of God that I may one day be deemed worthy of sharing His Kingdom with you and all the saints for all eternity. Say one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria St. Augustine, pray for us! Amen. Second Day: O holy Saint Augustine, who has famously declared that “Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.”, aid me in my own search for our Lord that through your intercession I may be granted the wisdom to determine the purpose God has planned for me. Pray that I be blessed with the courage to follow God’s will even at times when I do not understand. Ask our Lord to lead me to a life worthy of His love, that I may one day share the riches of His kingdom. Petition our Lord and Savior to ease the burden of my problems and grant my special intention, and I will honor you all of my days. Holy Saint Augustine, you have been plucked from a life of iniquity through the incessant prayers of your mother Saint Monica to become a staunch defender of the faith. Pray for me now and turn not from my petitions, that I may also be blessed with God’s grace and guidance through this present predicament into a life of complete subservience to His will. (Mention your intentions here) Glorious Saint Augustine I boldly ask for your intercession confident in your boundless wisdom and compassion. May this devotion lead me to a life dedicated to the fulfilling the will of God that I may one day be deemed worthy of sharing His Kingdom with you and all the saints for all eternity. Say one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria St. Augustine, pray for us! Amen. Third Day: O holy Saint Augustine, who has famously declared that “Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.”, aid me in my own search for our Lord that through your intercession I may be granted the wisdom to determine the purpose God has planned for me. Pray that I be blessed with the courage to follow God’s will even at times when I do not understand. Ask our Lord to lead me to a life worthy of His love, that I may one day share the riches of His kingdom. Petition our Lord and Savior to ease the burden of my problems and grant my special intention, and I will honor you all of my days. Glorious Saint Augustine you are renowned in the Christian world for your kindness, compassion and powerful intercession. Emboldened by this, I humbly come before you to invoke your aid in asking for God’s all-powerful assistance to see me through my most pressing concern. (Mention your intentions here) Glorious Saint Augustine I boldly ask for your intercession confident in your boundless wisdom and compassion. May this devotion lead me to a life dedicated to the fulfilling the will of God that I may one day be deemed worthy of sharing His Kingdom with you and all the saints for all eternity. Say one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria St. Augustine, pray for us! Amen. Fourth Day: O holy Saint Augustine, who has famously declared that “Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.”, aid me in my own search for our Lord that through your intercession I may be granted the wisdom to determine the purpose God has planned for me. Pray that I be blessed with the courage to follow God’s will even at times when I do not understand. Ask our Lord to lead me to a life worthy of His love, that I may one day share the riches of His kingdom. Petition our Lord and Savior to ease the burden of my problems and grant my special intention, and I will honor you all of my days. Saint Augustine, through you God has manifested his power and mastery of the earth, enabling you to make prophesies and to perform miracles to aid the poorest of the poor, whom you have chosen to serve. Look upon me, a poor servant of God, and the afflictions of body and spirit that plague me, and in your kindness, help me seek the aid of the One True God we seek to love and serve throughout our lives. (Mention your intentions here) Glorious Saint Augustine I boldly ask for your intercession confident in your boundless wisdom and compassion. May this devotion lead me to a life dedicated to the fulfilling the will of God that I may one day be deemed worthy of sharing His Kingdom with you and all the saints for all eternity. Say one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria St. Augustine, pray for us! Amen. Fifth Day: O holy Saint Augustine, who has famously declared that “Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.”, aid me in my own search for our Lord that through your intercession I may be granted the wisdom to determine the purpose God has planned for me. Pray that I be blessed with the courage to follow God’s will even at times when I do not understand. Ask our Lord to lead me to a life worthy of His love, that I may one day share the riches of His kingdom. Petition our Lord and Savior to ease the burden of my problems and grant my special intention, and I will honor you all of my days. Saint Augustine, God’s faithful servant, educator and evangelist, show me the mercy you are renowned for and come to my aid in this time of distress. Hear my cries and ask our Lord Jesus Christ to bless me with a favorable response to my petition. (Mention your intentions here) Glorious Saint Augustine I boldly ask for your intercession confident in your boundless wisdom and compassion. May this devotion lead me to a life dedicated to the fulfilling the will of God that I may one day be deemed worthy of sharing His Kingdom with you and all the saints for all eternity. Say one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria St. Augustine, pray for us! Amen. Sixth Day: O holy Saint Augustine, who has famously declared that “Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.”, aid me in my own search for our Lord that through your intercession I may be granted the wisdom to determine the purpose God has planned for me. Pray that I be blessed with the courage to follow God’s will even at times when I do not understand. Ask our Lord to lead me to a life worthy of His love, that I may one day share the riches of His kingdom. Petition our Lord and Savior to ease the burden of my problems and grant my special intention, and I will honor you all of my days. Holy Saint Augustine, you were saved when you heeded God’s call for your conversion, and granted the power to perform powerful miracles in His name. Let your kindness cause you to plead to God for a miraculous resolution of my present problem and the granting of my special intention. (Mention your intentions here) Glorious Saint Augustine I boldly ask for your intercession confident in your boundless wisdom and compassion. May this devotion lead me to a life dedicated to the fulfilling the will of God that I may one day be deemed worthy of sharing His Kingdom with you and all the saints for all eternity. Say one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria St. Augustine, pray for us! Amen. Seventh Day: O holy Saint Augustine, who has famously declared that “Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.”, aid me in my own search for our Lord that through your intercession I may be granted the wisdom to determine the purpose God has planned for me. Pray that I be blessed with the courage to follow God’s will even at times when I do not understand. Ask our Lord to lead me to a life worthy of His love, that I may one day share the riches of His kingdom. Petition our Lord and Savior to ease the burden of my problems and grant my special intention, and I will honor you all of my days. Glorious Saint Augustine, in your compassion, wisdom and grace, all who seek your aid do not leave empty handed. In this time of extreme anxiety, I entrust my present predicament to the power of your kind intercession. May you obtain for me the grace to have the special favor I ask for be granted. (Mention your intentions here) Glorious Saint Augustine I boldly ask for your intercession confident in your boundless wisdom and compassion. May this devotion lead me to a life dedicated to the fulfilling the will of God that I may one day be deemed worthy of sharing His Kingdom with you and all the saints for all eternity. Say one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria St. Augustine, pray for us! Amen. Eighth Day: O holy Saint Augustine, who has famously declared that “Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.”, aid me in my own search for our Lord that through your intercession I may be granted the wisdom to determine the purpose God has planned for me. Pray that I be blessed with the courage to follow God’s will even at times when I do not understand. Ask our Lord to lead me to a life worthy of His love, that I may one day share the riches of His kingdom. Petition our Lord and Savior to ease the burden of my problems and grant my special intention, and I will honor you all of my days. Saint Augustine, God has tasked you with aiding people in distress even when the assistance they need requires you to perform miracles in His name. Refuse not my request for your kind intercession and obtain for me the special favor that I seek through this novena. (Mention your intentions here) Glorious Saint Augustine I boldly ask for your intercession confident in your boundless wisdom and compassion. May this devotion lead me to a life dedicated to the fulfilling the will of God that I may one day be deemed worthy of sharing His Kingdom with you and all the saints for all eternity. Say one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria St. Augustine, pray for us! Amen. Ninth Day: O holy Saint Augustine, who has famously declared that “Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.”, aid me in my own search for our Lord that through your intercession I may be granted the wisdom to determine the purpose God has planned for me. Pray that I be blessed with the courage to follow God’s will even at times when I do not understand. Ask our Lord to lead me to a life worthy of His love, that I may one day share the riches of His kingdom. Petition our Lord and Savior to ease the burden of my problems and grant my special intention, and I will honor you all of my days. Holy Saint Augustine, you have overcome great adversity to be revered as one of the greatest saints of our Church. In your wisdom and compassion, aid me in my own life quest to fulfill the destiny laid for me, that God may bless me with the strength, courage and wisdom to surrender my temporal concerns to His will. Intercede for me that my most pressing concerns be resolved and my petition granted. (State the nature of your problem or the special favor you seek) Saint Augustine, God has tasked you with aiding people in distress even when the assistance they need requires you to perform miracles in His name. Refuse not my request for your kind intercession and obtain for me the special favor that I seek through this novena. (Mention your intentions here) Glorious Saint Augustine I boldly ask for your intercession confident in your boundless wisdom and compassion. May this devotion lead me to a life dedicated to the fulfilling the will of God that I may one day be deemed worthy of sharing His Kingdom with you and all the saints for all eternity. Say one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria St. Augustine, pray for us! Amen. Novena to St. Walburga Pray especially starting on 22 April and ending on 30 April (Walpugisnacht), the eve of the Feast of St. Walburga. Holy Walburga, you dwell in the glory of heaven, gazing upon the face of the Triune God in the company of all the saints. I turn to you, full of trust in the words of Jesus Christ, "Amen, amen I say to you, the one who has faith in me will do the works I do, and greater far than these." God has granted you the gift of healing; help me in my need, which I bring before you (Mention your intentions here) Beg God to grant healing, consolation and strength to me and to all those for whom I pray. Implore Him to let me recognize His love and know His presence, whatever He may have in store for me. Ask this for me through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who lives and reigns in the unity of the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. Novena to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Pray especially starting on 10 November and ending on 18 November, the eve of the Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Almighty God, by whose grace St. Elizabeth of Hungary saw and honored Christ on earth in the poor, through her intercession, give us the spirit of charity, that we may serve with perseverance the needy and suffering. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of death. Amen. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Pray for us. Novena to St. Hildegard von Bingen Pray especially starting on 8 September and ending on 16 September, the eve of the Feast of St. Hildegard. Father, Source of Life, Thou hast bestowed on St Hildegard of Bingen many excellent graces. Help us to follow her example of meditating on Thine ineffable Majesty and to follow Thee so that we, amidst the darkness of this world, recognise the Light of Thy clarity to cling to Thee without fail. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Pray one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria Novena to St. Thomas Aquinas Pray especially beginning on 26 February (27 February in leap years) and ending on March 6. First day: "He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:37). Ineffable Creator, Who out of the treasures of Your wisdom has appointed three hierarchies of Angels and set them in admirable order high above the heavens and has disposed the different portions of the universe in such marvelous array, You Who are called the True Source of Light and super-eminent Principle of Wisdom, be pleased to cast a beam of Your radiance upon the darkness of my mind and dispel from me the double darkness of sin and ignorance in which I have been born. You Who makes eloquent the tongues of little children, fashion my words and pour upon my lips the grace of Your benediction. Grant me penetration to understand, capacity to retain, method and facility in study, subtlety in interpretation and abundant grace of expression. Order the beginning, direct the progress and perfect the achievement of my work, You who are true God and Man and lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. Blessed Thomas, pray for us; that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Second day: “For God has not called us for uncleanness, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7). Ineffable Creator, Who out of the treasures of Your wisdom has appointed three hierarchies of Angels and set them in admirable order high above the heavens and has disposed the different portions of the universe in such marvelous array, You Who are called the True Source of Light and super-eminent Principle of Wisdom, be pleased to cast a beam of Your radiance upon the darkness of my mind and dispel from me the double darkness of sin and ignorance in which I have been born. You Who makes eloquent the tongues of little children, fashion my words and pour upon my lips the grace of Your benediction. Grant me penetration to understand, capacity to retain, method and facility in study, subtlety in interpretation and abundant grace of expression. Order the beginning, direct the progress and perfect the achievement of my work, You who are true God and Man and lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. Blessed Thomas, pray for us; that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Third day: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). Ineffable Creator, Who out of the treasures of Your wisdom has appointed three hierarchies of Angels and set them in admirable order high above the heavens and has disposed the different portions of the universe in such marvelous array, You Who are called the True Source of Light and super-eminent Principle of Wisdom, be pleased to cast a beam of Your radiance upon the darkness of my mind and dispel from me the double darkness of sin and ignorance in which I have been born. You Who makes eloquent the tongues of little children, fashion my words and pour upon my lips the grace of Your benediction. Grant me penetration to understand, capacity to retain, method and facility in study, subtlety in interpretation and abundant grace of expression. Order the beginning, direct the progress and perfect the achievement of my work, You who are true God and Man and lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. Blessed Thomas, pray for us; that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Fourth day: “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Ineffable Creator, Who out of the treasures of Your wisdom has appointed three hierarchies of Angels and set them in admirable order high above the heavens and has disposed the different portions of the universe in such marvelous array, You Who are called the True Source of Light and super-eminent Principle of Wisdom, be pleased to cast a beam of Your radiance upon the darkness of my mind and dispel from me the double darkness of sin and ignorance in which I have been born. You Who makes eloquent the tongues of little children, fashion my words and pour upon my lips the grace of Your benediction. Grant me penetration to understand, capacity to retain, method and facility in study, subtlety in interpretation and abundant grace of expression. Order the beginning, direct the progress and perfect the achievement of my work, You who are true God and Man and lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. Blessed Thomas, pray for us; that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Fifth day: “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53). Ineffable Creator, Who out of the treasures of Your wisdom has appointed three hierarchies of Angels and set them in admirable order high above the heavens and has disposed the different portions of the universe in such marvelous array, You Who are called the True Source of Light and super-eminent Principle of Wisdom, be pleased to cast a beam of Your radiance upon the darkness of my mind and dispel from me the double darkness of sin and ignorance in which I have been born. You Who makes eloquent the tongues of little children, fashion my words and pour upon my lips the grace of Your benediction. Grant me penetration to understand, capacity to retain, method and facility in study, subtlety in interpretation and abundant grace of expression. Order the beginning, direct the progress and perfect the achievement of my work, You who are true God and Man and lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. Blessed Thomas, pray for us; that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Sixth day: “Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right” (1 Corinthians 13:4-6). Ineffable Creator, Who out of the treasures of Your wisdom has appointed three hierarchies of Angels and set them in admirable order high above the heavens and has disposed the different portions of the universe in such marvelous array, You Who are called the True Source of Light and super-eminent Principle of Wisdom, be pleased to cast a beam of Your radiance upon the darkness of my mind and dispel from me the double darkness of sin and ignorance in which I have been born. You Who makes eloquent the tongues of little children, fashion my words and pour upon my lips the grace of Your benediction. Grant me penetration to understand, capacity to retain, method and facility in study, subtlety in interpretation and abundant grace of expression. Order the beginning, direct the progress and perfect the achievement of my work, You who are true God and Man and lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. Blessed Thomas, pray for us; that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Seventh day: “...the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). Ineffable Creator, Who out of the treasures of Your wisdom has appointed three hierarchies of Angels and set them in admirable order high above the heavens and has disposed the different portions of the universe in such marvelous array, You Who are called the True Source of Light and super-eminent Principle of Wisdom, be pleased to cast a beam of Your radiance upon the darkness of my mind and dispel from me the double darkness of sin and ignorance in which I have been born. You Who makes eloquent the tongues of little children, fashion my words and pour upon my lips the grace of Your benediction. Grant me penetration to understand, capacity to retain, method and facility in study, subtlety in interpretation and abundant grace of expression. Order the beginning, direct the progress and perfect the achievement of my work, You who are true God and Man and lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. Blessed Thomas, pray for us; that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Eighth day: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). Ineffable Creator, Who out of the treasures of Your wisdom has appointed three hierarchies of Angels and set them in admirable order high above the heavens and has disposed the different portions of the universe in such marvelous array, You Who are called the True Source of Light and super-eminent Principle of Wisdom, be pleased to cast a beam of Your radiance upon the darkness of my mind and dispel from me the double darkness of sin and ignorance in which I have been born. You Who makes eloquent the tongues of little children, fashion my words and pour upon my lips the grace of Your benediction. Grant me penetration to understand, capacity to retain, method and facility in study, subtlety in interpretation and abundant grace of expression. Order the beginning, direct the progress and perfect the achievement of my work, You who are true God and Man and lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. Blessed Thomas, pray for us; that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ninth day: “...in every way you were enriched in [Christ Jesus] with all speech and all knowledge” (1 Corinthians 1:5). Ineffable Creator, Who out of the treasures of Your wisdom has appointed three hierarchies of Angels and set them in admirable order high above the heavens and has disposed the different portions of the universe in such marvelous array, You Who are called the True Source of Light and super-eminent Principle of Wisdom, be pleased to cast a beam of Your radiance upon the darkness of my mind and dispel from me the double darkness of sin and ignorance in which I have been born. You Who makes eloquent the tongues of little children, fashion my words and pour upon my lips the grace of Your benediction. Grant me penetration to understand, capacity to retain, method and facility in study, subtlety in interpretation and abundant grace of expression. Order the beginning, direct the progress and perfect the achievement of my work, You who are true God and Man and lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. Blessed Thomas, pray for us; that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Novena to St. Francis of Assisi Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 25 September and ending on 3 October, the eve of the Feast of St. Francis. Glorious Saint Francis, who voluntarily renounced all the comforts and riches of thy home to follow more perfectly the life of poverty and abnegation of Jesus Christ: Obtain for us, we pray, a generous contempt of all things in this world, that we may secure the true and eternal things of heaven. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. O glorious Saint Francis, who during the whole course of thy life continually wept over the passion of the Redeemer, and labored most zealously for the salvation of souls: Obtain for us, we pray, the grace of weeping continually over those sins by which we have crucified afresh Our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may attain to be of the number of those who shall eternally bless His supreme mercy. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. O glorious Saint Francis, who, loving above all things suffering and the Cross, merited to bear in thy body the miraculous stigmata, by which thou becamest a living image of Jesus Christ crucified: Obtain for us, we pray, the grace to bear in our bodies the mortifications of Christ, that we may merit one day to receive the consolations which are infallibly promised to all those who now weep. "If we be dead with Christ Jesus, we shall live also with Him," says the Apostle; "if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him." Pray for us, Saint Francis, that we may obtain the graces and favors we ask for in this novena; pray for us, especially, that we may obtain the grace of perseverance; of a holy death and a happy eternity. Pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be five times Novena to St. Clare of Assisi Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 3 August and ending on 11 August, the eve of the Feast of St. Clare. First Day: O most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise Thy Holy Name and the wonders of grace Thou hast worked in Thy servant, Saint Clare. Through her powerful intercession grant us the favours we beg in this novena, above all the grace to live and die as she did in Thy most Holy Love. Amen. O Seraphic Saint Clare, first disciple of the Poor Man of Assisi, who hast abandoned all riches and honours for a life of sacrifice and of highest poverty, obtain from God for us the grace we ask (mention your intentions here), that of always submitting to the Divine Will and of living confidently in the providence of our Heavenly Father. Amen. V. Pray for us, Saint Clare. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us Pray. We Pray Thee, Lord, Grant us Thy servants who celebrate the festival of blessed Clare Thy Virgin, by her intercession, to be partakers of the joys of heaven and coheirs with Thine only-begotten Son, Who being God, lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Second Day: O most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise Thy Holy Name and the wonders of grace Thou hast worked in Thy servant, Saint Clare. Through her powerful intercession grant us the favours we beg in this novena, above all the grace to live and die as she did in Thy most Holy Love. Amen. O Seraphic Saint Clare who, notwithstanding living separated from the world hast not forgotten the poor and the afflicted, but hast become a mother to them, sacrificing for them your riches and working for them innumerable miracles; obtain from God for us the grace we implore (mention your intentions here), Christian charity towards our brethren in all their spiritual and temporal needs. Amen. V. Pray for us, Saint Clare. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us Pray. We Pray Thee, Lord, Grant us Thy servants who celebrate the festival of blessed Clare Thy Virgin, by her intercession, to be partakers of the joys of heaven and coheirs with Thine only-begotten Son, Who being God, lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Third Day: O most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise Thy Holy Name and the wonders of grace Thou hast worked in Thy servant, Saint Clare. Through her powerful intercession grant us the favours we beg in this novena, above all the grace to live and die as she did in Thy most Holy Love. Amen. O Seraphic Saint Clare, light of your country, who hast delivered Italy from barbarous invaders; obtain from God for us the grace we implore (mention your intentions here), that of overcoming all attacks of the world against faith and morals thus preserving in our families true Christian peace with a holy fear of God and a devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Amen. V. Pray for us, Saint Clare. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us Pray. We Pray Thee, Lord, Grant us Thy servants who celebrate the festival of blessed Clare Thy Virgin, by her intercession, to be partakers of the joys of heaven and coheirs with Thine only-begotten Son, Who being God, lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Fourth Day: O most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise Thy Holy Name and the wonders of grace Thou hast worked in Thy servant, Saint Clare. Through her powerful intercession grant us the favours we beg in this novena, above all the grace to live and die as she did in Thy most Holy Love. Amen. Blessed Saint Clare, whose very name means light, illumine the darkness of our minds and hearts so that we might see what God wishes us to do and perform it with a willing and joyful heart. Before your birth, a Heavenly voice foretold that you would be a light illuminating the world. Be a light to us in the sorrows and anxieties of this earthly life, and lead us into the eternal light of our home in Heaven. Amen. V. Pray for us, Saint Clare. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us Pray. We Pray Thee, Lord, Grant us Thy servants who celebrate the festival of blessed Clare Thy Virgin, by her intercession, to be partakers of the joys of heaven and coheirs with Thine only-begotten Son, Who being God, lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Fifth Day: O most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise Thy Holy Name and the wonders of grace Thou hast worked in Thy servant, Saint Clare. Through her powerful intercession grant us the favours we beg in this novena, above all the grace to live and die as she did in Thy most Holy Love. Amen. O Seraphic Saint Clare, whose virginal heart was great enough to love the whole world, take our petitions into your pure hands and present them to God. Pray for us that we may one day enter joyously before the throne of God. Let the light of your perfect purity consume the shadows of sin and corruption that darkens the world. Intercede by your innocence for our youth. Safeguard the peace of our homes and the unity of our family. Plead with your chaste love for all in peril. Amen. V. Pray for us, Saint Clare. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us Pray. We Pray Thee, Lord, Grant us Thy servants who celebrate the festival of blessed Clare Thy Virgin, by her intercession, to be partakers of the joys of heaven and coheirs with Thine only-begotten Son, Who being God, lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Sixth Day: O most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise Thy Holy Name and the wonders of grace Thou hast worked in Thy servant, Saint Clare. Through her powerful intercession grant us the favours we beg in this novena, above all the grace to live and die as she did in Thy most Holy Love. Amen. Generous Saint Clare, who left wealth and pleasure and all earthly goods to become the first spiritual daughter of Saint Francis and to serve God in the cloister, help us to commit our lives to God without limit or measure so that He may live in us and shine forth from us to all whose lives touch ours. You who loved souls so much as to make your life a continual sacrifice for them, obtain for us the graces we now implore and win for us the strength to praise God in suffering as well as in joy. Amen. V. Pray for us, Saint Clare. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us Pray. We Pray Thee, Lord, Grant us Thy servants who celebrate the festival of blessed Clare Thy Virgin, by her intercession, to be partakers of the joys of heaven and coheirs with Thine only-begotten Son, Who being God, lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Seventh Day: O most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise Thy Holy Name and the wonders of grace Thou hast worked in Thy servant, Saint Clare. Through her powerful intercession grant us the favours we beg in this novena, above all the grace to live and die as she did in Thy most Holy Love. Amen. Faithful Saint Clare, loyal daughter of the Church, friend and confidante of popes, intercede for the holy Church and look graciously from Heaven on our holy Father Pope. Enlighten us to remove from our souls all that hinders the progress of the Church on earth. Grant that we may share your great love for the church of God and spread His kingdom on earth by a holy life. You, who worked miracles in the presence of the pope on earth, obtain for us the graces we need, now that you stand in the presence of the most high God in Heaven. Amen. V. Pray for us, Saint Clare. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us Pray. We Pray Thee, Lord, Grant us Thy servants who celebrate the festival of blessed Clare Thy Virgin, by her intercession, to be partakers of the joys of heaven and coheirs with Thine only-begotten Son, Who being God, lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Eighth Day: O most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise Thy Holy Name and the wonders of grace Thou hast worked in Thy servant, Saint Clare. Through her powerful intercession grant us the favours we beg in this novena, above all the grace to live and die as she did in Thy most Holy Love. Amen. Valiant Saint Clare, who fearlessly stood alone against the barbarous Saracens, trusting in the Blessed Sacrament as your only protection, enkindle in us a tender love for Jesus Christ; help us to live Eucharistic lives. You who saved your city of Assisi from plunder and ruin, protect our city and archdiocese, plead for our beloved country and the suffering world. A voice from the Sacred Host rewarded your trust with a promise: "I will always take care of you." Glorious Saint Clare, from your high place in Heaven, take care of us now in our earthly needs and guide us by your light to Heaven. Amen. V. Pray for us, Saint Clare. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us Pray. We Pray Thee, Lord, Grant us Thy servants who celebrate the festival of blessed Clare Thy Virgin, by her intercession, to be partakers of the joys of heaven and coheirs with Thine only-begotten Son, Who being God, lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Ninth Day: O most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise Thy Holy Name and the wonders of grace Thou hast worked in Thy servant, Saint Clare. Through her powerful intercession grant us the favours we beg in this novena, above all the grace to live and die as she did in Thy most Holy Love. Amen. Gracious Saint Clare, who fulfilled your womanhood by a life of love in prayer and penance, help us to fulfill our destiny that we may one day greet you in Heaven. You who were consoled at your death by a vision of Christ band His Mother, obtain for us the grace that we may die under the special protection of God and enter into the life and bliss you now enjoy. Have pity on us who struggle, on us who mourn, and win for us the favours of God so that after this life we may come home to Him who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. V. Pray for us, Saint Clare. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us Pray. We Pray Thee, Lord, Grant us Thy servants who celebrate the festival of blessed Clare Thy Virgin, by her intercession, to be partakers of the joys of heaven and coheirs with Thine only-begotten Son, Who being God, lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. Novena to St. Anthony of Padua Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 4 June and ending on 12 June, the eve of the Feast of St. Anthony. Some pray a Novena to St. Anthony on thirteen consecutive Tuesdays, per the instructions of Pope Leo XIII, or on all Tuesdays. O White lily of purity, sublime example of poverty, true mirror of humility, resplendent star of sanctity. O glorious St Anthony, who didst enjoy the sweet privilege of receiving into thy arms the Infant Jesus, I beseech thee to take me under they powerful protection. Thou in whom the power of working miracles shines forth among the other gifts of God, have pity upon me and come to my aid in this my great need. (Mention your intentions here). Cleanse my heart from every disorderly affection, obtain for me a true contrition for my sins and a great love of God and of my neighbour that serving God faithfully in this life, I may come to praise, enjoy and bless Him eternally with thee in Paradise. Amen Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Novena to St. Teresa of Avila Pray especially beginning on 6 October and ending on 14 October, the eve of the Feast of St. Teresa. This Novena was written by St. Alphonsus Liguori. First Day: O most amiable Lord Jesus Christ! We thank Thee for the great gift of faith and of devotion to the Holy Sacrament, which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits and by those of Thy faithful spouse, to grant us the gift of a lively faith, and of a fervent devotion toward the most Holy Sacrament of the altar; where Thou, O infinite Majesty! hast obliged Thyself to abide with us even to the end of the world, and wherein Thou didst so lovingly give Thy whole Self to us. Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be V. St. Teresa, pray for us: R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. Second Day: O most merciful Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the great gift of hope which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy holy spouse, to give us a great confidence in Thy goodness, by reason of Thy Precious Blood, which Thou hast shed to its last drop for our salvation. Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be V. St. Teresa, pray for us: R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. Third Day: O most loving Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the great gift of love which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most loving spouse, to give us the great, the crowning gift of Thy perfect love. Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be V. St. Teresa, pray for us: R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. Fourth Day: O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the gift of great desire and resolution which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa, that she might love Thee perfectly; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most generous spouse, to give us a true desire, and a true resolution of pleasing Thee the utmost of our power. Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be V. St. Teresa, pray for us: R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. Fifth Day: O most kind Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the great gift of humility which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most humble spouse, to grant us the grace of a true humility, which may make us ever find our joy in humiliation, and prefer contempt before every honour. Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be V. St. Teresa, pray for us: R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. Sixth Day: O most bountiful Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the gift of devotion towards Thy sweet mother, Mary and her holy spouse, Joseph, which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most dear spouse, to give us the grace of a special and tender devotion towards Thy most holy mother, Mary, and towards Thy beloved foster-father, Joseph. Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be V. St. Teresa, pray for us: R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. Seventh Day: O most loving Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the wonderful gift of the wound in the heart which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy seraphic spouse, to grant us also a like wound of love, that, henceforth, we may love Thee and give our mind to the love of nothing but Thee. Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be V. St. Teresa, pray for us: R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. Eighth Day: O most beloved Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the eminent gift of the desire for death which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most constant spouse, to grant us the grace of desiring death, in order to go and possess Thee eternally in the country of the blessed. Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be V. St. Teresa, pray for us: R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. Ninth Day: Lastly, O dearest Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the gift of the precious death which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa, making her sweetly to die of love; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most affectionate spouse, to grant us a good death; and if we do not die of love, yet, that we may at least die burning of love for Thee, that so dying, we may be able to go and love Thee for evermore with a more perfect love in heaven. Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be V. St. Teresa, pray for us: R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ. Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. Novena to Saint Catherine of Siena Pray this novena starting on 21 April and ending on 29 April, the eve of the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena on 30 April Catherine, fairest and most glorious of the daughters of St. Dominic, by that spirit of prayer, which was your delight from your infancy, obtain for us the love and practice of prayer, and the grace so to converse with God as to become daily more pleasing to Him. Pray a Gloria By that especial love which you, O great saint, bore to the virtue of purity, consecrating yourself at eight years of age to the Lord by an irrevocable vow, and afterwards by rejecting the most honorable offers of marriage: obtain for us, we pray you, the grace to be always pure in mind and heart, and to detest and abhor everything which could offend in the smallest degree against a virtue so sublime that it raises men to the rank of angels, and makes them most beloved by God. Pray a Gloria By that spirit of retirement which made you, O great saint, desire to behold no one but your Jesus, Who when you were distracted by continual employment in your family, taught you to build a solitude in your heart and keep it at all times filled with thoughts of heaven: obtain for us, we pray, the grace so to love solitude and retirement, however the world may invite us to share its pleasures and its pomps, that our hearts may always turn to God amidst the most dissipating cares which may come upon us in our state of life. Pray a Gloria By the spirit of penance which taught you to inflict upon yourself, even in your earliest years, the most painful mortifications: obtain for us the grace to bear with patience whatever afflictions God may be pleased to order for our good, and to mortify voluntarily all the perverse inclinations of our hearts, and all the unruly desires of our senses, that we may become, in some measure, like our crucified model, Jesus. Pray a Gloria By that heroic charity which led you, O great saint, to attend and minister with your own hands to the poor sick who had been abandoned by all others in disgust, and for which you were repaid only by insult, rudeness, and persecution: obtain of the Lord for us the grace to be, at all times, equally ready to assist our neighbor in his necessities, and to pardon him generously when he returns only insults for the benefits we confer on him, that we may merit the blessedness promised in this life and the next to meekness and true mercy. Pray a Gloria By that supernatural light with which you, O great saint, were miraculously enabled to counsel the Roman Pontiff, who came in person to consult you, when you obtained for him a reconciliation with his adversaries, and his return to Rome: obtain for us of the Lord the grace to know, in all our doubts, that which is most conformable to the will of God, and most conducive to the salvation of souls, that in all our actions we may promote the honor of God and the welfare of our neighbor. Pray a Gloria By that especial devotion which you, O great saint, had to Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, Who sometimes communicated you with His own hands: obtain for us, we pray you, the grace to feel toward the Blessed Sacrament the most fervent devotion, that we may rejoice to converse with Jesus and receive Him into our bosoms to His honor and glory, and for the salvation of our souls. Pray a Gloria St. Catherine, pray for us, that we may obtain what we desire through this novena, if what we ask be pleasing to God and conducive to our eternal salvation. May the will of God be done. Amen. Novena to St. Joan Say once a day for nine days, especially beginning on 21 May and ending on 29 May, the eve of the Feast of St. Joan Glorious St. Joan of Arc, filled with compassion for those who invoke thee, filled with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg thee to take my present need under your special protection. (Mention your intentions here) Grant to recommend it to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints, praise Him through all eternity. O most powerful Saint Joan, do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to heaven, forever and ever. Amen. Novena to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 24 September and ending on 2 October, the eve of the Feast of St. Thérèse (note: her Feast is celebrated on 1 October in the Novus Ordo). Many people report unexpectedly finding or being given a literal rose or roses (or smelling the perfume of roses) after praying to St. Thérèse, who said on her deathbed, "After my death, I will let fall a shower of roses. I will spend my Heaven doing good upon earth. I will raise up a mighty host of little saints. My mission is to make God loved..." 1. O little Thérèse of the Child Jesus, please pick for me a rose from the Heavenly gardens and send it to me as a message of love. O little Flower of Jesus, ask God today to grant the favors I now place with confidence in thy hands. (Mention your intentions here) St. Thérèse, help me to always believe as thou didst, in God's great love for me, so that I might imitate thy "Little Way" each day. Amen. Novena to St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) Say once a day for nine days Dear God, Thou hast generously blessed Thy servant, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, with the gifts of the Spirit. Thou hast marked his body with the five wounds of Christ Crucified, as a powerful witness to the saving Passion and Death of Thy Son. Endowed with the gift of discernment, St. Pio labored endlessly in the confessional for the salvation of souls. With reverence and intense devotion in the celebration of Mass, he invited countless men and women to a greater union with Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Through the intercession of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, I confidently beseech Thee to grant me the grace of (mention your intentions here). Amen. Recite three Glorias Novena to St. Roch Say once a day for nine days, especially in times of illness, and especially starting on 7 August and ending on 15 August, the eve of his feast O blessed Saint Roch, patron of the sick, have pity on those who lie upon a bed of suffering. Your power was so great when you were in this world, that by the sign of the Cross, many were healed of their diseases. Now that you are in Heaven, your power is no less. Offer to God our sighs and tears, and obtain for us the physical and spiritual health we seek. (Mention your intentions here) This we ask through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen. St. Roch, pray for us, that we may be relieved from all diseases of body and soul. Lord Jesus, may Thy will be done. Saint Roch, pray for us! Lord Jesus, may Thy will be done. Saint Roch, pray for us! Lord Jesus, may Thy will be done. Saint Roch, pray for us! Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Novena to St. Rosalia Say once a day for nine days, especially starting on 26 August and ending on 3 September, the eve of her feast Father in heaven, we thank Thee for the communion of saints so that we can draw near to Thee through the prayers of St. Rosalia. Through her prayers help us to remember that our destiny is heaven. As St. Rosalia gave up all things in this world for the sake of Thy Kingdom, through her prayers may we love more fully Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, Who together with Thee and the Holy Spirit are one God forever and ever. O God, our Father, mercifully look upon Thy people who come to Thee and grant through the intercession of St. Rosalia, who turned away from earthly delights to the joys of contemplation, that we may be delivered from all harm here on earth and one day be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven. St. Rosalia, confessor and virgin, we pray to God for our families and friends. Through thy powerful prayers, may we obtain health, life, and eternal salvation. I also pray today for this special need and intention. (Mention your intentions here). O glorious virgin and confessor, St. Rosalia, I promise henceforth to remember and follow your example of faith and love. Pray for me and mine. Amen. Novena to St. Alphonsus Liguori Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 24 July and ending on 1 August (Lammas), the eve of the Feast of St. Alphonsus Liguori on 2 August. O my glorious and well-beloved patron, Saint Alphonsus, thou who didst toil and suffer so abundantly to assure to men the fruits of the Redemption, behold the miseries of my poor soul and have pity on me. By thy powerful intercession with Jesus and Mary, obtain for me true repentance for my sins together with their pardon and remission, a deep hatred of sin, and strength evermore to resist all temptations. Share with me, I pray, at least a spark of that fire of love wherewith thy heart did ever burn; and grant that, following thy example, I may make the will of God the only rule of my life. Obtain for me likewise a fervent and lasting love of Jesus, and a tender and childlike devotion to Mary, together with the grace to pray without ceasing and to persevere in the service of God even to the end of my life, that so I may finally be united with thee in praising God and most holy Mary through all eternity. Amen The Litany of St. Alphonsus Liguori Lord, have pity on us. Christ, have pity on us. Lord, have pity on us. Christ, hear us: Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father, from heaven, have pity on us, hear us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, hear us. God the Holy Ghost, hear us. Holy Trinity, Who art one only God, hear us. Holy Mary, Virgin Immaculate, pray for us. Saint Alphonsus, model of piety from tenderest youth, pray for us. Saint Alphonsus, preserved even till death from mortal sin, pray for us. Despiser of the riches and vanities of the world, pray for us. Always subject to the voice of Divine Providence, pray for us. Rich in the treasures of Christian poverty, pray for us. Model of patience in pains and afflictions, pray for us. Model of meekness and of resignation in contradictions, pray for us. Burning with a holy zeal for the salvation of souls, pray for us. Scourge of heresies, pray for us. Defender of the Catholic Faith, pray for us. Always occupied in evangelizing the poor, pray for us. Tender comforter of the afflicted. pray for us. Instructed in the divine art of converting sinners, pray for us. Enlightened guide in the path of perfection, pray for us. Who became all things to all men, to gain all to Jesus Christ, pray for us. New ornament of religion, pray for us. Bold champion of ecclesiastical discipline, pray for us. Model of submission and devotion to the Sovereign Pontiff, pray for us. Who watched unceasingly over the flock committed to you, pray for us. Full of solicitude to procure the common good of the Church, pray for us. Glory of the Priesthood and of the Episcopate, pray for us. Shining mirror of all virtues, pray for us. Full of tenderest love for the Infant Jesus, pray for us. Inflamed with divine heat in offering the Holy Sacrifice, pray for us. Fervent worshipper of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, pray for us. Penetrated with lively grief at the meditation of the sufferings of our Divine Saviour, pray for us. Specially devoted to the veneration of Mary, pray for us. Honored by the apparition of the Blessed Virgin, while preaching in her honor, pray for us. Of angelic life and purity, pray for us. True Patriarch in your paternal solicitude for the people of God, pray for us. Endowed with the gift of prophecy and miracles, pray for us. Apostle by the extent and fruit of your labors, pray for us. Martyr through your unheard of austerities, pray for us. Confessor by your writings full of the Spirit of God, pray for us. Virgin by purity of Body and soul, pray for us. Founder of the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer, pray for us. Model of Missionaries, pray for us. Our tender father and powerful protector, pray for us. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Pardon us O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have pity on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. Pray for us, St. Alphonsus Liguori, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Prayer: I present myself, O Saint Alphonsus, before you, who were so inflamed with love for your neighbor, and so burning with zeal to procure the grace of conversion for sinners. Humbly prostrate at your feet, I implore your effectual protection; obtain for me, I beg of you, a true contrition for my sins, and the entire reformation of my life. Once more, make my heart become, and remain forever, kindled with love for God, and for the Most Holy Virgin Mary, for whom you had so tender a devotion. Obtain for me the grace to walk in the ways of holiness and justice, that I may one day merit to enjoy my God with you eternally in heaven. Amen Novena to St. Gerard Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 7 October and ending on 15 October, the eve of the Feast of St. Gerard. First Day: Saint Gerard, ever full of faith obtain for me that , believing firmly all that the Church of God proposes to my belief, I may strive to secure through a holy life the joys of eternal happiness. Say nine Hail Marys V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us Pray. O Almighty and everlasting God, who didst draw to thyself Saint Gerard, even from his tenderest years, making him conformable to the Image of Thy Crucified Son, grant we beseech Thee, that imitating his example, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Second Day: Saint Gerard, most generous saint, who from thy tenderest years didst care so little for the goods of earth, grant that I may place all my confidence in Jesus Christ alone, my true Treasure, who alone can make me happy in time and in eternity. Say nine Hail Marys V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Third Day: Saint Gerard, bright seraph of love, who despising all earthly love, didst consecrate thy life to the service of God and thy neighbor, promoting God’s glory in thy lowly state, and ever ready to assist the distressed and console the sorrowful, obtain for me, I beseech thee, that loving God the only God and my neighbor for His sake, I may be hereafter united to Him for ever in glory. Say nine Hail Marys V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Fourth Day: Saint Gerard, spotless lily of purity, by the angelic virtue and thy wonderful innocence of life thou didst receive from the Infant Jesus and His Immaculate Mother, sweet pledges of tenderest love, grant, I beseech thee, that I may ever strive in my life-long fight, and thus win the crown that awaits the brave and the true. Say nine Hail Marys V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Fifth Day: Saint Gerard, model of holy obedience, who through thy life didst heroically submit the judgment to those who represent Jesus Christ to thee, thus sanctifying thy lowliest actions, obtain for me from God cheerful admission to His Holy Will and the virtue of perfect obedience, that I may be made comfortable to Jesus, my Model, who was obedient even to death. Say nine Hail Marys V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Sixth Day: Saint Gerard, most perfect imitator of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, do thou whose greatest glory was to be humble and lowly, obtain that I too, knowing my littleness in God’s sight, may be found worthy to enter the kingdom that is promised to the humble and lowly of heart. Say nine Hail Marys V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Seventh Day: Saint Gerard, unconquered hero, most patient in suffering, do thou who didst glory in infirmity, and under slander and most cruel ignominy didst rejoice to suffer with Christ, obtain for me patience and resignation in my sorrows, that I may bravely bear the cross that is to gain for me the crown of everlasting glory. Say nine Hail Marys V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Eighth Day: Saint Gerard, true lover of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, do thou who didst kneel long hours before the Tabernacle, and there didst taste the joys of the Paradise. Obtain for me, I beseech thee, the spirit of prayer and an undying love for the Most Holy Sacrament, that thus receiving frequently the Body and Blood of Jesus, I may daily grow in His holy love and merit the priceless grace of loving Him even to the end. Say nine Hail Marys V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Ninth Day: Saint Gerard, most favorite child of heaven, to whom Mary gave the Infant Jesus in the day of thy childhood, to whom she sweetly came before thou didst close thine eyes In death, obtain for me I beseech thee, so to seek and love my Blessed Mother during life, that she may be my joy and consolation in this valley of tears, until with thee, before the throne of God, I may praise her goodness for all eternity. Amen. Say nine Hail Marys V. Pray for us, O Saint Gerard. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Novena to St. Rita of Cascia Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 13 May and ending on 21 May, the eve of the Feast of St. Rita. O holy protectress of those who art in greatest need, thou who shineth as a star of hope in the midst of darkness, blessed Saint Rita, bright mirror of God's grace, in patience and fortitude thou art a model of all the states in life. I unite my will with the will of God through the merits of my Savior Jesus Christ, and in particular through His patient wearing of the crown of thorns, which with tender devotion thou didst daily contemplate. Through the merits of the holy Virgin Mary and thine own graces and virtues, I ask thee to obtain my earnest petition, provided it be for the greater glory of God and my own sanctification. Guide and purify my intention, O holy protectress and advocate, so that I may obtain the pardon of all my sins and the grace to persevere daily, as thou didst in walking with courage, generosity, and fidelity down the path of life. (Mention your intentions here) Saint Rita, advocate of the impossible, pray for us. Saint Rita, advocate of the helpless, pray for us. Recite the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times Novena to St. Philomena Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 31 August and ending on 8 September, the eve of the Feast of St. Philomena. O faithful virgin and glorious martyr, St. Philomena, who works so many miracles on behalf of the poor and sorrowing, have pity on me. Thou knowest the multitude and diversity of my needs. Behold me at thy feet, full of misery, but full of hope. I entreat thy charity , O great Saint! Graciously hear me and obtain from God a favorable answer to the request which I now humbly lay before thee. (Mention your intentions here) I am firmly convinced that through thy merits, through the scorn, the sufferings and the death thou didst endure, united to the merits of the Passion and death of Jesus, thy Spouse, I shall obtain what I ask of thee, and in the joy of my heart I will bless God, Who is admirable in His Saints. Amen. Novena to St. Dymphna Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 6 May and ending on 14 May, the eve of the Feast of St. Dymphna. Day 1: For Faith O God, Source of our salvation, in the midst of a pagan people, Thou didst enlighten St. Dymphna by the light of the true faith, which she professed under the guidance of her holy confessor, Gerebran, with such constance that she suffered martyrdom. Through the intercession of these two saints, we beg Thee to strengthen the faith which Thou hast given us, so that by wisely subjecting our souls to Thy Supreme Authority, and by faithfully conforming our lives according to our faith, we may honor Thee with our whole heart and soul until the hour of our death. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be five times Day 2: For Hope Almighty and infinitely good God, Thou hast promised eternal salvation to those who obey Thy commandments and make zealous use of Thy graces. Through the intercession of St. Dymphna, who fled from the danger of sin by leaving the palace of her father, and who, eager to gain eternal salvation, fled to Belgium to live in poverty, we beg Thee to grant that we also, who are striving for eternal happiness, may overcome all obstacles in the way of virtue and may attain eternal salvation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be five times Day 3: For Charity God of love, Thou art the most perfect Being, and Creator of all that is good and beautiful. Through the intercession of St. Dymphna, who in her youth loved Thee above all creatures and for Thy sake loved her neighbor as herself, as the image and likeness of Thee, as the price of the Blood of Jesus and as co-heir of heaven, be pleased to help us by Thy powerful grace, that we may faithfully fulfill the two great commandments of charity not only in word, but in action and in truth. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be five times Day 4: For Piety God, Our Creator and Supreme Master, St. Dymphna served Thee with great zeal even in her childhood, by hearing Thy word with delight, by assisting at Holy Mass with fervent reverence, and by receiving Holy Communion from the hand of St. Gerebran with tender devotion. Through her intercession we beg Thee to grant us the same virtue of piety so that, having honored Thee during this life as our Creator, we may possess Thee hereafter as our final reward. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be five times Day 5: For Prudence O God, ruler of the universe, Thou didst allow St. Dymphna to discover a helpful means of avoiding the evil intentions of her father. Through the merits of Thy holy servant, be pleased to grant that we may become, according to the words of Jesus, simple as doves and wise as serpents, so that through prudent advice and sound judgment we may recognize what we must do to achieve the great work of our salvation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be five times Day 6: For Justice O God, source of eternal justice, Thou didst inspire St. Dymphna to flee from her country and her father in order to render to Thee that which was Thine. Through her intercession we beg Thee to make us seek after justice so that we may perform our duties toward Thee as we ought. Though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be five times Day 7: For Fortitude O God, rewarder of those who remain firm in their good resolutions, Thou gavest St. Dymphna such a love of virtue that she had the courage to suffer privation, persecution, and even martyrdom. Through her prayers we beg Thee to grant us fortitude that we may courageously and perseveringly overcome ourselves and finally conquer the enemy of our salvation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be five times Day 8: For Temperance O God, You made St. Dymphna resplendent in the virtue of temperance so that she mastered sensual inclinations and used temporal goods prudently. With temperance she combined the beautiful virtues of modesty, docility and humility. Let us not forget that humility is called the foundation of all virtue because it banishes from the soul pride, the obstacle to grace. Through the intercession of St. Dymphna, we beg Thee to guide and direct us, so that being preserved from evil and nervous disorders, we may obey till death the commandments and counsels Thou hast given us. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be five times Day 9: For Chastity O God, lover of innocent souls, Thou gavest St. Dymphna the virtue of angelic purity which made her reserved in all her actions, modest in her dress, attentive in her conversation, upright in her character, so that she even shed her blood to preserve this precious virtue. Through the intercession of St. Dymphna, we beg thee to bestow upon us the virtue of chastity that we may enjoy peace of conscience in this life and pure eternal joys of heaven hereafter. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be five times Novena to St. Gemma Galgani Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 2 April and ending on 10 April. First Day: Preface: Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring. Most compassionate virgin, St. Gemma, during thy short life on earth, you gave a most beautiful example of angelic innocence and seraphic love and was found worthy to bear in thy flesh the marks of our Lord's Passion. Have pity on us who are so much in need of God's Mercy, and obtain for us through thy merits and intercession, the special favor which we now fervently implore (mention your intention here). Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession the favor that we humbly request, and through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Second Day: Preface: Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring. O worthy Spouse of the Lamb of God and faithful virgin St Gemma, you preserved the innocence and splendor of virginity, giving to the world a bright example of purity and the most exalted virtues. Look down with pity from thy high place in heaven upon us who confide in thee, as we implore thee for the favor we so ardently desire (mention your intention here). Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession the favor that we humbly request, and through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Third Day: Preface: Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring. O most loving virgin St. Gemma, with a fervent love for Jesus you suffered immensely for the conversion of sinners as a victim for sin, and you loved others intensely out of love for God. Do not forget us then, who remain here on earth, and look down with kindness on those of us who implore thee in the confident hope of receiving this favor through thy loving intercession (mention your intention here) Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession the favor that we humbly request, and through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Fourth Day: Preface: Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring. Blessed St Gemma, you who by the will of God suffered the loss of both of your parents at a young age, and whom also suffered countless pains in body and spirit, teach us how to sacrifice and to suffer out of love for God, that we too may expiate our sins here on earth, and thereby become more worthy of the infinite treasure of being united with God in heaven. Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession the favor that we humbly request (mention your intention here), and through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Fifth Day: Preface: Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring. Oh glorious St Gemma, for years you greatly desired to enter the consecrated religious life, but God desired otherwise, telling you after many years that it was not to be, and thereby causing you such great disappointment. Yet, you accepted this great sacrifice and resigned yourself to the will of God. Teach us then, dear St Gemma, to accept the sacrifices and sufferings that God permits in our lives, especially those that are very much against our own will and desires. Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession, the favor that we humbly request (mention your intention here), and through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Thy Son may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Sixth Day: Preface: Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring. Beloved Gem of Christ St Gemma, whose heart was all on fire for the love of God, teach us to love God with all our hearts, minds and souls, and fervently place God above all things, so “that where our treasure is, there also will our heart be.” Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession, the favor that we humbly request (mention your intention here), and through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Thy Son may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Seventh Day: Preface: Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring. Oh holy saint of the Passion of Jesus, St Gemma, as a soul victim you were always pleading for the salvation of sinners. Obtain for us, we beg you, not only the grace that we are asking, if it would be God’s will (mention your intention here) but most importantly obtain for us the conversion and salvation of our souls, so that someday we may be united with Jesus, Mary and you for all eternity. Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession, the favor that we humbly request, and through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Thy Son may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Eighth Day: Preface: Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, St Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring. Oh most fervent St Gemma, so many times you shed countless tears over your sins, and sought constantly to do penance and to make reparation for them. We who are so inclined to pamper ourselves, always seeking to gratify our senses and excuse ourselves from every penance, help us to recognize the infinite sufferings that Jesus endured for our sins, and all the pains we caused Him, and with the Passion of Jesus in mind, obtain for us a great sorrow and desire to never commit such sins again. Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession the favor that we humbly request (mention your intention here), and through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Ninth Day: Preface: Oh most Divine Lord, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy Infinite Majesty, and we adore Thee and dedicate to Thy glory the devout prayers which we now present to Thee, as an act of devotion to your servant, Saint Gemma Galgani, whose intercession we are now imploring. Oh most lovable St Gemma, we ask you to be our patroness and special friend today and always. Assist us in our daily spiritual and material needs and teach us to know, love and serve the Lord our God with all our hearts. Accompany us, along with our guardian Angel, in all our ways, and guide us lovingly to Heaven. Assist us at the time of our death along with Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and plead our cause before God, and trusting in His great mercy and the Passion of Jesus thy Spouse, obtain for us the salvation of our souls, and also the favor that we now humbly request (mention your intention here). Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Pray for us, Saint Gemma, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, Who fashioned thy servant Saint Gemma into a likeness of Thy Crucified Son, grant us through her intercession the favor that we humbly request, and through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Thy Son, may we be united with You for all eternity. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Novena to St. Maria Goretti Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 27 June and ending on 5 July, the eve of the Feast of St. Maria Goretti. Child of God, you who at an early age knew life’s harshness and toil, its sorrows and brief joys; you who were poor, an orphan, who loved your neighbour tirelessly, making yourself a humble and attentive servant; you who were kind and good, without pride, who loved Love above all else; you who shed your blood so as not to betray the Lord; you who forgave your assassin wishing him in Paradise: Intercede and pray for us to the Father, so that we may consent to His holy will for us. You who are God’s friend and see Him face to face obtain the grace we are seeking from you. (Mention your intentions here) We thank you Maria, for the love of God and neighbour that you have sown in our hearts. Amen. Novena to St. George Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 14 April and ending on 22 April, the eve of the Feast of St. George. Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saving, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. O God, Who didst grant to Saint George strength and constancy in the various torments which he sustained for our holy faith; we beseech Thee to preserve, through his intercession, our faith from wavering and doubt, so that we may serve Thee with a sincere heart faithfully unto death. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Faithful servant of God and invincible martyr, Saint George; favored by God with the gift of faith, and inflamed with an ardent love of Christ, thou didst fight valiantly against the dragon of pride, falsehood, and deceit. Neither pain nor torture, sword nor death could part thee from the love of Christ. I fervently implore thee for the sake of this love to help me by thy intercession to overcome the temptations that surround me, and to bear bravely the trials that oppress me, so that I may patiently carry the cross which is placed upon me; and let neither distress nor difficulties separate me from the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Valiant champion of the Faith, assist me in the combat against evil, that I may win the crown promised to them that persevere unto the end. My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Achatius Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 29 April and ending on 7 May, the eve of the Feast of St. Achatius. Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. O God, Who didst fortify Thy holy martyr Achatius with constancy and trustful reliaance on Thee in death; grant us through his intercession at the hour of our death to be free from all anxiety and victorious in our last combat with the enemy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Valiant martyr of Christ, St. Achatius, who preached Christ faithfully before kings and judges, and didst gain the victory over the enemies of God; help me through thy powerful intercession to resist and gain the victory over all the enemies of my salvation, over the world and its allurements, over the concupiscence of the flesh, and over the temptations of Satan. I implore thee particularly to assist me in my agony, when the powers of hell rise against me to rob my soul. Then do thou come to my aid and repel the assaults of the enemy, so that I surrender my soul into the hands of my Redeemer in faith, hope, and charity, and confiding in His infinite merits. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Giles Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 23 August and ending on 31 August, the eve of the Feast of St. Giles on 1 September. Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy divine Son. Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen. O God, we beseech Thee to grant us through the merits and intercession of St. Giles to flee from the vanity and praise of this world, to avoid carefully all occasions of sin, to cleanse our hearts from all wickedness by a sincere confession, to leave this world in Thy love and rich in good works, and to find Thee gracious on the day of judgment. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Zealous follower of Christ, St. Giles; from early youth thou didst take to heart the words of our Saviour: “Learn of Me, because I am meek and humble of heart.” Therefore thou didst flee from the praise and honors of the world, and wast rewarded with the grace to preserve thy heart from all sin and to persevere in a holy life to a ripe old age. I, on my part, through pride, self-confidence, and negligence, yielded to my evil inclinations, and thereby sinned grievously and often, offending my God and Lord, my Creator and Redeemer, my most loving Father. Therefore I implore thee to help me through thy mighty intercession to be enlightened by the Holy Ghost, that I may know the malice, grievousness, and multitude of my sins, confess them humbly, fully, and contritely, and receive pardon, tranquillity of heart, and peace of conscience from God. Amen. My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. Novena to St. Anne Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 17 July and ending on 25 July, the eve of the Feast of St. Anne. O glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke thee and with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at thy feet and humbly beg of thee to take under thy special protection the present affair which I commend to thee. {Mention your intentions here) Be pleased to commend it to thy daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy outcome. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to face, and, with thee and Mary and all the Saints, of praising and blessing Him for all eternity. Amen. Good St. Anne, mother of her who is our life, our sweetness and our hope, pray to her for us and obtain our request. Good St. Anne, mother of her who is our life, our sweetness and our hope, pray to her for us and obtain our request. Good St. Anne, mother of her who is our life, our sweetness and our hope, pray to her for us and obtain our request. Good St. Anne, pray for us. Jesus, Mary, Anne. Novena to St. Joachim Say once a day for especially beginning on August 7 and ending on August 15, the eve of the Feast of St. Joachim . O Great patriarch St Joachim, by that singular privilege by which thou wast chosen by Divine Providence to present to the world that Immaculate Queen in whom all nations should be blessed, and who should bear in her virginal bosom the salvation of the human race; we thy devout clients rejoice with thee over this beautiful privilege, and we implore thy special protection for ourselves and our families. Do not allow, O dear Saint, the devil or sin to have any place in our souls, nor the perverse maxims of the world to seduce us, nor permit us to live unmindful of that eternity for which we have been created. Obtain for us from God a firm faith, unshaken by the impieties and errors which are scattered abroad by sects hostile to the Church and to the Apostolic See, a sincere and constant affection for the Vicar of Jesus Christ, the True Valid Roman Pontiff, a generous and indomitable courage in refuting the calumnies uttered against everything that is most sacred and revered in our holy religion. Thou who art powerful through the love which thy holy daughter, Mary, bears thee, help on the cause of the Church, obtain for her the long-desired triumph, scatter the powers of darkness, humble their pride, and cause the light of truth and of the Faith to outshine every falsehood. Grant us, above everything, a tender and filial devotion to most holy Mary, thy dear daughter and our Mother, so that daily honouring her with devout homage we may deserve to be counted by her among the happy company of her children, and after the miseries of this exile to be brought by her to Paradise, there to praise the mercies of God for ever. Amen. Pray three Patesr, three Aves, and three Glorias Novena to St. Mary Magdalen Pray once a day, especially starting on July 13 and ending on July 21, the eve of the Feast of St. Mary Magdalen O Most merciful Jesus, I give Thee thanks for that work of piety which the blessed Mary Magdalen wrought on Thee when she washed Thy feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed them and anointed them with fragrant ointment; whereby she obtained from Thee such signal grace that Thou didst pour into her heart and soul so great love of Thee that she could love nothing apart from Thee: beseeching Thee that by her merits and intercessions Thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant me tears of true repentance, and pour into my heart Thy divine love. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory be Novena to St. Martha This Novena is prayed on nine consecutive Tuesdays and involves lighting a candle. Pray also especially beginning 9 Tuesdays before 29 July, the Feast of St. Martha. (Light a candle) O admirable Saint Martha, I have recourse to thee and I depend entirely on thy intercession in my trials. In thanksgiving, I promise to spread this devotion everywhere. I humbly beg thee to console me in all my difficulties. By the immense joy that filled thy soul when thou didst receive the Redeemer of the world at thy home in Bethany, be pleased to intercede for me and my family, in order that we may keep God in our hearts and therefore, deserve to obtain the remedy to our necessities, especially the present situation that overwhelms me. (Mention your intentions here) I implore thee, O Auxiliatrice in all needs; help us to overcome our difficulties, thou who so victoriously fought the devil. Amen. Recite three times one Our Father, one Hail Mary, one Glory Be, and the invocation "Saint Martha, pray for us." Novena to the North American Martyrs Pray especially starting on September 17 and ending on September 25, the eve of the Feast of St. Isaac Jogues and His Companions. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us! Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs, pray for us. Saint Isaac Jogues, pray for us. Saint John de Brébeuf, pray for us. Saint Gabriel Lalemant, pray for us. Saint Charles Garnier, pray for us. Saint Anthony Daniel, pray for us. Saint Noël Chabanel, pray for us. Saint René Goupil, pray for us. Saint John Lalande, pray for us. Let Us Pray. O God, who by the preaching and blood of Thy sainted martyrs, Isaac and John and their companions, didst, consecrate the first fruits of the Faith in the vast regions of North America, graciously grant that by their intercession, the flourishing harvest of Christians may everywhere and always be increased. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. O God, who didst inflame the hearts of Thy sainted martyrs with an admirable zeal for the salvation of souls, grant us, we beseech Thee what we now implore -- (Mention your intentions here) -- so that the favors obtained through their intercession may make manifest before men the power and glory of Thy Name. Amen. Holy Martyrs and patrons, protect this land which you have blessed by the shedding of your blood. Renew in these days our Catholic faith which you helped to establish in this new land. Bring all our fellow citizens to a knowledge and love of the truth. Make us zealous in the profession of our faith so that we may continue and perfect the work which you have begun with so much labor and suffering. Pray for our homes, our schools, our missions, for vocations, for the conversion of sinners, the return of those who have wandered from the fold, and the perseverance of all the faithful. And foster a deeper and increasing unity among all Christians. Amen. Novena to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Pray especially beginning on July 5 and ending on July 13, the eve of St. Kateri's feast on July 14 (her feast is not on the 1962 liturgical calendar since she was canonized in 2012). In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. St. Kateri, favored child and Lily of the Mohawks, I come to seek your intercession in my present need. (Mention your intentions here) I admire the virtues which adorned your soul: love of God and neighbor, humility, obedience, patience, purity, and the spirit of sacrifice. Help me to imitate your example in my state of life. Through the goodness and mercy of God, Who has blessed you with so many graces which led you to the true faith and to a high degree of holiness, pray to God for me and help me. Obtain for me a very fervent devotion to the Holy Eucharist so that I may love Holy Mass as you did and receive Holy Communion as often as I can. Teach me also to be devoted to my crucified Savior as you were, that I may cheerfully bear my daily crosses for love of Him Who suffered so much for love of me. Most of all I beg you to pray for me that I may avoid sin, lead a holy life, and save my soul. Amen. St. Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us. Pray one Pater, one Ave, and one Gloria Novena to St. Maximilian Kolbe Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 5 August and ending on 13 August, the eve of the Feast of St. Maximilian. O Lord Jesus Christ, Who said, "greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends," through the intercession of Saint Maximilian Kolbe whose life illustrated such love, we beseech Thee to grant us our petitions. (Mention your intentions here) Through the Militia Immaculata movement, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all men -- a love that was inspired by true devotion to Mary. Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen in order to better love and serve our fellow man in imitation of Thy humble servant, Saint Maximilian. Amen. Recite three Hail Marys and a Glory Be Novena of Grace (in honor of St. Francis Xavier) In A.D. 1633, the Jesuit priest, Father Mastrilli, was at the point of death as a result of an accident when St. Francis Xavier appeared to him and asked him to devote his life to missionizing the Indies. Father Mastrilli made a vow before his superior that he would do so if God spared his life. St. Francis appeared to him again to ask him to renew the vow, and foretold that Fr. Mastrilli would be martyred. After this second apparition, the priest was completely healed. News of the miracle spread, and this novena began to be prayed. Father Mastrilli kept his vow and was martyred on 17 October, 1637. This novena can be prayed any time, but is often prayed, even publicly along with preparatory prayers , a sermon, Benediction, and hymns, starting on 4 March and ending on 12 March, the date that St. Francis Xavier and St. Ignatius of Loyola were canonized in 1622. V: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. O Jesus, answer our petitions as we kneel before Thee. R: O Heart of Jesus, hear and grant our prayers. V: Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, R: that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. V: Let us pray: Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy spirit and they shall be created, R: and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. V: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, R: as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. All: O most lovable and loving Saint Francis Xavier in union with thee I adore the Divine Majesty. The remembrance of the favors with which God blessed thee during life and of thy glory after death fills me with joy; and I unite with thee in offering to Him my humble tribute of thanksgiving and of praise. I implore thee to secure for me through thy powerful intercession the inestimable blessing of living and dying in the state of grace. I also beseech thee to obtain for me the favor I ask in this novena. (Mention your intentions here, or simply pause to allow people to form their intentions silently if this is being prayed publicly) But if what I ask is not for the glory of God and for the good of my soul do thou obtain for me what is more conducive to both. Amen. Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be V: Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Hymn to Saint Francis Xavier (may be recited if prayed privately): Oh, Father Saint Francis, we kneel at thy feet, While blessings and favors we beg and entreat, That thou from thy bright throne in heaven above Wouldst look on thy clients with pity and love. Saint Francis Xavier, Oh pray for us! Saint Francis Xavier, Oh pray for us! Oh, Father Saint Francis, thy words were once strong Against Satan's wiles and an infidel throng. Not less is thy might where in heaven thou art; Oh, come to our aid, in our battle take part. Saint Francis Xavier, Oh pray for us! Saint Francis Xavier, Oh pray for us! St. Francis Xavier's Prayer for Unbelievers: All: Eternal God, Creator of all things remember that the souls of unbelievers have been created by Thee and formed to Thy own image and likeness. Behold, O Lord, how to Thy dishonor hell is being filled with these very souls. Remember that Jesus Christ, Thy Son for their salvation suffered a most cruel death. Do not permit, O Lord, I beseech Thee that Thy divine Son be any longer despised by unbelievers, but rather, being appeased by the prayers of Thy saints and the Church the most holy spouse of Thy Son deign to be mindful of Thy mercy and forgetting their idolatry and their unbelief bring them to know Him Whom Thou didst send Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord Who is our health, life, and resurrection through Whom we have been redeemed and saved to Whom be all glory forever. Amen. V: Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. V: O God, Who did deign, by the preaching and miracles of Saint Francis Xavier, to join unto Thy Church the nations of the Indies, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who reverence his glorious merits, may also imitate his example, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen. When prayed publicly, there follows: a Sermon; Hymn Before Benediction; Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament; and a Closing Hymn. Novena to Frances Xavier Cabrini (Mother Cabrini) Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on November 4 and ending on November 12, the eve of the Feast of Mother Cabrini. O loving Savior, infinitely generous, seeking only our interest, from Thy Sacred Heart, came these words of pleading love: “Come to me all you that labor and are burdened and I will refresh you.” Relying on this promise of Thine infinite charity, we come to Thee, and in the lowliness of our hearts earnestly beg Thee to grant us the favor we ask in this novena, (Mention your intentions here) through the intercession of Thy faithful servant, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. Amen. Corpus Christi Novena Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on the Tuesday after Pentecost, and ending on the eve of the Feast of Corpus Christi. O amiable Jesus Who has given us in the adorable Eucharist, so convincing a proof of Thy infinite love, permit us to thank Thee in the name of all Thy creatures, for the blessings included in this one precious gift. We adore Thee, O hidden Deity and most ardently wish we could offer Thee such love as would atone for our own offences, and those committed by all mankind against this most amiable mystery. But, my God, if all creatures are so deeply indebted to Thy mercy for this adorable sacrament, how much more sensibly should we feel our obligations, since by Thy special predilection we have been chosen to assemble here under the same roof with Thyself, to see Thee daily offered on our altars, and to receive so frequently Thy precious Body and Blood. Convinced by these Thy tender mercies that our confidence in Thy goodness cannot be too great, we come now to implore of Thee, by that infinite love which induced Thee to institute this adorable sacrament, and by all the graces which have ever flowed from this source of every blessing, to grant us the favor we ask in this novena. We firmly purpose to become from this moment the devoted adorers of this sacrament of love, and to take Thy eucharistic life for the rule and model of ours. Give us grace to honour Thy silence on our altar by the spirit of recollection and prayer; Thy poverty, obedience, and adorable sanctity by detachment from all things, renunciation of self-will, and horror of sin. Above all, we beseech Thee, O living Bread of eternal life, to remove all obstacles to our frequently and worthily receiving Thee; and to grant us so tender a devotion to this adorable mystery that our hearts and thoughts may ever be turned to Thee present on our altars, and every action of our lives be directed to the perfect accomplishment of Thy holy will. Amen. All Saints Novena Pray especially starting on October 23 and ending on October 31. Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The Antiphon: O All ye Saints of God, vouchsafe to intercede for our salvation, and for that of all persons. V. Be glad in our Lord, and rejoice ye just. R. And Glory all ye right of Heart. Let us Pray. Protect Thy people, O Lord: And, as we confide in the patronage of Thy Apostles, Peter and Paul, and of Thy other Apostles, so preserve and defend us continually. May all Thy Saints, we beseech Thee, O Lord, everywhere assist us; that whiles we celebrate their merits, we may find their patronage. Grant us Thy peace in our time, and drive away all wickedness from Thy Church. Direct our ways, actions and desires, and those of all Thy servants, in the prosperity of Thy saving conduct: Grant to our benefactors eternal blessings, and to the faithful departed, everlasting rest, through our Lord Jesus Thy Son. Amen. V. O Lord, hear my Prayer. R. And let my Cry come unto Thee. V. Bless us our Lord. R. Thanks be to God. V. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. R. Amen. O Blessed Saints of Paradise, the glorious Citizens of Heaven, as I render most humble thanks to God for all the good He hath done you; so I beseech you to remember me in your prayers, and obtain for me the entire remission of my sins, the amendment of my life, and imitation of your good spirit, and holy graces, that I may be perfectly reconciled to my Savior, and always please Him, but especially I recommend to you the hour of my death, that by your holy intercession my soul may depart this world in the grace of God, and immediately come to Life Everlasting. Amen. (Mention your request here) Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory be Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory This Novena, written by St. Alphonsus Liguori, has different prayers for each of the 9 days, followed by the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory which is at the bottom of the section. First Day: Jesus, my Saviour I have so often deserved to be cast into hell how great would be my suffering if I were now cast away and obliged to think that I myself had caused my damnation. I thank Thee for the patience with which Thou hast endured me. My God, I love Thee above all things and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee because Thou art infinite goodness. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of perseverance. Have pity on me and at the same time on those blessed souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below Second Day: Woe to me, unhappy being, so many years have I already spent on earth and have earned naught but hell! I give Thee thanks, O Lord, for granting me time even now to atone for my sins. My good God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. Send me Thy assistance, that I may apply the time yet remaining to me for Thy love and service; have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below Third Day: My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I love Thee above all things, and repent with my whole heart of my offenses against Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. And thou, Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below Fourth Day: My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I am sorry with my whole heart for having offended Thee. I promise to die rather than ever offend Thee more. Give me holy perseverance; have pity on me, and have pity on those holy souls that burn in the cleansing fire and love Thee with all their hearts. O Mary, Mother of God, assist them by thy powerful prayers. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below Fifth Day: Woe to me, unhappy being, if Thou, O Lord, hadst cast me into hell; for from that dungeon of eternal pain there is no deliverance. I love Thee above all things, O infinite God and I am sincerely sorry for having offended Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below Sixth Day: My Divine Redeemer, Thou didst die for me on the Cross, and hast so often united Thyself with me in Holy Communion, and I have repaid Thee only with ingratitude. Now, however, I love Thee above all things, O supreme God; and I am more grieved at my offences against Thee than at any other evil. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below Seventh Day: God, Father of Mercy, satisfy this their ardent desire! Send them Thy holy Angel to announce to them that Thou, their Father, are now reconciled with them through the suffering and death of Jesus, and that the moment of their deliverance has arrived. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below Eighth Day: Oh my God! I also am one of these ungrateful beings, having received so much grace, and yet despised Thy love and deserved to be cast by Thee into hell. But Thy infinite goodness has spared me until now. Therefore, I now love Thee above all things, and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. I will rather die than ever offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below Ninth Day: My God! How was it possible that I, for so many years, have borne tranquilly the separation from Thee and Thy holy grace! O infinite Goodness, how long-suffering hast Thou shown Thyself to me! Henceforth, I shall love Thee above all things. I am deeply sorry for having offended Thee; I promise rather to die than to again offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance, and do not permit that I should ever again fall into sin. Have compassion on the holy souls in Purgatory. I pray Thee, moderate their sufferings; shorten the time of their misery; call them soon unto Thee in heaven, that they may behold Thee face to face, and forever love Thee. Mary, Mother of Mercy, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession, and pray for us also who are still in danger of eternal damnation. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below Prayer to Our Suffering Saviour for the Holy Souls in Purgatory O
most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer in
the Garden of Gethsemani, have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy
on them. Good Friday Novena Pray once a day for nine days, starting one week before Spy Wednesday (the Wednesday of Holy Week), and ending on the day before Good Friday In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Jesus, Who by reason of Thy burning love for us hast willed to be crucified and to shed Thy Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us here gathered together in remembrance of Thy most sorrowful Passion and Death, fully trusting in Thy mercy; cleanse us from sin by Thy grace, sanctify our toil, give unto us and unto all those who are dear to us our daily bread, sweeten our sufferings, bless our families, and to the nations so sorely afflicted, grant Thy peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Thy commandments we may come at last to the glory of heaven. Amen. (Mention your intentions here) Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be Surrender Novena Pray once a day for nine days. This novena was written by Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo (1882-1970), a Franciscan priest who was born and lived in Naples, Italy, and whom St. Padre Pio considered a Saint. The first part of each day's prayer consists of words Jesus would say to the person praying the novena. First Day Jesus to the soul: Why do you confuse yourselves by worrying? Leave the care of your affairs to Me and everything will be peaceful. I say to you in truth that every act of true, blind, complete surrender to Me produces the effect that you desire and resolves all difficult situations. Pray 10 times: O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything! Second Day Jesus to the soul: Surrender to Me does not mean to fret, to be upset, or to lose hope, nor does it mean offering to Me a worried prayer asking Me to follow you and change your worry into prayer. It is against this surrender, deeply against it, to worry, to be nervous and to desire to think about the consequences of anything. It is like the confusion that children feel when they ask their mother to see to their needs, and then try to take care of those needs for themselves so that their childlike efforts get in their mother’s way. Surrender means to placidly close the eyes of the soul, to turn away from thoughts of tribulation and to put yourself in My care, so that only I act, saying, “You take care of it.” Pray 10 times: O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything! Third Day Jesus to the soul: How many things I do when the soul, in so much spiritual and material need turns to Me, looks at Me and says to Me; “You take care of it, then close its eyes and rests.” In pain you pray for Me to act, but that I act in the way you want. You do not turn to Me; instead, you want Me to adapt to your ideas. You are not sick people who ask the doctor to cure you, but rather sick people who tell the doctor how to. So do not act this way, but pray as I taught you in the Our Father: Hallowed be Thy Name, that is, be glorified in my need. Thy kingdom come, that is, let all that is in us and in the world be in accord with Your kingdom. Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven, that is, in our need, decide as You see fit for our temporal and eternal life. If you say to Me truly: Thy will be done, which is the same as saying: You take care of it. I will intervene with all My omnipotence, and I will resolve the most difficult situations. Pray 10 times: O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything! Fourth Day Jesus to the soul: Do you see evil growing instead of weakening? Do not worry; close your eyes and say to Me with faith: “Thy will be done, You take care of it.” I say to you that I will take care of it, and that I will intervene as does a doctor; and I will accomplish miracles when they are needed. Do you see that the sick person is getting worse? Do not be upset, but close your eyes and say, “You take care of it.” I say to you that I will take care of it, and that there is no medicine more powerful than My loving intervention. By My love, I promise this to you. Pray 10 times: O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything! Fifth Day Jesus to the soul: And when I must lead you on a path different from the one you see, I will prepare you; I will carry you in My arms; I will let you find yourself, like children who have fallen asleep in their mothers’ arms, on the other bank of the river. What troubles you and hurts you immensely are your reason, your thoughts and worry, and your desire at all costs to deal with what afflicts you. Pray 10 times: O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything! Sixth Day Jesus to the soul: You are sleepless; you want to judge everything, direct everything and see to everything and you surrender to human strength, or worse—to men themselves, trusting in their intervention; this is what hinders My words and My views. Oh how much I wish from you this surrender, to help you; and how I suffer when I see you so agitated! Satan tries to do exactly this: to agitate you and to remove you from My protection and to throw you into the jaws of human initiative. So, trust only in Me, rest in Me, surrender to Me in everything. Pray 10 times: O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything! Seventh Day Jesus to the soul: I perform miracles in proportion to your full surrender to Me and to your not thinking of yourselves. I sow treasure troves of graces when you are in the deepest poverty. No person of reason, no thinker, has ever performed miracles, not even among the saints. He does divine works whosoever surrenders to God. So don’t think about it anymore, because your mind is acute and for you it is very hard to see evil and to trust in Me and to not think of yourself. Do this for all your needs; do this all of you and you will see great continual silent miracles. I will take care of things; I promise this to you. Pray 10 times: O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything! Eighth Day Jesus to the soul: Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away on the flowing current of My grace; close your eyes and do not think of the present, turning your thoughts away from the future just as you would from temptation. Repose in Me, believing in My goodness, and I promise you by My love that if you say, “You take care of it.” I will take care of it all; I will console you, liberate you and guide you. Pray 10 times: O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything! Ninth Day Jesus to the soul: Pray always in readiness to surrender, and you will receive from it great peace and great rewards, even when I confer on you the grace of immolation, of repentance and of love. Then what does suffering matter? It seems impossible to you? Close your eyes and say with all your soul, “Jesus, you take care of it.” Do not be afraid, I will take care of things and you will bless My name by humbling yourself. A thousand prayers cannot equal one single act of surrender, remember this well. There is no novena more effective than this. Pray 10 times: O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything! 54-Day Rosary Novena This Novena -- actually one cycle of three 9-Day Novenas followed by another cycle of three 9-Day Novenas -- (3 Novenas)X(9 days each)=27 days; (27 days)X(2 cycles)=54 days -- is said to be especially efficacious. It has its origins in a private relevation granted in 1884 to the family of Fortuna Agrelli, a girl who was so seriously ill that her doctors had given up on her. She and her family began praying the Rosary, and saw a vision of Our Lady, sitting on a throne and holding the Christ Child, with a Rosary in her hands, and accompanied by SS Dominic and Catherine of Siena. Fortuna addressed Our Lady: "Queen of the Holy Rosary, be gracious to me, restore me to health! I have already prayed to Thee in a novena, O Mary, but have not yet experienced Thy aid. I am so anxious to be cured!" Our Lady is said to have replied: "Child, you have invoked me by various titles and have always obtained favors from me. Now, since you have called Me by that title so pleasing to me, ‘Queen of the Holy Rosary’, I can no longer refuse the favor you petition; for this name is most precious and dear to me. Make three novenas, and you shall obtain all." The Queen of the Holy Rosary is said to have appeared again, saying: "Whoever desires to obtain favors from me should make three novenas of the prayers of the Rosary, and three novenas in thanksgiving." Many people pray this novena starting on All Saints Day and ending on Christmas Day, inclusive, but it can be prayed at any time. Pray the Rosary (5 decades) once a day for 27 days in the spirit of petition, with your intentions in mind. Then pray the Rosary (5 decades) once a day for 27 days in the spirit of thanksgiving -- whether you believe your petitions have been granted or not. Start the entire cycle with the Joyful Mysteries first, the Sorrowful Mysteries second, and ending with the Glorious Mysteries. 9-Hour Novena In cases of great urgency, this novena -- the same as the Novena to the Infant of Prague, but listed separately so it can be easily found -- is prayed over the course of nine hours instead of nine days. The prayers of this novena to the Infant Jesus should be repeated once an hour for nine consecutive hours, preferably as close to one hour apart as possible, before an image of the Infant Jesus (e.g., the Infant of Prague).An image you can use here. O Jesus, Who has said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you," through the intercession of Mary, Thy most holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer will be granted. (Mention your intentions here) O Jesus, Who has said, "All that you ask of the Father in My Name He will grant you," through the intercession of Mary, Thy most holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask Thy Father in Thy Name that my prayer will be granted. (Mention your intentions here) O Jesus, Who has said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My word shall not pass away," through the intercession of Mary, Thy most holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted. (Mention your intentions here) I prostrate myself before Thy holy image, O most gracious Infant Jesus, to offer Thee my most fervent thanks for the blessings Thou has bestowed upon me. I shall incessantly praise Thine ineffably mercy and confess that Thou alone art my God, my Helper, and my Protectors. Henceforth, my entire confidence shall be placed in Thee! Everywhere I shall proclaim aloud Thy mercy and generosity, so that Thy great love and the great deeds which Thou dost perform through this miraculous image may be acknowledged by all. May devotion to Thy Holy Infancy increase more and more in the hearts of all Christians, and may all who experience Thine assistance perservere with me in showing increasing gratitude to Thy most holy infancy, to which praise be and glory forever. Amen. Novena for the 25th of Each Month This Novena, from the 1910 Raccolta, is prayed starting on the 16th and ending on the 24th of each month, in honor of the 25th day of the month, the day on which Christ was born in December. The practice of celebrating the 25th of every month as a "Little Christmas" comes from the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori. First Offering Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory, and for my own salvation, and for the salvation of all the world, the mystery of the Birth of our Divine Saviour. Pray one Gloria Second Offering Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory, and for my eternal salvation, the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and of St. Joseph in that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem; I offer Thee their pain in finding no place wherein to shelter themselves, when the Saviour of the world was to be born. Pray one Gloria Third Offering Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory, and for my eternal salvation, the stable where Jesus was born, the hard straw which served Him for a bed, the cold He suffered, the swaddling clothes which bound Him, the tears He shed, and His tender infant cries. Pray one Gloria Fourth Offering Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory, and for my eternal salvation, the pain which the divine Child Jesus felt in His tender infant body when He submitted it to the keen knife of circumcision; I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then first He shed for the salvation of the whole race of man. Pray one Gloria Fifth Offering Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory, and for my eternal salvation, the humility, mortification, patience, charity and all the virtues of the Child Jesus; I thank Thee, and I love Thee, and I bless Thee without end, for this ineffable mystery of the Incarnation of the divine Word. Pray one Gloria V. The Word was made flesh. R. And dwelt amongst us. Let us pray. O God, Whose only-begotten Son was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh; grant, we beseech Thee, that our souls may be inwardly renewed through Him, whom our eyes have seen externally like unto ourselves. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee for ever and ever. Amen. Footnote: 1 I thought I'd share my little story of receiving a rose from Ste. Thérèse of Lisieux. I sent an e-mail to my niece, who lives with her husband (no children, no boarders), ending it with, "My wish for you today is that you find a rose unepectedly." After I pressed the send button, I prayed to Ste. Thérèse to ask God to allow her to send a rose to my niece. Note that my niece, though baptized Catholic as a baby, is not a confirmed, believing Catholic (yet!), and was unfamiliar with the story of Ste. Thérèse, and I had not told her about Ste. Thérèse or that I would be praying to her. The next morning, I got a phone call; it was my niece, who said to me, rather astonished, "Remember how you wrote in your last note to me that you're hoping I'd find a rose? Well, I got up this morning and found a pressed, yellow rose in the middle of my living room floor! I have no idea how it got there!" I was smiling as I listened, then laughed out loud and told her about Ste. Thérèse and my prayer... I pray further graces are headed my niece's way! Please know, though, that we don't ever demand signs from Heaven asking God to prove Himself to us and we don't "tempt God" or demand that he show Himself through such things. We can, though, ask for signs to help us understand His Divine Will. In any case, we can't allow any disappointment after, say, not receiving a rose in such a miraculous way defeat our faith. If we happen to experience such a thing, great! If not, that, too, is fine because it is His will. Note, too, that the roses from Ste. Thérèse don't generally materialize out of nothing; they can come, and usually do come, in seemingly ordinary ways -- but unexpectedly, "out of the blue." Also, in praying to Ste. Thérèse, one generally doesn't ask for roses as I did (that was a spontaneous gesture on my part) -- i.e., one doesn't pray just to ask for roses; but people do often report finding roses or smelling the perfume of roses after praying for her intercession in a general way, such as after praying a Novena to her or simply asking her to pray for them. These roses are seen as signs that Ste. Thérèse heard their prayers indeed. |
