NOVENA PRAYERS

1⃣ NOVENA IN HONOUR OF THE MOST HOLY FACE OF JESUS

2⃣ NOVENA TO ST. ISABEL OF FRANCE

3⃣ NOVENA TO ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS
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1⃣ NOVENA IN HONOUR OF THE MOST HOLY FACE OF JESUS

DAY 8 - FEBRUARY 19

"All those who, attracted by my love, and venerating my countenance, shall receive, by virtue of my humanity, a brilliant and vivid impression of my divinity. This splendor shall enlighten the depths of their souls, so that in eternal glory the celestial court shall marvel at the marked likeness of their features with my divine countenance." (Our Lord Jesus Christ to St. Gertrude).

THE HOLY FACE OF JESUS

"I firmly wish that my face reflecting the intimate pains of my soul, the suffering and love of my heart, be more honoured! Whoever gazes upon me already consoles me." (Our Lord Jesus Christ to Sister Pierina)

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER: O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, through the intercession of Holy Mary, whose soul was pierced through by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of her Divine Son, we ask your help in making a perfect Novena of reparation with Jesus, united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment. We now implore all the Angels and Saints to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena to the Most Holy Face of Jesus and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

PSALM 50 (51): 16-17

O rescue me, God my helper,
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare your praise.

Most merciful Face of Jesus, who in this vale of tears was so moved by our misfortunes to call yourself the healer of the sick, and the good Shepherd of the souls gone astray, allow not Satan to draw us away from you, but keep us always under your loving protection, together with all souls who endeavour to console you.

Mary, our Mother, intercede for us, Saint Joseph pray for us.

Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition … Pardon and Mercy.

PRAYER TO SAINT PETER: O glorious Saint Peter, who in return for thy lively and generous faith, thy profound and sincere humility and thy burning love, was honoured by Jesus Christ with singular privileges, and in particular, with the leadership of the other apostles and the primacy of the whole church, of which thou was made the foundation stone, do thou obtain for us the grace of a lively faith, that shall not fear to profess itself openly in its entirety and in all of its manifestations, even to the shedding of blood, if occasion should demand it, and to the sacrifice of life itself in preference to surrender.

Obtain for us likewise a sincere loyalty to our Holy Mother the Church. Grant that we may ever remain most closely and sincerely united to the Holy Father, who is the heir of thy faith and of thy authority, the one true visible head of the Catholic Church. Grant, moreover, that we may follow, in all humility and meekness, the Church's teaching and counsels and may be obedient to all her precepts, in order to be able here on earth to enjoy a peace that is sure and undisturbed, and to attain one day in heaven to everlasting happiness. Amen.

Our Father, 3 Hail Mary's, Glory Be...

O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine. (Three times)
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2⃣ NOVENA TO ST. ISABEL OF FRANCE

DAY 3 - FEBRUARY 19

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Isabel of France as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the devotion to You she showed in her desire to consecrate her virginity to You.

St. Isabel of France, you were a devout and pious child. From a young age, you determined to devote yourself entirely to God by consecrating yourself to Him as a virgin.

Please bring my petitions before God Whom you longed to serve so wholeheartedly!

Your family arranged a marriage for you from the time you were very young. Despite the pressures to marry, you held fast to your vocation to the consecrated life and remained a virgin out of love for God.

Pray for me, that I may be as eager to devote myself to God as you were. Pray that I may never waver in my commitment to God.

Please also pray for (State your intentions here...)

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...

St. Isabel of France: Pray for us!
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3⃣ NOVENA TO ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS

DAY 2 - FEBRUARY 19

“YOU WERE NOT MADE FOR THE WORLD.”

REFLECTION: Though any young lady in Italy would have gladly accepted an offer of marriage from Francis Possenti, God had different plans. As a teenager, Francis began to feel an attraction to religious life, but he was far from decisive. No fewer than three different times, when his life was in danger from various causes, the boy promised God that he would become a religious, and on one occasion, he even applied to the Jesuit novitiate. However, he always lost his nerve and pulled back on his promise. Life in the world was so enjoyable, and his father Sante was eager that his talented son pursue a secular career.

But one day in August 1856, the Blessed Mother took matters into her own hands. While Francis was participating in a Marian procession through Spoleto, he suddenly heard his beloved Mother say to his heart, “Francis, what are you doing in the world? You were not made for the world. Follow your vocation!”

The young man's indecision was ended. Despite intense opposition from his father, within a month Francis was headed for the Passionists, a Congregation God had mysteriously planted in his heart. I wonder if he realized just what a profound impact this decision would have on his life – and ultimately on the life of the Church as a whole!

PRAYER: O good St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, you were taught by God to love the Passion of Jesus and to remember the Sorrows of Mary His Mother. By her side, you stood by the Cross of Jesus and shared her compassion. Following her, you grew in love for God and all His people. O St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin, we humbly ask you to intercede before God on our behalf, especially for the intentions we now present before you.

For the vocation promotion endeavors

For all the women whom God is calling to join the monastic family

For the spiritual and temporal needs of the novitiate members and the novice directress

For all who pass through the novitiate – the holy training ground – that they will respond generously to God's graces poured out in their hearts during the time of intense formation

(State your intentions here...)

We place our trust in your prayers St. Gabriel and wish to follow your example. Remember us, and especially our youth, with compassion. Support us all our days by your holy prayers. And when this life is done, may we join you in heaven in the company of Jesus and Mary. Amen!

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows: Pray for us!