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 9 - FEBRUARY 20

"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): 18-21

For in sacrifice you take no delight,
burnt offering from me you would refuse,
my sacrifice a contrite spirit.
A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.
In your goodness, show favour to Zion;
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,
holocausts offered on your altar.

Sacred Face of our Lord and our God, what words can we do to express our gratitude? How can we speak of our joy? That you have deigned to hear us, that you have chosen to answer us in our hour of need. We say this because we know that our prayers will be granted. We know that you, in your loving kindness, listened to our pleading hearts, and will give, out of your fullness, the answer to our problems.

Mary, our Mother, thank you for your intercession on our behalf. Saint Joseph, thank you for your prayers.

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

PRAYER TO THE HOLY TRINITY: Most Holy Trinity, Godhead indivisible, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our first beginning and our last end. Since you have made us after your own image and likeness, grant that all the thoughts of our minds, all the words of our tongues, all the affections of our hearts and all our actions may be always conformed to your most Holy Will, so that after having seen you here on earth in appearances and in a dark manner by the means of faith, we may come at last to contemplate you face to face, in the perfect possession of you forever in paradise. 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 4 - FEBRUARY 20

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Isabel of France as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the virtue she showed in holding fast to her vocation as a consecrated virgin, despite great pressure to marry.

St. Isabel of France, you were betrothed to be married from the time you were a young child. Despite the expectations that you would be married, you firmly resolved to answer God's call to be a consecrated virgin.

Please bring my petitions before God with Whom you wished to be so intimately united!

Your family and others tried to persuade you to marry. You were later given another marriage proposal as well, but you continued to hold fast to God's call in your life.

Pray for me, that I may have the fortitude to do what God calls me to do, no matter how difficult it might be. Pray that I may never waver in my desire to serve God wholeheartedly.

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 3 - FEBRUARY 20

“EVERYTHING IN ME MUST GO THAT IS NOT FOR GOD!”

REFLECTION: On September 21st, 1856, Francis Possenti began a new life as Confrater (Brother) Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. The new Passionist novice threw himself into religious life with as much gusto as he had once exhibited for parties, dances, and social events. The Rule of his new Congregation became his treasured daily guide, and he strove to be faithful to Christ Crucified even in small things. One day he sincerely pleaded with his spiritual director, Fr. Norbert, “Father, do you know of anything in me that is not pleasing to God? Tell me and I will root it out at any cost!”

Fr. Norbert was tasked with harnessing this great enthusiasm and making sure the fervent young man didn't take his newfound spirit of penance and poverty too far. It's easy to imagine Fr. Norbert's sometimes-exasperated, sometimes-laughing voice: “No, Gabriel, you really can't use up that two-inch piece of thread . . . no, Gabriel, you can't do that excessive penance . . . no, Gabriel, you can't brand yourself with the names of Jesus and Mary!”

Under this wise guidance, Gabriel began to mature and to grow by leaps and bounds in his spiritual life. By the time he made his perpetual vows in 1857, his holiness was no secret to his Passionist brothers or to the local community! Over the next four days, we'll take a closer look at just what it was about Confrater Gabriel that made him a saint.

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!