NOVENA PRAYERS
1⃣ NOVENA TO ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
2⃣ NOVENA IN PREPARATION FOR THE FEAST OF THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL
3⃣ NOVENA TO ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
4⃣ NOVENA TO ST. JOHN BOSCO
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1⃣ NOVENA TO ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
DAY 9 - JANUARY 23
Think for a moment of the piety of the Madonna when the angel told her that the Spirit would overshadow her. What sentiments of humility, confidence and courage! At the very moment when she understood that God had given her His heart, that is, His Son, she gave herself to God. Her soul was flooded with charity, so she could say with the sacred spouse, “…My heart trembled within me, and I grew faint when he spoke.” [Sg:5:4] As far as we are concerned, we receive a similar grace in Communion, because not an angel but Jesus Christ Himself assures us that in it the Holy Spirit descends on us. Heavenly power covers us with its shadow and the Son of God really comes to us. He can say that He is conceived and born in us. Truly then, the soul can respond with the Madonna, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me as you say.”
PRAYER: O Blessed Francis, who in your life did excel in all virtues, especially in your love of God and of your neighbour, I earnestly ask you to take me under your immediate protection, to obtain from God my perfect conversion, and that of all sinners. Teach me, O Father, to fix my eyes on heaven, that I may generously trample under foot every obstacle that presents itself in my way, and attain that degree of glory which you in your mercy hold out to me. Obtain also the favour for which I now pray...
(State your intentions here…)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Assist us O Lord, we beseech you, through the merits of St. Francis de Sales that, what our endeavours cannot obtain may be given to us by his intercession. Amen.
St. Francis de Sales: Pray for us!
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2⃣ NOVENA IN PREPARATION FOR THE FEAST OF THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL
DAY 8 - JANUARY 23
“In the ancient Church, Baptism was also called “illumination” because this Sacrament gives light; it truly makes one see. In Paul what is pointed out theologically was also brought about physically: healed of his inner blindness, he sees clearly. Thus St. Paul was not transformed by a thought but by an event, by the irresistible presence of the Risen One whom subsequently he would never be able to doubt, so powerful had been the evidence of the event, of this encounter. This encounter is a real renewal that changed all his parameters. Now he could say that what had been essential and fundamental for him earlier had become “refuse” for him; it was no longer “gain” but loss, because henceforth the only thing that counted for him was life in Christ.” Pope Benedict XVI 2008.
PRAYER: Glorious St. Paul, your conversion is a powerful witness to the world that God loves us and does not give up on us, no matter how far we stray. May every circumstance of my life be an occasion to change my way of thinking, to renounce self-will and to surrender myself to the wisdom and tenderness of Jesus Christ who is acting to make me His saint. Pray St. Paul, that I too may be able to acclaim “It is not I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Pray that I may love God's will and providence for me. In this confidence, I entrust to you, St. Paul, these, my intentions…
(State your intentions here…)
I ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
St. Paul: Pray for us!
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3⃣ NOVENA TO ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
DAY 5 - JANUARY 23
ST. THOMAS YOU HAVE TAUGHT THAT:
“THE WORLD TEMPTS US EITHER BY ATTACHING US TO IT IN PROSPERITY, OR BY FILLING US WITH FEAR OF ADVERSITY. BUT FAITH OVERCOMES THIS IN THAT WE BELIEVE IN A LIFE TO COME BETTER THAN THIS ONE, AND HENCE WE DESPISE THE RICHES OF THIS WORLD AND WE ARE NOT TERRIFIED IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY.” ― Thomas Aquinas, The Catechetical Instructions.
PRAYER: Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas, Grant me grace, O merciful God, to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee, to examine it prudently, to acknowledge it truthfully, and to accomplish it perfectly, for the praise and glory of Thy name. In particular, please obtain the favor I ask during this novena...
(State your intentions here…)
Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
St. Thomas Aquinas: Pray for us!
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4⃣ NOVENA TO ST. JOHN BOSCO
DAY 2 - JANUARY 23
DEVOTION TO OUR LADY
St. John Bosco, you had so enduring a love of Our Lady, Help of Christians, ever your Mother and Guide. Help me to share this deep and lasting love for Mary. May I experience her powerful help and protection through my life and have her at my side at the hour of my death.
(State your intentions here…)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
PRAYER: God our Father, it was your will that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, St. John Bosco should raise up new families in the Church who would work for the salvation of young people; grant, we pray you, that we too burning with the same fire of love, may seek souls and serve you alone, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. John Bosco: Pray for us!