NOVENA PRAYERS

1⃣ NOVENA TO ST. ISABEL OF FRANCE

2⃣ NOVENA TO ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS
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1⃣ NOVENA TO ST. ISABEL OF FRANCE

DAY 5 - FEBRUARY 21

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Isabel of France as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the love of You she showed in choosing to establish a Franciscan convent.

St. Isabel of France, you felt called by God to consecrate yourself to Him in lifelong virginity. As you lived out this call, you worked to establish a Poor Clare convent so that others might serve Him in this way.

Please bring my petitions before God Whom you served so wholeheartedly!

You worked hard to bring about the establishment of this Poor Clare convent. Though you never took religious vows yourself, you lived out the convent's rule and supported the convent through your wealth.

Pray for me, that I may be as devoted to serving God as you were. Pray that I may never waver in my desire to be fully united 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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2⃣ NOVENA TO ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS

DAY 4 - FEBRUARY 21 

“WOULD YOU LIKE TO FALL IN LOVE?”

REFLECTION: If there's one feature that defines St. Gabriel Possenti, it is his extraordinary love for and devotion to Our Lady. He did everything with her, through her, for Jesus, and she in return led him to the heights of sanctity. So great was Gabriel's affection for the Blessed Mother that he once wrote to his brother, “Michael dear, would you like to fall in love? Well then, love if you wish – but whom will you love? Love Mary. Who is more lovely and more lovable, more gracious and powerful?”

This special devotion had begun when little Francis Possenti was only four years old and his beloved mother died. The boy, disconsolate, threw himself before the statue of Our Lady and begged her to be his mother. The Virgin Mary, as she is known to do, took him at his word and was henceforth the central guiding figure in his spiritual life. In fact, if you recall from day 2 of our novena, it was her word that ultimately convinced Francis to enter the Passionists! Given this circumstance, it's no wonder that his religious title was “d'Addolorata” -- “Of the Sorrowful Virgin”!

It's no secret among the saints that the Blessed Virgin is the one to have “on your side” in the journey to holiness. She who called herself the “handmaid of the Lord” delights in leading souls to God, and He in turn raises up those who honor His Mother and makes them into great saints!

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!