NOVENA PRAYERS

1⃣ NOVENA TO ST. ISABEL OF FRANCE

2⃣ NOVENA TO ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS

3⃣ NOVENA TO ST. KATHARINE DREXEL
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1⃣ NOVENA TO ST. ISABEL OF FRANCE

DAY 6 - FEBRUARY 22

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 her deep spirit of poverty.

St. Isabel of France, you were born to a family of the highest rank. Though you could have led a luxurious lifestyle, you chose instead to live simply and to devote your life to God.

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

You established a convent for Poor Clares, and you gave of your own wealth to support it for many years. You spent your life living simply in prayer, virtuous acts, and mortification.

Pray for me, that I may grow in a holy spirit of detachment from worldly riches. Pray that I may always place heavenly riches over earthly wealth.

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 5 - FEBRUARY 22

“VULNERA TUA MERITA MEA!”

REFLECTION: It should come as no surprise that, as a member of the Passionist Congregation, Gabriel Possenti had a deep devotion to the sufferings of Christ. His was no morbid or gloomy spirituality, however – following in the footsteps of his holy Founder, St. Paul of the Cross, Gabriel joyfully saw each and every mystery of the Passion as a proclamation of God's infinite love. “Jesus went to excess in order to show us His love,” he wrote. “It wasn't necessary that He die. But what would have been enough for justice was not sufficient for love.” A favorite prayer of his was “Vulnera tua merita mea” – “Your Wounds are my merit!”

At Profession, each Passionist receives a special crucifix as a reminder of his or her dedication to Christ Crucified. Father Norbert tells us that Gabriel's Profession Crucifix was especially dear to him, as it constantly reminded him of the love of God “who, while we were yet sinners,” chose to die for us. The Eucharist, as the ongoing memorial of the Passion, was especially dear to Gabriel; before the tabernacle, he could adore, truly present, the One Who suffered and died for love of him.

Most importantly, Gabriel's love for the Passion of Christ moved him to accept the sufferings of his own life with a spirit of love and joy. “Whoever does not carry the Cross of Jesus Christ and does not follow Him cannot be His disciple,” the young religious wrote to his father. Herein lies one of the great beauties of the Passionist charism: it teaches us that our sufferings, far from being useless, have infinite meaning and worth when united to the Cross of Christ!

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!
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3⃣ NOVENA TO ST. KATHARINE DREXEL

DAY 1 - FEBRUARY 22

OPENING PRAYER: Ever Loving God, you called St. Katharine Drexel to teach the message of the Gospel and to bring the life of the Eucharist to the Black and Native American peoples. By her prayers and example, enable us to work for justice among the poor and oppressed. Draw us all into the Eucharistic community of Your Church, that we may be one in You. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

REFLECTION: EUCHARIST

THE EUCHARIST IS A NEVER-ENDING SACRIFICE. IT IS THE SACRAMENT OF LOVE, THE SUPREME LOVE, THE ACT OF LOVE. HELP ME EACH MOMENT TODAY AND ALWAYS TO COMMUNICATE MYSELF TO YOU BY DOING YOUR WILL. - St. Katharine Drexel

(State your intentions here...)

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...

CLOSING PRAYER: I wish to be one who conscientiously takes part in the unfolding of God's plans, and eventually have a glorious part in the final unfolding of time into the glory of God's Kingdom in heaven. If we are disciples (of Jesus) we shall be happy to spend ourselves and be spent for the salvation of souls. - St. Katharine Drexel

St. Katharine Drexel, lover of the Eucharist, pray for us.