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 9 - FEBRUARY 25
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 by her life of service to You and Your Church.
St. Isabel of France, you could have married and lived a comfortable life at court. Instead, you chose to devote your life to God as a consecrated virgin.
Please bring my petitions before God Whom you served with such devotion!
As you lived out your vocation of virginity, you established a convent. You lived out the rule of this convent and supported the convent through your own wealth.
Pray for me, that I may always be a devoted servant of God and His Church. Pray that I may never waver in my commitment to God and His Church.
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 8 - FEBRUARY 25
“MY MOTHER, MAKE HASTE!”
REFLECTION: Over the past few days we have reflected on Gabriel Possenti's vocation, as well as some of the virtues that helped him to live that call from God to the fullest. Today we turn to the most important moment of his life: his entrance into eternity. For a long time Confrater Gabriel had been suffering with the dreaded disease of tuberculosis, growing weaker and weaker every day, until he could no longer leave his bed or even wear the rough fabric of his beloved Passionist habit. His faithful mentor, Fr. Norbert, was keeping watch with him.
Of course, there was someone else in that room – someone who, though invisible, was making a last-ditch effort to shake this heroic young man's virtue. At least three different times, Gabriel experienced temptations so sudden and violent that it was immediately clear that they had come from the Prince of Darkness himself. With the help of Fr. Norbert's blessing and Gabriel's own fervent prayer, however, the assaults passed and left the dying Brother in peace.
Despite his difficulty in breathing, Gabriel was able to say several short prayers, among them a heartfelt aspiration to Our Lady: “My Mother, make haste!” He was unable to finish his final prayer vocally, but he gave a far more eloquent testimony to his fellow Religious who had gathered at his bedside. At the moment of death, he seemed aglow with joy, glimpsing the Blessed Mother whom he had loved so much in life coming to lead him to Heaven. He then breathed forth his soul in peace.
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 4 - FEBRUARY 25
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: SERVANT OF THE POOR
KINDNESS IS THE NATURAL FRUIT OF GOODNESS OF HEART. HE (JESUS) LOVED EVERY HUMAN BEING AS THE IMAGE OF GOD ... AND SO ALL THAT CAME WITHIN RANGE OF HIS BENEVOLENCE WERE TREATED KINDLY FOR GOD'S SAKE AND THEIR OWN. - 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 poor, pray for us.