Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Five – 27 January
5th Day: A MAN COMMITTED TO THE CHURCH
As a voluntary catechist, Benedict Daswa helped to build up the Church community,
especially by preparing people for baptism. He was a member of the Parish Pastoral
Council and was always regular at the meetings. He led the Sunday Service when a
priest or a pastoral worker was not available and was very involved in youth ministry,
encouraging the young people to live good, productive lives and to be proud of their
faith.
Benedict promised his wife that he would start building their house as soon as the new
Church of Nweli was finished. This task of building the first Catholic Church in the area
was a project so dear to his heart that he not only helped the priest with his own car to
transport the building material for it but worked tirelessly on it and encouraged others
to do likewise. After its completion, true to his promise, he started building his own
house.
Word of God
So we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually members one of another.
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them; if prophecy, in
proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who
exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal;
he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12, 5-8)
Reflection: What do I do for the Church and in the Church?
Do I contribute to the building/upkeep of the church and its services?
Prayer: I will not enter my house or get into my bed;
I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
Until I find a place for the Lord,
A dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob. (Psalm 132,3-5)
NOVENA PRAYER:
O Blessed Trinity,
I believe that you dwell in me through my baptism.
I love You, I adore You and I worship You.
I give you thanks for Blessed Benedict,
Whom you chose to bear witness unto death for his faith
In Jesus Christ, my Saviour and my Lord.
Almighty Father, You filled the heart of Blessed Benedict,
With great love and zeal in building up your kingdom.
You gave him the courage and the strength
To stand up for his faith without fear, even the fear of death.
Loving God, keep me free from all deeds of darkness.
Protect me from evil spirits and the powers of evil.
Make me a true apostle of life in my family and in society.
May Your light, O Lord, shine upon me and through me.
Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Blessed Benedict,
I ask that I may follow his example
Of always being ready to forgive in a Christian spirit.
You know all about my many problems and worries
And my great fears when I look to the future.
I draw strength and courage from the life of Blessed Benedict.
I come to You now, Lord, and through his intercession
I ask for this very special favour
………………………………..
(mention your request/s)
if it is according to Your will.
Help me always to follow the good example of Blessed Benedict.
By daily prayer and regular attendance at Church,
Help me to love You, O Lord, above all things
And to love others as You love me.
Amen
AnaStpaul 