Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Four – 26 January

Posted on January 26, 2018January 26, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Four – 26 January

4th Day: A MAN COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITY

Benedict was highly respected in the community. He was a natural leader and a confidant of the headman who chose him as the secretary of his council. Always guided by his Christian principles, Benedict was never afraid to speak his mind. He was greatly respected for his honesty and integrity as also for his truthfulness and humility. On one occasion, falsely accused of using school funds to build his house, Benedict’s innocence and good stewardship were upheld after the headman had ordered an enquiry.
As Benedict believed strongly in character formation through sporting activities for
young people, he started soccer clubs for the youth. He wanted them to be busy,
disciplined, and off the streets. During a drought in the Venda area in the eighties, Benedict used his contacts and persuasive skills to obtain food supplies for the children in his school.

Word of God
You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be
restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under
foot by men. You are the light of the world. Acity set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel but on a stand and it gives light to all in the
house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give
glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5, 13-16)

Reflection: What/how do I contribute to improve my community?
Do I take my public/political responsibilities seriously?

Prayer: But you do see; you do observe this misery and sorrow;
You take the matter in hand. To you the helpless can entrust their cause;
you are the defender of the orphans. (Psalm 10, 14)

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. DAY four - NOVENA BL BENEDICT - 26 JAN 2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Five – 26 January

Posted on January 26, 2018January 26, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Five – 26 January

5th Day: For Salesian Brothers, Sisters and Priests

O Saint John Bosco,
you founded the Salesian Society
and the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians
for the continuation and extension of the work on behalf of young people.
Pray for all your sons and daughters,
the members of these two religious families that,
inspired by your example and imbued with your spirit
they may be faithful to their religious consecration
and steadfast in the Salesian mission.
Through your intercession
may God grant me the following grace
………………………………..
(mention your request)
so that together with the sons and daughters
of your religious families
I may assist and help all especially young people.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…

St John Bosco Pray for us! DAY FIVE - NOVENA ST JOHN BOSCO - 26 JAN 2018.jpg

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Three – 25 January

Posted on January 25, 2018January 24, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Three – 25 January

3rd Day: A TRUE FAMILY MAN
In 1980, Benedict married Shadi Eveline Monyai, a Lutheran who was then received
into full communion with the Catholic Church. They had eight children, the last being
born four months after his death. Benedict believed that helping his wife with the
children and doing household chores were part of his marriage commitment. He told
people, “You should assist your wife with her household chores” and taught his
children to help in the home. He also trained them to work hard, both at school and in
his orchard.
The family prayed together each evening. This family prayer time, which included the
reading of Scripture as well as family prayer, was a true “domestic Church”. As family,
they always attended the Sunday liturgical celebrations. Benedict instituted the
“Daswa Day” around the Feast of Christmas. The family and all their close relatives
used to spend the day together during which as Christmas gifts, each child received
useful school materials for the coming year.

Word of God
”For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and
the two shall become one flesh”. This mystery is a profound one, and I am saying that it
refers to Christ and the Church; however, let each one of you love his wife as himself,
and let the wife see that she respects her husband. … Fathers, do not provoke your
children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
(Ephesians 5, 31-32; 6, 4)

Reflection: – How do I relate to my spouse, my children?
Do we pray together as a family? How often?

Prayer– Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Lo, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.
(Psalm 128, 1. 3-4)

NOVENA PRAYER:

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.

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Four – 25 January

Posted on January 25, 2018January 24, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Four – 25 January

4th Day – For Young People

O Saint John Bosco,
you became father, teacher and friend
to young people by the great love
and personal sacrifice with which you worked
for their salvation.
Pray for us that, inspired by your example
we also may love this chosen portion of God’s flock
with Christ’s own pastoral charity
and receive every child as we would the Lord Jesus himself.
Through your intercession
may God grant me the following grace
………………….…………….
(mention your request)
so that together with others
I may assist and help young people in today’s society, AMEN.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…

St John Bosco Pray for us! DAY FOUR - NOVENA ST JOHN BOSCO - 25 JAN 2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Two – 24 January

Posted on January 24, 2018January 23, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Two – 24 January

2nd Day: A MAN OF WORK
True to his motto, “Pray and Work”, Benedict believed in honest, hard work as a way of
glorifying God and helping people in the community.

Word of God
It will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted his
possessions to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two; to a third, one – to
each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately the one who received
the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one
who received two made another two. (Matthew 25, 14-15)

Deepening of Faith
Nazareth, O House of the “Carpenter’s son”, it is here that we would like to understand
and celebrate the severe and redemptive law of human labour; here restore
awareness of the nobility of work; here remember that work is not an end in itself but its freedom and its nobility come, as well as its economic value, from values which are its
goal; how we would like to finally welcome here all workers of the world and show them
their great model, their divine brother, the Prophet of all their just causes, Christ our
Lord. ……………Pope Paul VI, Address in Nazareth, 5 January 1964

Reflection: Am I doing my job/work as well as I can?
Do I feel ashamed when doing manual work?

Prayer People go forth to do their work, to their labour till the evening falls.
How varied are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have made them all;
The earth is full of your creatures. (Psalm 104, 23-24)

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.

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.

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Three – 24 January

Posted on January 24, 2018January 23, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Three – 24 January

3rd Day – 24 January – Loyalty to the Church and to the Pope

O Saint John Bosco,
you nurtured a filial love for the Church and the Pope
and you courageously spoke and wrote in their defense.
Pray for us that, inspired by your example,
we may be faithful sons and daughters of Holy Mother Church
and may likewise,
love and honour the Holy Father
as the Vicar of Jesus Christ on earth.

Through your intercession
may God grant me the following grace
……………………………….[mention your request].
so that together with others
I may assist in bringing all around me
especially the young to the love of the Church, amen.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…
St John Bosco Pray for us! DAY THREE - NOVENA ST JOHN BOSCO - 24 JAN 2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Posted on January 24, 2018January 23, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Day Nine – 24 January

The key to conversion? Keeping our focus on the Cross of Jesus Christ, for “the human heart is converted by looking upon (the Crucified) whom our sins have pierced” (CCC 1432 cf. Jn 19:37; Zech 12:10)

LET US PRAY:

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.
Help me to cling to Christ Crucified
help me to fully participate at every SACRIFICE of the Holy Mass
help me to understand, that this IS He
who showed us the way
gave us the light to follow it in Holy Mother Church
who is His bride and shows us the only truth.
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 that I may love God’s will and providence for me.
In this confidence, I entrust to you, St Paul,
these, my intentions
…………………………………….
(mention your request)

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen

St Paul Pray for us! day-nine-st-paul-2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day One – 23 January

Posted on January 23, 2018January 23, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day One – 23 January

1st Day – Baptised in Christ

Word of God – We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. (Romans 6,4-5)

Reflection – What does the baptism I have received mean to me? Do I really wish to become holy, as God is holy?

Prayer – You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name. Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and your staff give me courage. I will dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. (Psalm 23, 2b-4.6)

NOVENA PRAYER:

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 Mass,
Help me to love You, O Lord, above all things
And to love others as You love me.
Amen.

Blessed Benedict, Pray for us! DAY ONE - NOVENA BL BENEDICT - 23 JAN 2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Two – 23 January

Posted on January 23, 2018January 22, 2018 by AnaStpaul

2nd Day – 23 January – Devotion to Our Blessed Mother

O Saint John Bosco,
you loved the Blessed Virgin,
Mary Immaculate Help of Christians,
taking her as your Mother and Guide
and becoming her apostle.
Pray for us that,
inspired by your example,
we may grow in true and enduring love
for this sweetest of mothers
and may thus win her powerful protection in life
and especially at the hour of our death.
Through your intercession
may God grant me the following grace………………..
[mention your intention]
so that together with others
I may assist in bringing all, especially the youth,
to the love of Mary Our Help, amen.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…

St John Bosco, Pray for us! DAY TWO - NOVENA ST JOHN BOSCO - 23 JAN 2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Posted on January 23, 2018January 22, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Day Eight – 23 January

“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

LET US PRAY:

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 circumstante 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
…………………………………….
(mention your request)

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen

St Paul Pray for us! day-8-st-paul-2018

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Francis de Sales Day NINE – 23 January

Posted on January 23, 2018January 22, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day NINE – 23 January

“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 is be done to me as you say.” [Lk 1:38] (St Francis de Sales Spiritual Directory, Art. 12)

O blessed Francis de Sales,
who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people, especially
…………………………………………..
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
in my attempt to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully with the hope of experiencing
my sacred destiny: eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer
……………………………………………
(mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all,
You desired that St. Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many along the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

St Francis de Sales, pray for us. DAY NINE - NOVENA TO ST FRANCIS DE SALES - 23 JAN 2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St John Bosco – Day One – 22 January

Posted on January 22, 2018January 21, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St John Bosco – Day One – 22 January

St John Bosco is the Patron of Christian apprentices, editors, publishers, schoolchildren, young people, magicians, juvenile delinquents. Choose ALL young people or your own children. Or simply Pray the 9 days for your own intention.

1st Day – 22 January – Love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

O Saint John Bosco,
you loved Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
and zealously promoted this devotion
by encouraging participation in the Holy Eucharist,
reception of Holy Communion and daily visits
to Our Lord in the Tabernacle.

Pray for us that, inspired by your example,
we may grow in this love,
so that we may end our days strengthened
and comforted by the Heavenly Food of
the Most Holy Eucharist.

Through your intercession
may God grant me the following grace
……………….………………….
[mention your intention]
so that together with others
I may assist in bringing all, especially the young,
to the love of Christ in the Eucharist, amen.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…

St John Bosco, Pray for us! DAY ONE -NOVENA ST JOHN BOSCO - 22 JAN 2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, St PAUL!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Posted on January 22, 2018January 21, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Day Seven – 22 January

“Make no mistake, my brothers, if anyone joins a schismatic he will not inherit God’s Kingdom. If anyone walks in the way of heresy, he is out of sympathy with the Passion. Be careful, then, to observe a single Eucharist. For there is one flesh of our Lord, Jesus Christ and one cup of His blood that makes us one and one altar, just as there is one bishop along with the presbytery and the deacons, my fellow slaves. In that way whatever you do is in line with God’s will.”………………St Ignatius of Antioch

LET US PRAY:

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.
Help me to cling to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament
help me to fully participate at every Holy Mass
help me to understand, that this IS He
who showed us the way
gave us the light to follow it in Holy Mother Church
who is His bride and shows us the only truth.
May every circumstante 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 that I may love God’s will and providence for me.
In this confidence, I entrust to you, St Paul,
these, my intentions
……………………………..
(mention your request)

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen.

St Paul Pray for us! day-7-novena-st-paul.2018

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Francis de Sales: Day EIGHT – 22 January

Posted on January 22, 2018January 21, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day EIGHT – 22 January

“One of the greatest proofs of love that Jesus displayed on the cross was putting up with the imperfections of His neighbour. There He showed us that He has a heart that loves us tenderly and watches over us kindly. He even showed His love for those who put Him to death. In those dire moments the Saviour expressed thoughts of love even for his executioners, pardoning them in the very act of sinning! How petty-minded we are when we cannot bring ourselves to forget some injury received, even after a long time! Whoever sincerely pardons another calls down abundant blessings and perfectly imitates Christ.” (St Francis de Sales Spiritual Treatises IV; O. VI, pp. 65-66)

O blessed Francis de Sales,
who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people, especially
………..……………………..
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
in my attempt to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny: eternal life with God. Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer
….………………………………
(mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all,
You desired that St Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many along the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

St Francis de Sales, pray for us DAY EIGHT- ST FRANCIS DE SALES NOVENA - 22 JAN 2018jpg

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Posted on January 21, 2018January 20, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Day SIX – 21 January

Various daily acts cause our conversion and ultimately our sanctification to grow: examining our conscience and admitting our faults; undertaking works of penance and reconciliation; receiving the correction others give us with an open and humble heart; reaching out to the poor; standing up for what is right and just; accepting the suffering and persecution that come our way; desiring to better our life (see CCC1435).

LET US PRAY:

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.
Help me to live a life of ongoing conversion.
True conversion means converting my life to the
design of God, the plan He has for me right now.
Pray for me, that I may be filled with passion
for the evangelisation of all those around me,
that my life may be a beacon of the light of Christ.
May the witness of my life inspire other sinners to conversion.
May faith move me to believe that God can
and will change the things in me that seem impossible to rectify.
In this confidence, I entrust to you, St Paul,
these, my intentions
…………………………..
(mention your request)

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen. day6stpaul-2018

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Francis de Sales – Day SEVEN – 21 January

Posted on January 21, 2018January 20, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day SEVEN – 21 January

“Our intellect is ordinarily full of ideas, opinions and considerations suggested by self-love. This is the root of many conflicts within the soul, putting before us all sorts of reasons dictated by human prudence to justify our pretensions. People who make use of this false prudence, instead of enlightening their intellect, obscure it. They reject advice given to them and let those reasons prevail in their minds which support their own opinions, even wrong ones. Make use of the virtue of prudence because it is good but make good use of it. Employ it only rarely, with simplicity and solely for the glory of God.” (St Francis de Sales – Sermons 30; O. IX, pp. 297-298)

O blessed Francis de Sales,
who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people, especially
……………………………..
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
in my attempt to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer.
………………………………………
(mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all, You desired that St. Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many along the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St Francis de Sales, pray for us. DAY SEVEN - ST FRANCIS DE SALES NOVENA - 21 JAN 2018jpg

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Posted on January 20, 2018January 19, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Day FIVE – 20 January

“Conversion to Christ,” says Pope Benedict XVI, “ultimately means this: to exit the illusion of self-sufficiency in order to discover and accept one’s own need – the need of others and of God, the need of His forgiveness and His friendship.”

LET US PRAY:

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 circumstante 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 that I may love God’s will and providence for me.
In this confidence, I entrust to you, St Paul,
these, my intentions
………………………………
(mention your request)

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen

St Paul Pray for us! day5novenastpaul-2018

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Francis de Sales Day SIX – 20 January

Posted on January 20, 2018January 19, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day SIX – 20 January

“Do not pay any attention to the kind of work you do but rather to the honour that it brings to God, even though it may seem quite trivial. Desire only to do the Divine Will, following Divine Providence, which is the disposition of Divine Wisdom. In a word, if your works are pleasing to God and recognised as such, that is all that matters. Work hard every day at increasing your purity of heart, which consists in appraising things and weighing them in the balance of God’s will.” (St Francis de Sales Letters 280; O. XIII, p. 53)

O blessed Francis de Sales,
who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people, especially
………………..…………….
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven even as I walk each day
with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble in my attempt to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer.
…………………….(mention your particular need)
O God, for the salvation of all, you desired that St. Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many along the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we, infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

St Francis de Sales, pray for us. DAY SIX - ST FRANCIS DE SALES NOVENA - 20 JAN 2018jpg

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Posted on January 19, 2018January 18, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Day FOUR – 19 January

For St John Paul, conversion means returning to God “through evaluating earthly realities in the unfailing light of His truth.” The proof of St Paul’s conversion is his profession: “For me to live is Christ” (Phil 1:21). Conversion is a conversion to the will and design of God: “It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20).

Let us Pray:

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.
Help me to live a life of ongoing conversion.
True conversion means converting my life to the
design of God, the plan He has for me right now.
Pray that I will love God’s will and providence for me.
May I learn to truly surrender myself to wisdom and tenderness of God.
Pray that I may love God’s will and providence for me.
In this confidence, I entrust to you, St Paul,
these, my intentions ………………..
(mention your request)

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen.

St Paul Pray for us! day-4-novena-st-paul.-2018

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Uncategorized

Novena to St Francis de Sales: Day Five – 19 January

Posted on January 19, 2018January 18, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day FIVE – 19 January

“This poor life is only a journey to the happy life to come. We must not be angry with one another on the way but rather we must march on as a band of brothers and sisters united in meekness, peace and love. I state absolutely and make no exception: do not be angry at all if that is possible. Do no accept any pretext whatever for opening your heart’s door to anger. Saint James tells us positively and without reservation,” … a man’s anger does not fulfil God’s justice.” [St Francis de Sales Jas 1:20] (INT. Part III, Ch. 8; O. III, p. 162)

O blessed Francis de Sales, who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people, especially
…………………………..
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise
cause me to stumble in my attempt
to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer.
…………………………….
(mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all,
You desired that St Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many along the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, amen.

St Francis de Sales, pray for us. DAY FIVE - ST FRANCIS DE SALES NOVENA - 19 JAN 2018jpg

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January: Day THREE – 18 January

Posted on January 18, 2018January 17, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Day THREE – 18 January

“Suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him…. (he) heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?…I am Jesus….” They led (Saul) by the hand” (Acts 9:3,4,5,8)

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI speaks of conversion as an act of obedience toward a reality that does not originate from us, that precedes us: the concrete God. (Joseph Ratzinger – The Nature and Mission of Theology {Ignatius, 1995 p 58})

Let us Pray:

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.
Help me to live a life of ongoing obedience to God
and conversion of my wilful heart.
Pray that I may renounce self-will
and surrender myself to my Creator
who has a plan to make me a saint.
May faith move me to believe that God can and will,
change the things in me that seem insurmountable.
Pray that I may love God’s will and providence for me.
In this confidence, I entrust to you, St Paul,
these, my intentions
………………………………….
(mention your request)

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen.

St Paul Pray for us! day-three-st-paul - 2018

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Francis de Sales – Day Four: 18 January

Posted on January 18, 2018January 17, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day Four – 18 January

“Self-love dies only when our body dies, so we must, while we live in this land of exile, continue to counterattack its assaults on our senses and its underhanded tactics. It is enough if we firmly withstand, giving no wilful or deliberate consent … When we feel within ourselves the first movements of self-love or of other passions, let us prostrate ourselves immediately before the heart of God and tell Him, in a spirit of confidence and humility, “Lord, have mercy on me because I am a very weak creature.” Then let us tranquilly rest in peace and put ourselves at God’s disposal.” (St Francis de Sales Letters 1675; O. XIX, pp. 272-273)

O blessed Francis de Sales,
who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me
under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people, especially ……………………..
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven even as I walk each day
with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble in my attempt
to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny, eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer
………………………..…….
(mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all, You desired that St Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many long the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

St Francis de Sales, pray for us. DAY FOUR - ST FRANCIS DE SALES NOVENA - 18 JAN 2018jpg

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Posted on January 17, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Day TWO – 17 January

Saul of Tarsus, the “Pharisee, a son of Pharisees” (Acts 23:6) had often prayed in the Psalms “You have said, ‘seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek’…Bow your heavens, O Lord and come down!….Flash forth the lightening …Stretch forth your hand from on high, rescue me and deliver me.” (Ps 27:8-9; 144:5,6,7).

And that is EXACTLY what happened when Saul encountered Christ on the road to Damascus!

LET US PRAY:

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 that I may love God’s will and providence for me.
In this confidence, I entrust to you, St Paul,
these, my intentions
………………………………………..
(mention your request)

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen.

St Paul Pray for us! day-two-novena-st-paul - 2018 VERSION

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Announcing the NOVENA to Blessed BENEDICT DASWA – Memorial 1 February

Posted on January 17, 2018January 16, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Announcing the NOVENA to Blessed BENEDICT DASWA – Memorial 1 February

Begins 23 January

We are encouraging people in all the Dioceses of Southern Africa (SACBC region) to pray for the favours and graces they need during the nine days prior to the Feast on 1 February. This novena will commence on 23 January and conclude on 31 January. We also invite people to make three acts of kindness each day of the Novena in remembrance of the three acts of charity which Blessed Benedict performed the day he was martyred.

The NOVENA PRAYER in various languages

The Novena Prayer in various languages for opening or downloading:

English english-novena

Afrikaans afrikaans_combined

French french-novena

Portuguese portuguese-novena

South Sotho s-sotho-novena

North Sotho sepedi-novena

XiTsonga tsonga-novena

TshiVenda venda-novena

ANNOUNCING A NOVENA TO BL BENEDICT DASWA - BEGINS 23 JAN

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Francis de Sales Day Three – 17 January

Posted on January 17, 2018January 16, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day Three – 17 January

“I desire very little and what I do desire I desire very little; I have hardly any desires but if I were to begin my life all over again I would want to have none at all … Ask for nothing, refuse nothing; we must simply abandon ourselves into the hands of Providence, without nourishing any other desire but to do whatever God wills. St Paul practised this act of absolute abandonment at the very moment of his conversion. When he was deprived of his sight, he immediately said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” [cf. Act 22:10] From that moment on he put himself completely at God’s disposal. All our perfection consists precisely in the practical application of this principle. ” (St Francis de Sales Spiritual Treatises XXI, O. VI, pp. 383-384)

O blessed Francis de Sales,
who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people, especially …………………….
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven even as I walk each day
with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
in my attempt to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny: eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer.
………………………………………. (mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all, You desired that St Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many along the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

St Francis de Sales, pray for us. DAY THREE - NOVENA TO ST FRANCIS DE SALES - 17 JAN 2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Posted on January 16, 2018January 16, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Blessed John Henry Newman (d 1890) looked upon conversion as nothing more than a deeper discovery of what we already truly desire. Conversion happens at the level of desire. It is the restoration of what makes us truly human.

Novena to St Paul
DAY ONE – 16 January

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen.

St Paul Pray for us! day-one-st-paul-novena- 2017 pic

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Francis de Sales – Day Two – 16 January

Posted on January 16, 2018January 15, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day Two – 16 January

“State openly that you desire to be devout. I do not say that you should assert that you are devout but that you desire to be devout. Do not be ashamed to practice the ordinary, necessary actions that bring us to the love of God. Acknowledge frankly that you are trying to meditate, that you would rather die than commit a mortal sin, that you are resolved to frequent the sacraments and to follow your director’s advice. This candid confession of our desire to serve God and to consecrate ourselves entirely to His love is most acceptable to His Divine Majesty.” (St Francis de Sales INT. V, Ch. 18; O. III, p. 365)

O blessed Francis de Sales, you who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people, especially ……………………….
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
in my attempt to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer.
…………………………… (mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all,
You desired that St. Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many along the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit
may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

St Francis de Sales, pray for us. DAY TWO-NOVENA TO ST FRANCIS DE SALES - 16 JAN 2018

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Francis de Sales Day One – 15 January

Posted on January 15, 2018January 15, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day One – 15 January

There is no clock, no matter how good it may be, that doesn’t need resetting and rewinding twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. In addition, at least once a year it must be taken apart to remove the dirt clogging it, straighten out bent parts and repair those worn out. In like manner, every morning and evening a person who really takes care of his heart must rewind it for God’s service by means of certain practices of piety. At least once a year he must take it apart and examine every piece in detail; that is, every affection and passion, in order to repair whatever defects there may be. (INT. Part 5, Ch. 1; O. III, p. 340)

O blessed Francis de Sales,
who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me
under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people,
especially ……………………..
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
in my attempt to follow Christ
and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern
that I now lift up in prayer………………………………
(mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all,
you desired that St Francis de Sales,
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder,
should befriend many along the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit
may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St Francis de Sales, pray for us. DAY ONE - NOVENA TO ST FRANCIS DE SALES - 15 JAN 2018

DEVOTIO, DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOTES to Followers, NOVENAS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Announcement of Novenas: ST FRANCIS de SALES – begins 15 January ST PAUL – begins 16 January ST JOHN BOSCO – begins 22 January

Posted on January 10, 2018January 10, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Announcement of Novenas:
ST FRANCIS de SALES – begins 15 January
ST PAUL – begins 16 January
ST JOHN BOSCO – begins 22 January

to ST FRANCIS de SALES CO OM OFM Cap (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church – begins 15 January. St Francis de Sales is the Patron of Devotion so if there’s a Saint who might know what a Devout Heart is, it’s going to be him. St Alphonsus Liguori said that the most useful practice of a Novena is to make up our minds at the beginning of the Novena to correct some fault we have been accustomed to commit. Let us ask St Francis de Sales to stir our hearts toward greater devotion and love for God. ANNOUNCING A NOVENA TO ST FRANCIS DE SALES BEGINS 15 JAN - 10 JAN 2018

to ST PAUL – begins 16 January – We pray in honour of the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul on 25 January. St Paul is the MOST NEGLECTED IN PRAYER by Catholics – come on folks let us pray for zeal, for courage, for perseverence, for strength, for LOVE of God and neighbour, in fact we can pray to ST PAUL FOR ALL our needs! ANNOUNCING A NOVENA TO ST PAUL - BEGINS 16 JAN - 10 JAN 2018

to ST JOHN BOSCO “Don Bosco” (1815-1888) “Father and Teacher of the Youth” – He was a follower of the spirituality and philosophy of Saint Francis de Sales, Bosco was an ardent Marian devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Mary Help of Christians. He later dedicated his works to De Sales when he founded the Salesians of Don Bosco – begins 22 January. St John Bosco is the Patron of Christian apprentices, editors, publishers, schoolchildren, young people, magicians, juvenile delinquents. Choose ALL young people or your own children. Or simply Pray the 9 days for your own growth in love of our Mother, the Help of Christians or our own growth in faith and sanctity.

Don’t forget to pray Novenas each day for nine straight days…

ADVENT, CHRISTMASTIDE!, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Christmas Novena to the Christ Child – Day Nine – 24 December

Posted on December 24, 2017December 23, 2017 by AnaStpaul

Christmas Novena to the Christ Child – Day Nine – 24 December

Day Nine

The Birth of Jesus in the Stable of Bethlehem

Reflection:
When the edict was issued by the emperor of Rome
that everyone should go to his own city to be enrolled,
Joseph and Mary went to be enrolled in Bethlehem.
How much the Holy Virgin must have suffered on this journey of four days,
over mountainous road and in the wintertime, with its cold rain and wind!
When they arrived in Bethlehem, the time of Mary’s delivery was near.
Joseph, therefore, sought some lodging where she might give birth to her Child.
But because they were so poor, they were driven away from the houses
and even from the public inn, where other poor people had found shelter.
So in that night they went a short way out of the town
and there found a cave that was used as a stable and here Mary entered.
But Joseph said to his virgin wife, “Mary, how can you spend the night in this cold, damp cave and here give birth to your Child?” Mary however replied, “Dear Joseph, this cave is the royal palace in which the King of kings, the Son of God, wishes to be born.”

When the hour of her delivery had arrived, the holy Virgin,
as she knelt in prayer, all at once saw the cave illumined with a dazzling light.
She lowered her eyes to the ground and there saw before her the Son of God now born on earth, a poor little Babe, crying and shivering in the cold.
Adoring Him as her God, she took Him to her breast and fondled Him.
Then she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and liad Him on the straw of the manger that stood in the cave.
Thus did the Son of God choose to be born among us to prove His infinite love for us.

Prayer:
O Adorable Infant Jesus!
I should not have the boldness to cast myself at Your feet,
if I did not know that You Yourself invite me to draw near You.
It is I who by my sins have made You shed so many tears in the stable of Bethlehem.
But since You have come on earth to pardon repentant sinners,
forgive me also, now that I am heartily sorry for having spurned You,
my Saviour and my God, who art so good and who have loved me so much.
In this night, in which You bestow great graces on so many souls,
grant Your heavenly consolation to this poor soul of mine also.
All that I ask of You is the grace to love You always, more and more,
from this day forward, with all my heart.
Set me all on fire with Your holy love.
I love You, O my God, who have become a Babe for love of me.
Never let me cease loving You evermore.
O Mary, Mother of Jesus and my Mother,
you can obtain everything from your Son by your prayers.
This is the only favour I ask of you, that I might love Him more and more.
Please pray to Jesus for me, I beg you. Amen. DAY NINE - CHRISTMAS NOVENA TO THE CHRIST CHILD - 24 DEC 2017- NO 2

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Don’t forget to pray Novenas each day for nine straight days…

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