Tag: dayfourblbenedictdaswa

Novena to Bl Benedict Daswa – Day FOUR – 26 January

DAY 4 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. A city 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)

Deepening of Faith
In order to achieve their task directed to the Christian animation of the temporal order, in the sense of serving persons and society, the lay faithful are never to relinquish their participation in “public life”, that is, in the many different economic, social, legislative, administrative and cultural areas, which are intended to promote organically and institutionally the common good. (CL42)

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.