Novena of Grace 2012
March 4, 2012 - March 12, 2012
A Novena is a period of public or private prayer lasting nine days either consecutively or once weekly for nine weeks, to mark an important occasion, obtain a particular grace or pray for a special intention. The prayers are often directed to the intercession of a Saint or a particular virtue of Christ. The model for all Novenas is the celebration of the nine days traditionally observed between Ascension and Pentecost when Mary and the apostles waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
The Novena of Grace is a special time of prayer in which people all over the world call to God through the intercession of St. Francis Xavier. It usually begins on March 4th and closes on March 12th when we celebrate the canonization of St Ignatius Loyola and St. Francis Xavier. The Novena of Grace was prompted by the cure of Fr. Marcellus Mastrilli, S.J., in 1634. At the point of death from a brain injury he was cured instantaneously through the intercession of St Francis Xavier and afterwards died a martyr in Japan. Fr. Mastrilli said the Saint had assured him that “all who ask his intercession with God for nine days, in honor of his canonization, would infallibly experience the effects of his great power in heaven and would receive whatever they asked that would contribute to their salvation.” Because of the innumerable graces and extraordinary favors received through his intercession, this devotion came to be known as the Novena of Grace.
Click below for each day's reflection by Fr. Francis Xavier Moan, S.J.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
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O FATHER SAINT FRANCIS
O Father Saint Francis, we kneel at your feet,
While blessing and favors we beg and entreat,
That you from your bright throne in heaven above,
Would look on your clients with pity and love.
Saint Francis Xavier, O pray for us! Saint Francis Xavier, O pray for us!
O Father Saint Francis, your words were once strong,
Against Satan’s wiles and an infidel throng;
Not less is your might where in heaven you are;
O, come to our aid, in our battle take part.
Saint Francis Xavier, O pray for us! Saint Francis Xavier, O pray for us! |
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