Novena of Grace - Starts Today
Mar 5, 2020 0:33:45 GMT
Post by Hildegard on Mar 5, 2020 0:33:45 GMT
HISTORY: The Novena of Grace to St. Francis Xavier which begins March 4 and ends on the 12th, the day of the canonization of St. Francis Xavier, owes its origin to the Saint himself. At Naples in December 1633, Fr. Marcello Mastrilli, S.J., was at the point of death. The Saint appeared to him and, bidding him renew a vow he had made to labor in Japan, said:
PROMISE: “All those who implore my help daily for nine consecutive days, from the 4th to the 12th of March included, and worthily receive the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist on one of the nine days, will experience my protection and may hope with entire assurance to obtain from God any Grace they ask for the good of their souls and the glory of God.”
Prayers for the nine days:
O most lovable and loving Saint Francis Xavier, in union with thee I reverently adore the Divine Majesty.
While joyfully giving thanks to God for the singular gifts of grace bestowed upon Thee during life and thy
glory after death, I ask thee with all my heart’s devotion to be pleased to obtain for me, through thy powerful
intercession, the greatest of all blessings: The grace of living a holy life and dying a holy death. Moreover, I
beg of thee to obtain for me (mention the spiritual or temporal favor you wish to receive). But if what I
humbly ask of thee does not tend to the glory of God and the greater good of my soul, obtain for me, I pray,
what is more conducive to both. Amen. Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.
Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: O God, Thou wert pleased by the preaching and miracles of St. Francis Xavier to join to Thy Church
the nation of the Indies. Mercifully grant that we who reverence his glorious merits may also follow the example
of his virtues, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
