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The
Miraculous Novena of Grace
March 4 -March 12
HISTORY: The Novena of Grace, which
begins March 4th 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, Father 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
the 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."
The Father arose, instantly cured.
So well has the Saint kept this promise that this devotion in his
honor became universally known as the Novena of Grace. Its efficacy
is not restricted to the dates mentioned. It may be made very
appropriately from November 25 -December 3, the Feast of St. Francis
Xavier. Though any prayers can be said in honor of the Saint, the
following are generally recommended.
read more about this Novena
Prayers for the Novena
PRAYER TO ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
Attributed to Father Marcello
Mastrilli, S.J. (17th century)
| O most lovable and loving St. Francis Xavier, in union with
you I reverently adore the Divine Majesty. While joyfully giving
thanks to God for the singular gifts of grace bestowed upon you
during life and your glory after death, I ask you with all my
heart's devotion to be pleased to obtain for me, by your
powerful intercession, the greatest of all blessings: the grace
of living a holy life and dying a holy death. Moreover, I beg of
you to obtain for me (mention the spiritual or temporal favor
you wish to receive). But if what I humbly ask of you 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 to the Father.
Pray for us, St. Francis Xavier.
R That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
LET US PRAY O God, You were
pleased by the preaching and miracles of St. Francis Xavier to
join to Your Church the nations 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. |
The Vision of St. Francis
Xavier
VAN DYCK WORKSHOP
1622
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