The word "novena" is derived from the Latin word for nine. A novena is nine hours, nine days, or nine months of prayer seeking God's graces & blessings.
The Apostles, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, went to the Upper Room and prayed together for the nine days to prepare for Pentecost. Mary carried Jesus in her womb for nine months. The parallel between Jesus spending nine months in Mary's womb before coming forth to fulfill His mission on Earth, and Mary and the Apostles spending nine days in prayer before going forth to spread the Gospel is striking.
Together as a parish we would like to pray a nine hour novena on Wednesday July 28th, from 9:00am-6:00pm. At least once during each of these hours please pray the prayer below for a greater love for God in our world and for your personal intention. We will be united in prayer for love of Jesus and for our own and each others intentions.
Praying a nine hour novena keeps us spiritually in the presence of Jesus for the entire day and brings God's grace, according to God's Holy Will, to our soul and for those we are praying for.
Novena prayer for a greater love for God and Neighbor
Jesus is the - Word made Flesh.
Jesus is the - Bread of Life.
Jesus is the Victim - offered for our sins.
Jesus is the Sacrifice - at Holy Mass.
Jesus is the Word - to be spoken.
Jesus is the Truth - to be told.
Jesus is the Way - to be walked.
Jesus is the Light - to be lit.
Jesus is the Life - to be loved.
Jesus is the Joy - to be shared.
Jesus is the Sacrifice - to be given.
Jesus is the Bread of Life - to be eaten.
Jesus is the Hungry - to be fed.
Jesus is the Thirsty - to be given a drink.
Jesus is the Homeless - to be taken in.
Jesus is the Sick - to be healed.
Jesus is the Lonely - to be loved.
Jesus is the Unwanted - to be wanted.
Jesus is the Leper - to wash his wounds.
Jesus is the Beggar - to give him a smile.
Jesus is the Little One - to embrace him.
Jesus is the Crippled - to walk with him.
Jesus is the Drug Addict - to befriend him.
Jesus is the Prisoner - to be visited.
Jesus is the Old - to be served.
Jesus is the Resurrection - to be lived.