Novena of Grace: Day One
During this season of Lent, please join Bishop Edward Weisenburger, Bishop of Tucson, in the Novena of Grace petitioning for the canonization of Fr. Eusebio Francisco Kino, S.J. the first missionary to our region. The faithful of the Diocese of Tucson are also encouraged to pray for their own personal intentions. Our novena is directed to the patronage of St. Francis Xavier, S.J., Fr. Kino's patron saint. We should seek a miracle as a sign of God's blessing of his cause. To receive the other eight days of the Novena, you must push the link "Join Novena Group."
Novena of Grace to St. Francis Xavier, S.J.
Intention
For the Church throughout the world and the canonization of Fr. Kino
Prayer
Most loving St. Francis Xavier, you have interceded most effectively throughout the centuries to bring faith and hope to non-believers over all the world. Please, beseech Almighty God to honor those who have spent their lives in the service of mankind. Remember God’s humble servant, Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino, who vowed his life in the service of the peoples of the Americas and who imitated your virtues so intensely. I also ask that you hear my humble petition also
(mention here the spiritual or temporal favor you wish to obtain)
Even as he prayed that he owed his life, his vocation, and his missionary assignment to your intercession, intercede, we pray, that Fr. Kino’s selfless zeal be recognized by the Church so that his life, as yours, may become a model for all who profess an enduring and consuming love of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and a desire to win souls for Christ. “We will sing, O Lord, of your greatness, your virtues, your abounding mercies, and the heavenly favors of you and your saints.“ Amen.
Pray one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.
Reflection
Sunday, March 15, marks the 309th Anniversary of the passing of Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino, S.J., the “Apostle of the Pimeria.” The name “Kino” is commemorated on a number of geological features, streets, monuments, statues, and even a city, throughout the region of Arizona and Sonora. Fr. Kino had a great devotion to St. Francis Xavier, S.J. and named Mission San Xavier del Bac in his honor. The Diocesan intention for the Novena of Grace to St. Francis Xavier is for the canonization of Fr. Kino, who brought our Faith to Sonora and Southern Arizona and the continuing evangelization of our home.
Fr. Kino brought this very devotion to Sonora and Southern Arizona. As the cause for his canonization continues to gain momentum, supported by the Dioceses of Tucson, Phoenix, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and Trent, Italy, we ask that our local communities join with those who have studied his life and ministry and are convinced of Fr. Kino' sanctity to pray for his canonization.