Saturday, July 21, 2012

St. Ignatius Novena

July 31 is the feast day of St. Ignatius Loyola, one of my favorite saints.  I am planning ahead and have a novena picked out to pray beginning on July 23 to end on his feast day.  I have found two different prayers.

1.  (to be said both morning and night for nine days)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be to the Father (three times).
V. Pray for us, O Holy Father, Saint Ignatius.
R. That we may be made worthy of the Promises of Christ.
Let us pray:O God, who, for the increase of the greater glory of Thy Holy Name, hast been pleased by Blessed Ignatius to strengthen the Church militant with new help, grant that, aided by his prayers during our warfare on earth, we may so imitate his virtues as to be happily crowned with him in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Let us pray:  O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Eternal God, who, imparting to the bodies of the sick Thy gracious blessing, dost guard Thy creature by Thy manifold tenderness, graciously assist us to invoke Thy Holy Name, that, by the intercession of Thy Confessor, Saint Ignatius, Thy servants, freed from sickness and blessed with health, may be raised up by Thy right hand, strengthened by Thy help, guarded by Thy protection, and restored to Thy Holy Church with every blessing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

2.  Holy Father Ignatius,  through the centuries millions must have known the influence of your inspiration. Our world today needs to find your secret of finding God everywhere, of putting Him first in our intention and endeavor, of desiring nothing but what He wants, of yearning for nothing but His love and grace. Teach us the freedom that comes from committing ourselves to God’s designs for a world laden with creative beauty yet marred by our violent ways. You knew that Christ was your companion at every step of life. You joined him in his ongoing work for the salvation of us all. Help us to find courage in his presence, to feel that he works with and in us. May God, through the power of your prayer give us peace and joy and grant us our most intimate requests in this Novena if they be for His greater glory and our greater good. Amen.



I prefer the second, so that's what I will do.  My intentions will be for my family and for clear direction in my life.



1 comment:

Denise said...

Glad to see that St. Ignatius is one of your favorite saints! Have you seen the celebrations in his honor that we have over at Loyola Press?

http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/31-days-with-saint-ignatius/