June 24, 2008
Day Six Novena to Mother of Perpetual Help
Readings: Solemnity of the Birth of John
the Baptist Isaiah 49: 1-6 Psalm 139
Acts 13:22-26 Luke 1:57-66, 80
Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist
Good evening, I am Sr. Moira, and on behalf of the community I welcome you to the sixth day of our novena and the Feast of the Birth of John the Baptist.
As most of you know, John is very near and dear to my heart, as it was while mediating on his life as I was writing my novel about him, that he reawakened in me my call to religious life. I became a Redemptoristine by directing my gaze to the Lamb of God.
John’s life was all about witness. Our Mother of Perpetual Help began her calling early when she gave witness to God’s greatness when she went to the aid of her older relative. At that time, John gave his first witness when he leapt for joy in Elizabeth’s womb in response to his Savior in Mary’s womb.
Then, when it came time for his circumcision eight days after his birth, his very being gave witness to the mystery of salvation when his parents named him John, meaning God’s gracious gift, for ‘nothing is impossible with God.’
By our baptism we, too, are called to give witness to God’s gracious gifts in our lives, and the mystery of salvation.
Our celebrant this evening is Fr. Joseph Freund, CSsR. So, with joyful hearts, let us rise and give witness by our praises during this Eucharist along with our Mother of Perpetual Help for the many gifts and blessings we have received in our lives.
As most of you know, John is very near and dear to my heart, as it was while mediating on his life as I was writing my novel about him, that he reawakened in me my call to religious life. I became a Redemptoristine by directing my gaze to the Lamb of God.
John’s life was all about witness. Our Mother of Perpetual Help began her calling early when she gave witness to God’s greatness when she went to the aid of her older relative. At that time, John gave his first witness when he leapt for joy in Elizabeth’s womb in response to his Savior in Mary’s womb.
Then, when it came time for his circumcision eight days after his birth, his very being gave witness to the mystery of salvation when his parents named him John, meaning God’s gracious gift, for ‘nothing is impossible with God.’
By our baptism we, too, are called to give witness to God’s gracious gifts in our lives, and the mystery of salvation.
Our celebrant this evening is Fr. Joseph Freund, CSsR. So, with joyful hearts, let us rise and give witness by our praises during this Eucharist along with our Mother of Perpetual Help for the many gifts and blessings we have received in our lives.
NOVENA PRAYER
Holy Mary, help all in distress, encourage the fainthearted, console the sorrowful,be the advocate of all the clergy and religious, strengthen family life, bring peace to our world, intercede for all God’s holy people; let all feel your aid who implore your Perpetual Help.
V: Our Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
R: That we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us your Mother Mary, whose miraculous image we venerate, to be our Mother, ever ready to help us, grant we pray, that we who earnestly implore your aid may deserve to enjoy perpetually the fruit of your redemption. You who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Holy Mary, help all in distress, encourage the fainthearted, console the sorrowful,be the advocate of all the clergy and religious, strengthen family life, bring peace to our world, intercede for all God’s holy people; let all feel your aid who implore your Perpetual Help.
V: Our Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
R: That we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us your Mother Mary, whose miraculous image we venerate, to be our Mother, ever ready to help us, grant we pray, that we who earnestly implore your aid may deserve to enjoy perpetually the fruit of your redemption. You who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
1 comment:
Sr. Moira, shalom. So nice to meet all the sisters individually in this way.
I just posted 3 photos from the birthday celebration at St. John in the Wilderness convent here in my neighborhood. You might enjoy them at my blog:
http://jerusalemhillsdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/06/birthday-of-john-baptist.html
Just copy and paste the link into your browser.
Blessings to you from Jerusalem.
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