Monday, December 13, 2004

A National Rosary Novena



Many Canadians are concerned about the spiritual health of our nation of Canada. Close to five centuries ago, the victory of the Battle of Lepanto was aided by a rosary crusade instituted by Pope Pius V. This was followed by the creation of the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (for more information, visit: www.themass.org/homily/1998/h-100798.htm ).

In the same spirit, it is always timely for Catholics across Canada to enter into Rosary Novenas**, begging the intercession of Our Lady of Guadeloupe, patroness of the Americas.


THE INTENTION:

We pray that all Members of Parliament understand that theirs is a God-given power to lead, and it is to God they will one day answer for their decisions.

We pray that these elected leaders be filled with a proper holy fear of God, and a holy boldness to embrace and uphold Christian virtues and morals.

This is followed by a standard recitation of the Rosary (five decades - or all 20 if that is possible), and concluded with the following prayers:

Our Lady of Guadeloupe - pray for us;
St. Juan Diego - pray for us;
St. Joseph, patron of Canada - pray for us;
Holy Canadian Martyrs - pray for us;
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys - pray for us;
St. Marguerite d'Youville - pray for us;
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha - pray for us;
Blessed Brother Andre Bessette - pray for us;
Blessed Miguel Pro - pray for us.

The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel


Borrowing on Rabbi Hillel:
If not me, then who? If not now, then when? If not here, then where?


Viva Cristo Rey!
Long live Christ the King!



**The word novena usually refers to nine (novem) days of prayer. Tradition also includes multiples of nine, especially in Rosary Novenas - hence the 54-Day Rosary Novena, and 27-Day Rosary Novena.