Novena, St Francis de Sales

A request from a Friend to be posted:

Hello All,

A few of us are going to pray a novena for the intention of the next Bishop of Cleveland, that God will bless us with a wise and just shepherd, and that, whomever he is, God will bless him with many graces to perform his duties so that he can be a great witness and leader for his flock. We ask that you join us in this spiritual endeavor.

Since Francis de Sales' feast is coming up, it seems fitting to pray a novena to this great Bishop and Doctor of the Church. We will begin the novena on Saturday, January 21, so that we can end on Francis de Sales' feast day, January 29 (on the old calendar, according to the1962 Roman Missal). In the meantime, please COPY this message and prayer and send it to family, friends, fellow parishioners, and anyone you think would like to join. Please do NOT forward this email. 

Novena to St. Francis de Sales

 

O blessed Francis de Sales, who on earth did excel in a life of virtue, especially in the love of God and neighbor, I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection. Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart. Grant that all people, especially (the future Bishop of Cleveland) may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.

Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth. Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion, to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble in my attempt to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.

Encouraged by your prayers and example, help me to live fully my sacred dignity with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny: eternal life with God. Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer. (That the future Bishop of Cleveland may be a wise and just shepherd who will bring many sheep to Christ’s fold through his leadership).

O God, for the salvation of all, you desired that St. Francis de Sales—preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—should befriend many along the road to salvation. Mercifully grant that we, infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity, guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit may experience eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.