St. Alphonsa Novena
St. Alphonsa Novena for the complete nine days is given below.
St. Alphonsa, pray for us sinners.
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The First Day:
The Suffering Servant
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of Your life-giving and Divine commandments. In Your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love, hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise You, Lord of all, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Comm : Amen
Readings from the New Testament
1. Hebrews 12/4-1 (the server reads)
2. Mark 8/31-38 (the celebrant reads)
(Silent Prayer)
Cel : Let us pray
Loving Lord Jesus, who sacrificed Your life on Calvary fulfilling the will of the Eternal Father, we thank You for Your infinite love and supreme compassion, and the glorious act of redemption. St.Alphonsa was able to sincerely accept Your command: “if anyone wants to be a follower of Mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow Me”. Help us to follow the example of St.Alphonsa who said: “I have a share in the Cross of Christ; I am with Jesus on the Cross”, and happily dedicated before the Eternal Father the responsibilities of her life, the hardships of community life, and the miseries of physical ailments. O Jesus, enable us to offer the crosses of our daily lives as an offering acceptable and pleasing to You. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Lord of all ,forever.
Res: Amen.
The Second Day:
Total dedicationCel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your lifegiving and Divine commandments. In Your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise You, Lord of all, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Comm.: Amen.
Readings from the N.T
1. Phil. 3/7-11
2. Matt. 19/16-26
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: Let us pray
Lord Jesus who said: “My food is to do the will of the one Who sent Me, and to complete His work” (Jn 4/34), we praise and adore You. St. Alphonsa who declared: “I have given myself up entirely to My Lord”, is the guide and model of our lives. God, give us the lifegiving faith that the Lord Jesus will give us only those things that will redeem us from the anxieties and worries of life. O Jesus, strengthen us to submit to the will of God in all the trials and tribulations of life, and depend firmly on God, like St. Alphonsa who believed “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing” (Ps. 23/1). The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your lifegiving and Divine commandments. In Your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise You, Lord of all, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Comm.: Amen.
Readings from the N.T
1. Phil. 3/7-11
2. Matt. 19/16-26
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: Let us pray
Lord Jesus who said: “My food is to do the will of the one Who sent Me, and to complete His work” (Jn 4/34), we praise and adore You. St. Alphonsa who declared: “I have given myself up entirely to My Lord”, is the guide and model of our lives. God, give us the lifegiving faith that the Lord Jesus will give us only those things that will redeem us from the anxieties and worries of life. O Jesus, strengthen us to submit to the will of God in all the trials and tribulations of life, and depend firmly on God, like St. Alphonsa who believed “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing” (Ps. 23/1). The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
The Third Day:
Love of God
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your lifegiving and Divine commandments. In Your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise You, Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forever.
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T
1. Rom. 8/31-39
2. Jn. 15/1-17
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: O Lord, who said those who want to inherit eternal life “must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind”(LK 10/27),fill our hearts with the love of God. Let our lives be inspired by the life of St. Alphonsa who said even during her sleepless nights of ailment ‘ I love my Jesus’. Bless us Lord to imbibe the spiritual thirst of St. Alphonsa who surrendered herself fully to the Word of God and desired ardently to become a small spark in the flame of love in your Sacred Heart. Give us the grace to taste the sweetness of Your Word and understand the depth of Your love for us that we may lead a life of total conversion O Lord. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, The Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your lifegiving and Divine commandments. In Your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise You, Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forever.
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T
1. Rom. 8/31-39
2. Jn. 15/1-17
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: O Lord, who said those who want to inherit eternal life “must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind”(LK 10/27),fill our hearts with the love of God. Let our lives be inspired by the life of St. Alphonsa who said even during her sleepless nights of ailment ‘ I love my Jesus’. Bless us Lord to imbibe the spiritual thirst of St. Alphonsa who surrendered herself fully to the Word of God and desired ardently to become a small spark in the flame of love in your Sacred Heart. Give us the grace to taste the sweetness of Your Word and understand the depth of Your love for us that we may lead a life of total conversion O Lord. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, The Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
The Fourth Day:
Brotherly Love
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your lifegiving and Divine commandments. In your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise you, Lord of all, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T
1. 1 Jn. 3/11-24
2. Lk.10/25-37
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: O, Lord Jesus who said, ” I give you a new commandment : love one another . By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are My disciples”(Jn.13/35), strengthen us to bear witness to your love in our families and all spheres of activity by renouncing the self and its cares. Enable us to share your divine love with others and do good to all like St.Alphonsa with no expectations of reward; Lord , help us to follow the footsteps of St.Alphonsa who showed loving concern to all who offended her, and prayed fervently for those who did not love her. The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, The Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your lifegiving and Divine commandments. In your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise you, Lord of all, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T
1. 1 Jn. 3/11-24
2. Lk.10/25-37
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: O, Lord Jesus who said, ” I give you a new commandment : love one another . By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are My disciples”(Jn.13/35), strengthen us to bear witness to your love in our families and all spheres of activity by renouncing the self and its cares. Enable us to share your divine love with others and do good to all like St.Alphonsa with no expectations of reward; Lord , help us to follow the footsteps of St.Alphonsa who showed loving concern to all who offended her, and prayed fervently for those who did not love her. The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, The Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
The Fifth Day:
Humility
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your lifegiving and Divine commandments. In Your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise You, Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forever
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T
1. Phil. 2/5-10
2. Lk. 14/7-11
(Silent Prayer)
Cel : Let us pray
O Jesus who said, “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart”, (Mt. 1/29) teach us the lesson of humility of heart. Lord Jesus we beseech you with St.Alponsa , liberate us from the desires to be loved and honoured , deliver us from the evil attempts to win fame and respect, help us to use our time, wealth and abilities for the well-being and benefit of others, with the firm conviction that whatever we have is your benevolent gift. Enable us to see you in our authorities, obey and respect them. Help us to lead a life of true humility , truth and justice and make us worthy to inherit heavenly reward. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your lifegiving and Divine commandments. In Your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise You, Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forever
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T
1. Phil. 2/5-10
2. Lk. 14/7-11
(Silent Prayer)
Cel : Let us pray
O Jesus who said, “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart”, (Mt. 1/29) teach us the lesson of humility of heart. Lord Jesus we beseech you with St.Alponsa , liberate us from the desires to be loved and honoured , deliver us from the evil attempts to win fame and respect, help us to use our time, wealth and abilities for the well-being and benefit of others, with the firm conviction that whatever we have is your benevolent gift. Enable us to see you in our authorities, obey and respect them. Help us to lead a life of true humility , truth and justice and make us worthy to inherit heavenly reward. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
The Sixth Day:
Awareness of the Presence of God
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of Your lifegiving and Divine commandments. In Your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise You, Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forever.
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T
1. Rom. 10/8-13
2. Lk. 12/22-32
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: Let us pray
O Lord Jesus, we thank You for your infinite love and compassion, because you have given yourself to us in the Holy Eucharist, and have given us your Spirit to console, teach and strengthen us till the end of times. Help us turn all the adversities into blessings by accepting them as gifts from our Heavenly Father like St. Alphonsa, who had the firm faith,”nothing will happen to me without the knowledge of my God”. Lord, help us to realize the divine plans in our lives, and guide us to walk along the path of tribulations without faltering on the way. Help us to sanctify each moment of our lives with a deep awareness of your living presence with us, and walk confidently along the path of holiness. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of Your lifegiving and Divine commandments. In Your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise You, Lord of all, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forever.
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T
1. Rom. 10/8-13
2. Lk. 12/22-32
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: Let us pray
O Lord Jesus, we thank You for your infinite love and compassion, because you have given yourself to us in the Holy Eucharist, and have given us your Spirit to console, teach and strengthen us till the end of times. Help us turn all the adversities into blessings by accepting them as gifts from our Heavenly Father like St. Alphonsa, who had the firm faith,”nothing will happen to me without the knowledge of my God”. Lord, help us to realize the divine plans in our lives, and guide us to walk along the path of tribulations without faltering on the way. Help us to sanctify each moment of our lives with a deep awareness of your living presence with us, and walk confidently along the path of holiness. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen
The Seventh Day:
Hope in God
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumines our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your life giving and divine commandments. In your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise you, Lord of all, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T.
1. Heb 10/19-24
2. Mt 7/7-12
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: Let us pray
O Lord Jesus who said:”whatever you asked for in my Name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (Jn. 14/13), we trust and hope in your promise. Like St.Alphonsa who lived and suffered proclaiming, “I will rejoice in whatever comes through the hands of God”, teach us Lord Jesus to see your hands in all experiences of our lives. Help us not to be disheartened in failures and setbacks. Give us strength through Your Spirit to grow in unfailing hope in you. Help us to bring harmony into our lives with the fond hope of seeing Your glorious face in the world to come and enjoy the company of Your angels and saints there. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumines our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your life giving and divine commandments. In your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise you, Lord of all, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T.
1. Heb 10/19-24
2. Mt 7/7-12
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: Let us pray
O Lord Jesus who said:”whatever you asked for in my Name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (Jn. 14/13), we trust and hope in your promise. Like St.Alphonsa who lived and suffered proclaiming, “I will rejoice in whatever comes through the hands of God”, teach us Lord Jesus to see your hands in all experiences of our lives. Help us not to be disheartened in failures and setbacks. Give us strength through Your Spirit to grow in unfailing hope in you. Help us to bring harmony into our lives with the fond hope of seeing Your glorious face in the world to come and enjoy the company of Your angels and saints there. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
The Eighth Day:
Devotion to Blessed Mary
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your life giving and divine commandments. In your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise you, Lord of all, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T.
1. Acts 1/12-14
2. Jn 19/25-27
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: Let us pray
“This is your Mother “(Jn 19/27), by saying so, O Jesus you gave us your loving mother as the mother of the whole world. We thank, adore and praise You. Help us O Lord, to grow in devotion and love to Mother Mary, like St. Alphonsa who from early childhood led a life of firm faith, love and devotion to the Blessed Mother. O Holy Mother of God, be with us always, help us grow in holiness, lead and protect all our families as you protected the Holy Family of Nazareth. Protect us, O Mother, from all dangers. Intercede with your Beloved Son for us in all our daily needs, as you did interced at Cana. Help us O Sweet Lady, to sing your glories with all the saints in heaven. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen
Cel: Let us pray
Lord, our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your life giving and divine commandments. In your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise you, Lord of all, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T.
1. Acts 1/12-14
2. Jn 19/25-27
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: Let us pray
“This is your Mother “(Jn 19/27), by saying so, O Jesus you gave us your loving mother as the mother of the whole world. We thank, adore and praise You. Help us O Lord, to grow in devotion and love to Mother Mary, like St. Alphonsa who from early childhood led a life of firm faith, love and devotion to the Blessed Mother. O Holy Mother of God, be with us always, help us grow in holiness, lead and protect all our families as you protected the Holy Family of Nazareth. Protect us, O Mother, from all dangers. Intercede with your Beloved Son for us in all our daily needs, as you did interced at Cana. Help us O Sweet Lady, to sing your glories with all the saints in heaven. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen
The Ninth Day:
Heaven-Oriented life
Cel: Let us pray
Lord , our God, illumine our hearts and minds to hear and understand the sweet voice of your life-giving and divine commandments. In your mercy and grace grant that they bear in us the fruits of love hope and salvation, beneficial to our body and soul and that we may constantly praise you, Lord of all, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.
Readings from the N.T.
1. 1Pet. 1/13-15
2. Jn. 14/1-7
1. 1Pet. 1/13-15
2. Jn. 14/1-7
(Silent Prayer)
Cel: Let us pray
O Lord Jesus, our Saviour who ascended to Your Father’s abode saying, ”I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me” (Jn 14/2), we adore, praise, worship and glorify you. We long to reach the heavenly abode you have prepared for us. Enable us to live in lasting love and harmony with God, like St. Alphonsa who won her crown of sainthood by awaiting the arrival of her Heavenly Bridegroom as the intelligent virgins of the Gospel did with their oil lamps lighted with hope and piety. Help us not to model our lives after the image of the world around us, but let our behavior change, and our minds be renewed according to Your will. Make us worthy to appear before Your glorious throne singing your praises with all the saints and the choir of angles. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, Lord of all, forever.
Res: Amen.