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Novena to St. Francis of Assisi - Day 1 to Day 9

DAY 1_25 September

Cel: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Cel: We adore you, O Lord, Jesus Christ,

All: Here and in all your Churches, throughout the world. Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

Cel: Lord God, you alone are holy,

All: you who work wonders!

You are strong, you are great,

you are the Most High,

you are the almighty King,

you, holy Father, King of heaven and earth.

Cel: God,

All: all powerful, most holy

sublime ruler of all, you alone are good -

supremely, fully, completely good,

may we render to you all praise,

all honour and all blessing:

may we always ascribe to you alone

everything that is good!

Reading from the Later Rule of St. Francis (RB 1)

The Rule and life of the friars minor is this, that is, observing the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, living in obedience, without anything of their own and in chastity. Brother Francis promises obedience and reverence to Pope Honorius and to his canonically elected successors and to the Roman Church. And the other friars are required to obey Brother Francis and his successors.

Cel:  Poor and humble Saint Francis,

All: through your kind intercession we seek to love God above all things. We seek the faith, hope and love that moved you to joyfully renounce honors and riches and to radically follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for us that we come to see the privilege of suffering with and for the poor after the example of Jesus. Help us to be always grateful for all the blessings we have received and give us the strength to overcome our most pressing concerns.

(Include your personal intentions now.)

St. Francis, as you left a comfortable life to lead a life of poverty and service to others, we ask you to pray that we also realize the folly of seeking to amass material wealth and gain power and control over others less fortunate than we are.

Today I humbly give something that I don’t really need to the poor as an offering to God our Father, hoping this act signals the start of my conversion.

Cel: St. Francis,

All: friend of the lowly and poor open our eyes to see God in all our brothers and sisters. Pray for us, Saint Francis, that we too, might experience a conversion this day and in the days to come. Amen

Cel:  Holy Father Francis

All:  the little flock is following you with hesitant steps. / Our weakened eyes cannot bear the dazzling rays of your perfection. / Renew our life as it used to be in the beginning with you. / O mirror and model of the perfect / do not suffer us who are like you in our baptism / to be unlike you in our life. / Remember all your children, Father / who, surrounded by many difficulties / are following your footsteps / though from a great distance. / Give us strength that we may resist. / Purify us that we may gleam forth. / Give us joy that we may be happy. / Pray that the spirit of grace and of prayers be poured upon us / that we may have the true humility you had; / that we may observe the poverty you observed / and that we may be filled with the charity / with which you always loved Christ Crucified / who with the Father and the Holy Spirit / lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

Cel: “We praise you, Lord, for all your creatures,

All: especially for Brother Sun, who is the day through whom you give us light.”

Cel: Creator God, We are nourished by your radiance. Forgive us for the harm we cause your earth, the heat and drought unleashed by climate change. St Francis, you loved our sacred world, you praised God ceaselessly for his dazzling creation. May we learn from your example.

All: St Francis, pray for us.

Litany to St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us.

Holy Mary, special patroness of the three Orders of Saint Francis, Pray for us.

St. Francis, Seraphic Father; R/.

St. Francis, Patriarch of the Poor; R/.

St. Francis, Founder and Leader of three Franciscan Orders; R/.

St. Francis, preacher of penance; R/.

St. Francis, mirror of the Gospel; R/.

St. Francis, little poor man of Assisi; R/.

St. Francis, herald of the great King; R/.

St. Francis, messenger of peace; R/.

St. Francis, valiant knight of Christ; R/.

St. Francis, mighty lover of souls; R/.

St. Francis, martyr in desire; R/.

St. Francis, spouse of Lady Poverty; R/.

St. Francis, model of dedicated chastity; R/.

St. Francis, master of holy obedience; R/.

St. Francis, sincere in bodily penance; R/.

St. Francis, uplifted in heavenly contemplation; R/.

St. Francis, marked with the Stigmata of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, on fire with seraphic love; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Babe of Bethlehem; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Sacred Passion; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Blessed Sacrament; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Name of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Holy Scriptures; R/.

St. Francis, lover of all the creatures of God; R/.

St. Francis, patron of care for creation; R/.

St. Francis, deacon of Holy Mother Church; R/.

St. Francis, brother to the lepers; R/.

St. Francis, emissary to the Sultan; R/.

St. Francis, confessor of the Faith; R/.

St. Francis, our advocate and guide; R/.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O blessed father Francis,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray,

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing cold, in order to renew in our hearts the flame of love, imprinted the sacred marks of Thy Passion on the body of our blessed father Francis, mercifully grant that by his merits and prayers we may persevere in bearing the cross and may bring forth fruits worthy of penance, Thou Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.

May He show His face to you and have mercy.

May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

The Lord bless you!

 

Novena to St. Francis of Assisi

DAY 2-26 September

Cel: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Cel: We adore you, O Lord, Jesus Christ,

All: Here and in all your Churches, throughout the world. Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

Cel: Lord God: you are Three and you are One,

All: you are goodness, all goodness,

you are the highest Good,

Lord God, living and true.

Cel: God, all powerful, most holy,

All: most high and supreme;

Father: holy and righteous;

Lord: king of heaven and earth;

we thank you for yourself,

because by your holy will

and through your only Son

and the Holy Spirit

you created all things,

spiritual and material.

Reading from the Later Rule of St. Francis (RB II)

If some wish to undertake this life.. let them, “go and sell everything they own and try to give it to the poor". If they cannot do so, good will is enough for them.” And in no way will it be permissible for them to leave this Religion, according to the decree of the Lord Pope; since, as the Gospel says, "no one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Lk 9:62).

Cel:  Poor and humble Saint Francis,

All: through your kind intercession we seek to love God above all things. We seek the faith, hope and love that moved you to joyfully renounce honors and riches and to radically follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for us that we come to see the privilege of suffering with and for the poor after the example of Jesus. Help us to be always grateful for all the blessings we have received and give us the strength to overcome our most pressing concerns.

(Include your personal intentions now.)

Cel: Seraphic St. Francis,

All: when you decided to walk in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ you entrusted your whole life to his Divine Providence. \

Inspired and encouraged by your example, I resolve to entrust the favorable resolution of my situation to God our Father, through your most kind intercession.

Cel: St. Francis,

All: you are the Saint of Joy because you found the true riches in God's field. You are the Saint of Peace because you found the true peace, that comes from trusting in God. Help us, Saint Francis, to find this same joy and experience this same peace in our hearts and in our lives. Amen. 

Cel:  Holy Father Francis

All:  the little flock is following you with hesitant steps. / Our weakened eyes cannot bear the dazzling rays of your perfection. / Renew our life as it used to be in the beginning with you. / O mirror and model of the perfect / do not suffer us who are like you in our baptism / to be unlike you in our life. / Remember all your children, Father / who, surrounded by many difficulties / are following your footsteps / though from a great distance. / Give us strength that we may resist. / Purify us that we may gleam forth. / Give us joy that we may be happy. / Pray that the spirit of grace and of prayers be poured upon us / that we may have the true humility you had; / that we may observe the poverty you observed / and that we may be filled with the charity / with which you always loved Christ Crucified / who with the Father and the Holy Spirit / lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

Cel: “We praise you, Lord,

All: for Sister Moon and the Stars, in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.”

Cel: Creator God,

All: your night sky offers rest and stillness,   yet we flood our cities with light. Forgive us for our wasteful ways. Brother Francis, you chose poverty not plenty, walking lightly on the earth. May we follow in your path and reduce the trace we leave.

Litany to St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us.

Holy Mary, special patroness of the three Orders of Saint Francis, Pray for us.

St. Francis, Seraphic Father; R/.

St. Francis, Patriarch of the Poor; R/.

St. Francis, Founder and Leader of three Franciscan Orders; R/.

St. Francis, preacher of penance; R/.

St. Francis, mirror of the Gospel; R/.

St. Francis, little poor man of Assisi; R/.

St. Francis, herald of the great King; R/.

St. Francis, messenger of peace; R/.

St. Francis, valiant knight of Christ; R/.

St. Francis, mighty lover of souls; R/.

St. Francis, martyr in desire; R/.

St. Francis, spouse of Lady Poverty; R/.

St. Francis, model of dedicated chastity; R/.

St. Francis, master of holy obedience; R/.

St. Francis, sincere in bodily penance; R/.

St. Francis, uplifted in heavenly contemplation; R/.

St. Francis, marked with the Stigmata of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, on fire with seraphic love; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Babe of Bethlehem; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Sacred Passion; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Blessed Sacrament; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Name of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Holy Scriptures; R/.

St. Francis, lover of all the creatures of God; R/.

St. Francis, patron of care for creation; R/.

St. Francis, deacon of Holy Mother Church; R/.

St. Francis, brother to the lepers; R/.

St. Francis, emissary to the Sultan; R/.

St. Francis, confessor of the Faith; R/.

St. Francis, our advocate and guide; R/.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O blessed father Francis,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray,

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing cold, in order to renew in our hearts the flame of love, imprinted the sacred marks of Thy Passion on the body of our blessed father Francis, mercifully grant that by his merits and prayers we may persevere in bearing the cross and may bring forth fruits worthy of penance, Thou Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you.

May He show His face to you and have mercy.

May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

The Lord bless you!

 

Novena to St. Francis of Assisi

DAY 3-27 Sepember

Cel: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Cel: We adore you, O Lord, Jesus Christ,

All: Here and in all your Churches, throughout the world. Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

Cel: You are love and charity, you are wisdom,

All: Lord God: you are Three and you are One,

you are humility, you are patience,

you are beauty, you are sweetness,

you are safety, you are rest, you are joy,

you are our hope.

Cel: God, all powerful, most holy,

All: You made us in your

image and likeness

and placed us in paradise,

and we, through our transgression

fell away.

Reading from the Later Rule of St. Francis (RB III)

The laity should say twenty-four Pater nosters for matins, five for lauds; for first, third, sixth, ninth, for each of these, seven; for Vespers twelve; for compline seven; and pray for the deceased. And let them fast from the feast of all saints until the Nativity of the Lord. The holy Lent, however, which begins from the Epiphany and lasts uninterruptedly for forty days and which the Lord sanctified with his fasting, those who voluntarily spend it in fasting should be blessed by the Lord, and those who do not want should not be forced to do so. But the other, until the Resurrection of the Lord, should be spent fasting. At other times they are not required to fast, except on Fridays.

Cel:  Poor and humble Saint Francis,

All: through your kind intercession we seek to love God above all things. We seek the faith, hope and love that moved you to joyfully renounce honors and riches and to radically follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for us that we come to see the privilege of suffering with and for the poor after the example of Jesus. Help us to be always grateful for all the blessings we have received and give us the strength to overcome our most pressing concerns.

(Include your personal intentions now.)

Cel: Glorious St. Francis,

All: you acted as a peacemaker even in the face of extreme physical danger. Through your prayers, may we also be graced with the desire to find peaceful resolutions to the problems that plague us, even in the most trying of times.

As an offering to our Loving God, I resolve to forgive all the wrongs I have suffered from others.

Cel: St. Francis,

All: all holiness stems from how we treat one another.  Open our hearts and our conscience to see the areas we need to change. Pray that we may act upon the grace given, to respond lovingly and generously. Amen.

Cel:  Holy Father Francis

All:  the little flock is following you with hesitant steps. / Our weakened eyes cannot bear the dazzling rays of your perfection. / Renew our life as it used to be in the beginning with you. / O mirror and model of the perfect / do not suffer us who are like you in our baptism / to be unlike you in our life. / Remember all your children, Father / who, surrounded by many difficulties / are following your footsteps / though from a great distance. / Give us strength that we may resist. / Purify us that we may gleam forth. / Give us joy that we may be happy. / Pray that the spirit of grace and of prayers be poured upon us / that we may have the true humility you had; / that we may observe the poverty you observed / and that we may be filled with the charity / with which you always loved Christ Crucified / who with the Father and the Holy Spirit / lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

Cel: “We praise you, Lord,

All: for Brothers Wind and Air, fair and stormy, all weather’s moods, by which you cherish all that you have made.”

Cel: Creator God,

All: we have disturbed the natural cycle, upset Earth’s fragile balance. Forgive us for our lack of care. St Francis, joyful steward of creation, you lived in peace with nature and with God. Inspired by your witness, may we defend our common home.

Litany to St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

 

Holy Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us.

Holy Mary, special patroness of the three Orders of Saint Francis, Pray for us.

 

St. Francis, Seraphic Father; R/.

St. Francis, Patriarch of the Poor; R/.

St. Francis, Founder and Leader of three Franciscan Orders; R/.

St. Francis, preacher of penance; R/.

St. Francis, mirror of the Gospel; R/.

St. Francis, little poor man of Assisi; R/.

St. Francis, herald of the great King; R/.

St. Francis, messenger of peace; R/.

St. Francis, valiant knight of Christ; R/.

St. Francis, mighty lover of souls; R/.

St. Francis, martyr in desire; R/.

St. Francis, spouse of Lady Poverty; R/.

St. Francis, model of dedicated chastity; R/.

St. Francis, master of holy obedience; R/.

St. Francis, sincere in bodily penance; R/.

St. Francis, uplifted in heavenly contemplation; R/.

St. Francis, marked with the Stigmata of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, on fire with seraphic love; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Babe of Bethlehem; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Sacred Passion; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Blessed Sacrament; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Name of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Holy Scriptures; R/.

St. Francis, lover of all the creatures of God; R/.

St. Francis, patron of care for creation; R/.

St. Francis, deacon of Holy Mother Church; R/.

St. Francis, brother to the lepers; R/.

St. Francis, emissary to the Sultan; R/.

St. Francis, confessor of the Faith; R/.

St. Francis, our advocate and guide; R/.

 

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

 

V. Pray for us, O blessed father Francis,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 

Let Us Pray,

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing cold, in order to renew in our hearts the flame of love, imprinted the sacred marks of Thy Passion on the body of our blessed father Francis, mercifully grant that by his merits and prayers we may persevere in bearing the cross and may bring forth fruits worthy of penance, Thou Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

 

Blessing

 

The Lord bless you and keep you.

May He show His face to you and have mercy.

May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

The Lord bless you!

 

 

Novena to St. Francis of Assisi

DAY 4-28 September

Cel: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

 

Cel: We adore you, O Lord, Jesus Christ,

All: Here and in all your Churches, throughout the world. Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

 

Cel: You are our delight.

All: you are justice, you are moderation,

you are all our wealth and riches overflowing.

 

Cel: God, all powerful, most holy,

All: We give you thanks because,

as you created us through your Son,

so by the holy love

with which you loved us

you willed your Son to be born

true God and true man

of the glorious and holy Virgin Mary,

and through his cross and blood and death

it was your will to set us free

from our captivity.

 

Reading from the Later Rule of St. Francis (RB III)

I then advise, admonish and exhort my brothers in the Lord Jesus Christ that, when they go through the world, they do not argue, and avoid disputes of words, nor judge others; but let them be meek, peaceful and modest, meek and humble, speaking honestly with everyone, as is appropriate. Whatever house they enter, let them first say: Peace be to this house. “And according to the Holy Gospel they will be able to eat all the foods that are presented to them.”

 

Cel:  Poor and humble Saint Francis,

All: through your kind intercession we seek to love God above all things. We seek the faith, hope and love that moved you to joyfully renounce honors and riches and to radically follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for us that we come to see the privilege of suffering with and for the poor after the example of Jesus. Help us to be always grateful for all the blessings we have received and give us the strength to overcome our most pressing concerns.

 

(Include your personal intentions now.)

 

Cel: Holy St. Francis,

All: your concern for God’s creation caused you to be named patron of ecology. May we, through your prayers, follow your footsteps in being good stewards of all of creation which God our Creator has provided.

 

May we also be faithful stewards of the skills and abilities we have been given.

 

 

Cel: St. Francis,

All: we do not often have the resolution and firmness of heart to pray as much as w should. Beg God to give us the grace of a prayerful and listening heart. Amen.

 

Cel:  Holy Father Francis

All:  the little flock is following you with hesitant steps. / Our weakened eyes cannot bear the dazzling rays of your perfection. / Renew our life as it used to be in the beginning with you. / O mirror and model of the perfect / do not suffer us who are like you in our baptism / to be unlike you in our life. / Remember all your children, Father / who, surrounded by many difficulties / are following your footsteps / though from a great distance. / Give us strength that we may resist. / Purify us that we may gleam forth. / Give us joy that we may be happy. / Pray that the spirit of grace and of prayers be poured upon us / that we may have the true humility you had; / that we may observe the poverty you observed / and that we may be filled with the charity / with which you always loved Christ Crucified / who with the Father and the Holy Spirit / lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

 

Cel: “We praise you, Lord,

All: for Sister Water, so useful, humble, precious and pure.

 

Cel: Creator God,

All: from your gift of water flows all life, yet we pollute your clear springs. Forgive us, as the earth cries out. St Francis, you drank deeply from Christ’s living water. May we, like you, live simply and prize the good things of the earth.

 

Litany to St. Francis of Assisi

 

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

 

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

 

Holy Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us.

Holy Mary, special patroness of the three Orders of Saint Francis, Pray for us.

 

St. Francis, Seraphic Father; R/.

St. Francis, Patriarch of the Poor; R/.

St. Francis, Founder and Leader of three Franciscan Orders; R/.

St. Francis, preacher of penance; R/.

St. Francis, mirror of the Gospel; R/.

St. Francis, little poor man of Assisi; R/.

St. Francis, herald of the great King; R/.

St. Francis, messenger of peace; R/.

St. Francis, valiant knight of Christ; R/.

St. Francis, mighty lover of souls; R/.

St. Francis, martyr in desire; R/.

St. Francis, spouse of Lady Poverty; R/.

St. Francis, model of dedicated chastity; R/.

St. Francis, master of holy obedience; R/.

St. Francis, sincere in bodily penance; R/.

St. Francis, uplifted in heavenly contemplation; R/.

St. Francis, marked with the Stigmata of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, on fire with seraphic love; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Babe of Bethlehem; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Sacred Passion; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Blessed Sacrament; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Name of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Holy Scriptures; R/.

St. Francis, lover of all the creatures of God; R/.

St. Francis, patron of care for creation; R/.

St. Francis, deacon of Holy Mother Church; R/.

St. Francis, brother to the lepers; R/.

St. Francis, emissary to the Sultan; R/.

St. Francis, confessor of the Faith; R/.

St. Francis, our advocate and guide; R/.

 

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

 

V. Pray for us, O blessed father Francis,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 

Let Us Pray,

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing cold, in order to renew in our hearts the flame of love, imprinted the sacred marks of Thy Passion on the body of our blessed father Francis, mercifully grant that by his merits and prayers we may persevere in bearing the cross and may bring forth fruits worthy of penance, Thou Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

 

Blessing

 

The Lord bless you and keep you.

May He show His face to you and have mercy.

May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

The Lord bless you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Novena to St. Francis of Assisi

DAY 5-29 September

Cel: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

 

Cel: We adore you, O Lord, Jesus Christ,

All: Here and in all your Churches, throughout the world. Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

 

Cel: You are beauty, you are gentleness,

All: you are our shelter, our guard, and our defender,

you are strength, you are refreshment,

you are our hope.

 

Cel: God, all-powerful, most holy,

All: we thank you

because that same Son of yours

will come again in the glory of his majesty

to condemn those who refused to repent

and acknowledge you;

and to say to all who did acknowledge,

worship and serve you in repentance:

Come, you whom my Father has blessed,

receive the kingdom prepared for you

since the world began.

 

Reading from the Later Rule of St. Francis (RB V)

Those... to whom the Lord has granted the grace to work should work with fidelity and devotion, so that, having eliminated idleness, the enemy of the soul, they do not quench the spirit of holy prayer and devotion which all other things must serve. As a reward for their work, they…should receive the things necessary for the body, except money or money, and this humbly, as befits servants of God and followers of most holy poverty.

 

Cel:  Poor and humble Saint Francis,

All: through your kind intercession we seek to love God above all things. We seek the faith, hope and love that moved you to joyfully renounce honors and riches and to radically follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for us that we come to see the privilege of suffering with and for the poor after the example of Jesus. Help us to be always grateful for all the blessings we have received and give us the strength to overcome our most pressing concerns.

 

(Include your personal intentions now.)

 

Cel: Blessed St. Francis,

All: when you were blessed with the decision to serve our Lord, you abandoned everything and surrendered yourself totally to God’s will. Obtain for us the same trust in God, that the Holy Spirit may guide our every thought, word and deed.

 

Cel: St. Francis,

All: help us to listen, help us to follow through! Help us to just get started in the way I think God is drawing us. You are not calling us to do great things but to pick up a few rocks, a few simple stones, and rebuild your church right where we are today. Amen.

 

Cel:  Holy Father Francis

All:  the little flock is following you with hesitant steps. / Our weakened eyes cannot bear the dazzling rays of your perfection. / Renew our life as it used to be in the beginning with you. / O mirror and model of the perfect / do not suffer us who are like you in our baptism / to be unlike you in our life. / Remember all your children, Father / who, surrounded by many difficulties / are following your footsteps / though from a great distance. / Give us strength that we may resist. / Purify us that we may gleam forth. / Give us joy that we may be happy. / Pray that the spirit of grace and of prayers be poured upon us / that we may have the true humility you had; / that we may observe the poverty you observed / and that we may be filled with the charity / with which you always loved Christ Crucified / who with the Father and the Holy Spirit / lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

 

Cel: “We praise you, Lord,

All: for Brother Fire, through whom you light the night. He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong.”

 

Cel: Creator God,

All: your flames blaze yet leave us whole. But our fires destroy at reckless speed; great forests fall beneath our feet.  Forgive us for our part in this. St Francis, you loved wild places, the trees and all their birds within. May we protect each blade of grass, be mindful of each breath of air.

 

Litany to St. Francis of Assisi

 

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

 

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

 

Holy Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us.

Holy Mary, special patroness of the three Orders of Saint Francis, Pray for us.

 

St. Francis, Seraphic Father; R/.

St. Francis, Patriarch of the Poor; R/.

St. Francis, Founder and Leader of three Franciscan Orders; R/.

St. Francis, preacher of penance; R/.

St. Francis, mirror of the Gospel; R/.

St. Francis, little poor man of Assisi; R/.

St. Francis, herald of the great King; R/.

St. Francis, messenger of peace; R/.

St. Francis, valiant knight of Christ; R/.

St. Francis, mighty lover of souls; R/.

St. Francis, martyr in desire; R/.

St. Francis, spouse of Lady Poverty; R/.

St. Francis, model of dedicated chastity; R/.

St. Francis, master of holy obedience; R/.

St. Francis, sincere in bodily penance; R/.

St. Francis, uplifted in heavenly contemplation; R/.

St. Francis, marked with the Stigmata of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, on fire with seraphic love; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Babe of Bethlehem; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Sacred Passion; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Blessed Sacrament; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Name of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Holy Scriptures; R/.

St. Francis, lover of all the creatures of God; R/.

St. Francis, patron of care for creation; R/.

St. Francis, deacon of Holy Mother Church; R/.

St. Francis, brother to the lepers; R/.

St. Francis, emissary to the Sultan; R/.

St. Francis, confessor of the Faith; R/.

St. Francis, our advocate and guide; R/.

 

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

 

V. Pray for us, O blessed father Francis,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 

Let Us Pray,

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing cold, in order to renew in our hearts the flame of love, imprinted the sacred marks of Thy Passion on the body of our blessed father Francis, mercifully grant that by his merits and prayers we may persevere in bearing the cross and may bring forth fruits worthy of penance, Thou Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

 

Blessing

 

The Lord bless you and keep you.

May He show His face to you and have mercy.

May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

The Lord bless you!

 

 

Novena to St. Francis of Assisi

DAY 6 -30 September

Cel: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

 

Cel: We adore you, O Lord, Jesus Christ,

All: Here and in all your Churches, throughout the world. Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

 

Cel: You are our faith, you are our love,

All: you are our complete consolation,

you are our life everlasting. Great and wonderful Lord,

all-powerful God, merciful Savior!

 

Cel: God, all-powerful, most holy,

All: Because we are all wretched sinners,

unworthy to speak your name,

therefore let Jesus Christ himself,

our Lord and your beloved Son

in whom you are well pleased,

give thanks to you for everything,

together with the Holy Spirit the Paraclete,

as it pleases you and pleases him.

He always satisfies you in everything,

and through him you have done so much for us.

 

Reading from the Later Rule of St. Francis (RB VI)

They should appropriate neither house, nor place, nor anything for themselves; and they should go confidently after alms, serving God in poverty and humility, as pilgrims and strangers in this world. Nor should they feel ashamed, for God made himself poor in this world for us. This is that peak of the highest poverty which has made you…heirs and kings of the kingdom of heaven, poor in things but rich in virtues. Let this be your portion. It leads into the land of the living and, adhering totally to it, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ wish never to have anything else in this world...

 

Cel:  Poor and humble Saint Francis,

All: through your kind intercession we seek to love God above all things. We seek the faith, hope and love that moved you to joyfully renounce honors and riches and to radically follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for us that we come to see the privilege of suffering with and for the poor after the example of Jesus. Help us to be always grateful for all the blessings we have received and give us the strength to overcome our most pressing concerns.

 

(Include your personal intentions now.)

 

Cel: Holy St. Francis,

All: through your prayers, may we be blessed with the desire to give all of our strength and abilities towards serving God’s purpose in our lives. May our lives be filled with complete faith and the hope of spending eternity with the Most High, all-powerful good God.

 

Cel: St. Francis,

All: help us to let go of the many things that are holding us back from living a truly free and encumbered life. Not the responsibilities that our state of life require work, family, etc., but those interior things that hold us down, the little puffed-up images of self that need to be stripped and given up. Help us, like Saint Francis to be more of a fool in this world and to be more light-hearted and joy-filled because we are not always protecting our image. Amen.

 

Cel:  Holy Father Francis

All:  the little flock is following you with hesitant steps. / Our weakened eyes cannot bear the dazzling rays of your perfection. / Renew our life as it used to be in the beginning with you. / O mirror and model of the perfect / do not suffer us who are like you in our baptism / to be unlike you in our life. / Remember all your children, Father / who, surrounded by many difficulties / are following your footsteps / though from a great distance. / Give us strength that we may resist. / Purify us that we may gleam forth. / Give us joy that we may be happy. / Pray that the spirit of grace and of prayers be poured upon us / that we may have the true humility you had; / that we may observe the poverty you observed / and that we may be filled with the charity / with which you always loved Christ Crucified / who with the Father and the Holy Spirit / lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

 

Cel: “We praise you, Lord,

All: for Sister Mother Earth, who sustains us with her fruits, coloured flowers, and herbs.”

 

Cel: Creator God,

All: we grieve for our sisters and brothers whose lands are wrecked by greed. We take more from the earth than we need. Forgive us. St Francis, joyful steward of creation, from you we learn to live with less, to give and not to take.

 

Litany to St. Francis of Assisi

 

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

 

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

 

Holy Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us.

Holy Mary, special patroness of the three Orders of Saint Francis, Pray for us.

 

Saint Francis, seraphic patriarch, Pray for us.

St. Francis, Seraphic Father; R/.

St. Francis, Patriarch of the Poor; R/.

St. Francis, Founder and Leader of three Franciscan Orders; R/.

St. Francis, preacher of penance; R/.

St. Francis, mirror of the Gospel; R/.

St. Francis, little poor man of Assisi; R/.

St. Francis, herald of the great King; R/.

St. Francis, messenger of peace; R/.

St. Francis, valiant knight of Christ; R/.

St. Francis, mighty lover of souls; R/.

St. Francis, martyr in desire; R/.

St. Francis, spouse of Lady Poverty; R/.

St. Francis, model of dedicated chastity; R/.

St. Francis, master of holy obedience; R/.

St. Francis, sincere in bodily penance; R/.

St. Francis, uplifted in heavenly contemplation; R/.

St. Francis, marked with the Stigmata of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, on fire with seraphic love; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Babe of Bethlehem; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Sacred Passion; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Blessed Sacrament; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Name of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Holy Scriptures; R/.

St. Francis, lover of all the creatures of God; R/.

St. Francis, patron of care for creation; R/.

St. Francis, deacon of Holy Mother Church; R/.

St. Francis, brother to the lepers; R/.

St. Francis, emissary to the Sultan; R/.

St. Francis, confessor of the Faith; R/.

St. Francis, our advocate and guide; R/.

 

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

 

V. Pray for us, O blessed father Francis,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 

Let Us Pray,

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing cold, in order to renew in our hearts the flame of love, imprinted the sacred marks of Thy Passion on the body of our blessed father Francis, mercifully grant that by his merits and prayers we may persevere in bearing the cross and may bring forth fruits worthy of penance, Thou Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

 

Blessing

 

The Lord bless you and keep you.

May He show His face to you and have mercy.

May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

The Lord bless you!

 

 

Novena to St. Francis of Assisi

DAY 7-01 October

Cel: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

 

Cel: We adore you, O Lord, Jesus Christ,

All: Here and in all your Churches, throughout the world. Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

 

Cel: Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord

All: All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.

To you alone, Most High, do they belong,

and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

 

Cel: Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God,

All: grant us in our misery the grace

to do for You alone

what we know You want us to do,

and always to desire what pleases You.

Thus, inwardly cleansed,

interiorly enlightened,

and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit,

may we be able to follow in the footprints

of Your beloved Son,

our Lord Jesus Christ. And, by Your grace alone,

may we make our way to You,

Most High, Who live and rule

in perfect Trinity and simple Unity,

and are glorified God all-powerful

forever and ever.

Amen.

 

Reading from the Later Rule of St. Francis (RB VI)

And wherever they meet one another, let them act like members of a common family. And let them securely make their needs known to one another, for if a mother loves and cares for her carnal son, how much more should one love and care for his spiritual son/daughter? And if one of them should become ill, let the others serve him/her as they themselves would like to be served.

 

Cel:  Poor and humble Saint Francis,

All: through your kind intercession we seek to love God above all things. We seek the faith, hope and love that moved you to joyfully renounce honors and riches and to radically follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for us that we come to see the privilege of suffering with and for the poor after the example of Jesus. Help us to be always grateful for all the blessings we have received and give us the strength to overcome our most pressing concerns.

 

(Include your personal intentions now.)

 

Cel: Humble and loving St. Francis,

All: Humble and loving St. Francis, you were untiring in your service to the poor. Obtain for us the same heart for mercy and the desire to give of ourselves in the hope that we may one day be blessed with the promises of Christ.

 

Cel: St. Francis,

All: help  us to become more committed to living my life totallya followerower of Jesus Christ. Give us the courage and boldness to live totally for God each day. Make known to us any changes we need to do to make this possible. Amen.

 

Cel:  Holy Father Francis

All:  the little flock is following you with hesitant steps. / Our weakened eyes cannot bear the dazzling rays of your perfection. / Renew our life as it used to be in the beginning with you. / O mirror and model of the perfect / do not suffer us who are like you in our baptism / to be unlike you in our life. / Remember all your children, Father / who, surrounded by many difficulties / are following your footsteps / though from a great distance. / Give us strength that we may resist. / Purify us that we may gleam forth. / Give us joy that we may be happy. / Pray that the spirit of grace and of prayers be poured upon us / that we may have the true humility you had; / that we may observe the poverty you observed / and that we may be filled with the charity / with which you always loved Christ Crucified / who with the Father and the Holy Spirit / lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

 

Cel: “We praise you, Lord,

All: for those who pardon for love of you, who bear sickness and trial.”

 

Cel: Creator God,

All: open our hearts to the sufferings of the landless poor who endure violence and threat. Forgive us for the sin of indifference. St Francis, you were jailed and beaten, brother to the outcast. May your compassion be our guide.

 

Litany to St. Francis of Assisi

 

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

 

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

 

Holy Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us.

Holy Mary, special patroness of the three Orders of Saint Francis, Pray for us.

 

St. Francis, Seraphic Father; R/.

St. Francis, Patriarch of the Poor; R/.

St. Francis, Founder and Leader of three Franciscan Orders; R/.

St. Francis, preacher of penance; R/.

St. Francis, mirror of the Gospel; R/.

St. Francis, little poor man of Assisi; R/.

St. Francis, herald of the great King; R/.

St. Francis, messenger of peace; R/.

St. Francis, valiant knight of Christ; R/.

St. Francis, mighty lover of souls; R/.

St. Francis, martyr in desire; R/.

St. Francis, spouse of Lady Poverty; R/.

St. Francis, model of dedicated chastity; R/.

St. Francis, master of holy obedience; R/.

St. Francis, sincere in bodily penance; R/.

St. Francis, uplifted in heavenly contemplation; R/.

St. Francis, marked with the Stigmata of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, on fire with seraphic love; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Babe of Bethlehem; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Sacred Passion; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Blessed Sacrament; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Name of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Holy Scriptures; R/.

St. Francis, lover of all the creatures of God; R/.

St. Francis, patron of care for creation; R/.

St. Francis, deacon of Holy Mother Church; R/.

St. Francis, brother to the lepers; R/.

St. Francis, emissary to the Sultan; R/.

St. Francis, confessor of the Faith; R/.

St. Francis, our advocate and guide; R/.

 

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

 

V. Pray for us, O blessed father Francis,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 

Let Us Pray,

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing cold, in order to renew in our hearts the flame of love, imprinted the sacred marks of Thy Passion on the body of our blessed father Francis, mercifully grant that by his merits and prayers we may persevere in bearing the cross and may bring forth fruits worthy of penance, Thou Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

 

Blessing

 

The Lord bless you and keep you.

May He show His face to you and have mercy.

May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

The Lord bless you!

 

 

Novena to St. Francis of Assisi

DAY 8 -02 October

Cel: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

 

Cel: We adore you, O Lord, Jesus Christ,

All: Here and in all your Churches, throughout the world. Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

 

Cel: Most High, glorious God

All: enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me true faith,

certain hope and perfect charity, sense and knowledge

that I may carry out Your Holy and true command.

 

Cel: Where there is charity and wisdom

All: there is neither fear nor ignorance.

Cel: Where there is patience and humility,

All: there is neither anger nor disturbance.

Cel: Where there is poverty with joy,

All: there is neither covetousness nor avarice.

Cel: Where there is inner peace and meditation,

All: there is neither anxiousness nor dissipation.

Cel: Where there is fear of the Lord to guard the house,

All: there the enemy cannot gain entry.

Cel: Where there is mercy and discernment,

All: there is neither excess nor hardness of heart.

 

Reading from the Later Rule of St. Francis (RB VII & IX)

They should be careful not to become angry and upset over someone's sin, for anger and perturbation in oneself or others impede love. I also admonish and exhort them that in their preaching their words be studied and chaste, useful and edifying to the people, telling them about vices and virtues, punishment and glory; and they ought to be brief because the Lord kept his words brief when he was on earth.

 

Cel:  Poor and humble Saint Francis,

All: through your kind intercession we seek to love God above all things. We seek the faith, hope and love that moved you to joyfully renounce honors and riches and to radically follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for us that we come to see the privilege of suffering with and for the poor after the example of Jesus. Help us to be always grateful for all the blessings we have received and give us the strength to overcome our most pressing concerns.

 

(Include your personal intentions now.)

 

Cel: Holy St. Francis,

All; you spent your life preaching and living the Gospel and won over many people to God. We beseech you to have pity on us poor sinners, that through your intercession, God may grant that our doubts be replaced with the certainty that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us through life’s many trials towards God’s eternal kingdom.

 

Cel: St. Francis,

All: help us to continue praying for the grace to truly repent and change our hearts by actively seeking reconciliation with God and all those we have offended or hurt in any way. May the blessings we receive through your intercession deepen our faith, and inspire us to store up treasures in Heaven, where we hope to spend eternity with our loving God.

 

Cel:  Holy Father Francis

All:  the little flock is following you with hesitant steps. / Our weakened eyes cannot bear the dazzling rays of your perfection. / Renew our life as it used to be in the beginning with you. / O mirror and model of the perfect / do not suffer us who are like you in our baptism / to be unlike you in our life. / Remember all your children, Father / who, surrounded by many difficulties / are following your footsteps / though from a great distance. / Give us strength that we may resist. / Purify us that we may gleam forth. / Give us joy that we may be happy. / Pray that the spirit of grace and of prayers be poured upon us / that we may have the true humility you had; / that we may observe the poverty you observed / and that we may be filled with the charity / with which you always loved Christ Crucified / who with the Father and the Holy Spirit / lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

 

Cel: “Blessed are those

All: who endure in peace, by you Most High, they will be crowned.”

 

Cel: Creator God,

All: we give you thanks for those who work for peace and dignity for all your children. Brother Francis, you came to heal, not harm the world. You showed us how to live as one.

 

Litany to St. Francis of Assisi

 

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

 

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

 

Holy Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us.

Holy Mary, special patroness of the three Orders of Saint Francis, Pray for us.

 

St. Francis, Seraphic Father; R/.

St. Francis, Patriarch of the Poor; R/.

St. Francis, Founder and Leader of three Franciscan Orders; R/.

St. Francis, preacher of penance; R/.

St. Francis, mirror of the Gospel; R/.

St. Francis, little poor man of Assisi; R/.

St. Francis, herald of the great King; R/.

St. Francis, messenger of peace; R/.

St. Francis, valiant knight of Christ; R/.

St. Francis, mighty lover of souls; R/.

St. Francis, martyr in desire; R/.

St. Francis, spouse of Lady Poverty; R/.

St. Francis, model of dedicated chastity; R/.

St. Francis, master of holy obedience; R/.

St. Francis, sincere in bodily penance; R/.

St. Francis, uplifted in heavenly contemplation; R/.

St. Francis, marked with the Stigmata of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, on fire with seraphic love; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Babe of Bethlehem; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Sacred Passion; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Blessed Sacrament; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Name of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Holy Scriptures; R/.

St. Francis, lover of all the creatures of God; R/.

St. Francis, patron of care for creation; R/.

St. Francis, deacon of Holy Mother Church; R/.

St. Francis, brother to the lepers; R/.

St. Francis, emissary to the Sultan; R/.

St. Francis, confessor of the Faith; R/.

St. Francis, our advocate and guide; R/.

 

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

 

V. Pray for us, O blessed father Francis,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 

Let Us Pray,

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing cold, in order to renew in our hearts the flame of love, imprinted the sacred marks of Thy Passion on the body of our blessed father Francis, mercifully grant that by his merits and prayers we may persevere in bearing the cross and may bring forth fruits worthy of penance, Thou Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

 

Blessing

 

The Lord bless you and keep you.

May He show His face to you and have mercy.

May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

The Lord bless you!

 

 

Novena to St. Francis of Assisi

DAY 9 -03 October

Cel: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

 

Cel: We adore you, O Lord, Jesus Christ,

All: Here and in all your Churches, throughout the world. Because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

 

Cel: Let every creature in heaven, on earth, in the sea and in the depths,

All: give praise, glory, honor, and blessing to Him Who suffered so much for us, Who has given so many good things, And Who will continue to do so for the future.

For He is our power and strength, He Who alone is good, Who is most high, Who is all-powerful, admirable, and glorious: Who alone is holy, praiseworthy, and blessed

throughout endless ages. Amen.

 

Cel: That others may be loved more than I,

All: Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

Cel: That others may be esteemed more than I,

All: Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it..

Cel: hat, in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease,

 All: Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

Cel: That others may be chosen, and I set aside,

All: Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

Cel: That others may be praised, and I go unnoticed,,

 All: Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it..

Cel That others may be preferred to me in everything,,

All: Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it..

Cel: That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should,

All: Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

 

Reading from the Later Rule of St. Francis (RB X)

I admonish and exhort them in the Lord Jesus Christ to beware of all pride, vainglory, envy, avarice, worldly care and concern, criticism and complaint…They should wish to have the spirit of the Lord working within them, and that they should pray to him constantly with a pure heart, be humble, be patient in persecution and infirmity, and love those who persecute, blame or accuse us, for the Lord says, "Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute and accuse you" (Mtt. 5:44). "Blessed are those who suffer persecution for justice's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mtt. 5:10). "He who has persevered until the end, however, will be saved" (Mtt. 10:22).

 

Cel:  Poor and humble Saint Francis,

All: through your kind intercession we seek to love God above all things. We seek the faith, hope and love that moved you to joyfully renounce honors and riches and to radically follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for us that we come to see the privilege of suffering with and for the poor after the example of Jesus. Help us to be always grateful for all the blessings we have received and give us the strength to overcome our most pressing concerns.

(Include your personal intentions now.)

 

Cel: Almighty Father,

All; through the kind intercession of St. Francis, we humbly ask for the grace to be free of the fears and anxieties that beset us.

 

Cel: St. Francis,

All: we know there is no greater virtue than love to draw souls to God. Help us to let go of self and embrace our brothers and sisters with the great love and generosity God is asking of us. Amen.

 

Cel:  Holy Father Francis

All:  the little flock is following you with hesitant steps. / Our weakened eyes cannot bear the dazzling rays of your perfection. / Renew our life as it used to be in the beginning with you. / O mirror and model of the perfect / do not suffer us who are like you in our baptism / to be unlike you in our life. / Remember all your children, Father / who, surrounded by many difficulties / are following your footsteps / though from a great distance. / Give us strength that we may resist. / Purify us that we may gleam forth. / Give us joy that we may be happy. / Pray that the spirit of grace and of prayers be poured upon us / that we may have the true humility you had; / that we may observe the poverty you observed / and that we may be filled with the charity / with which you always loved Christ Crucified / who with the Father and the Holy Spirit / lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

 

Cel: “Praised be You, my Lord

All: through Sister Death, from whom no-one living can escape.

Woe to those who die in mortal sin!

Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.

No second death can do them harm.

 

Cel: Creator God,

All: Help us to confess every sin that stands in the way of abiding in Your promises. Help us, like St. Francis, to be clean vessels that rest in Your spiritual resources and strength.

 

Litany to St. Francis of Assisi

 

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

 

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

 

Holy Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us.

Holy Mary, special patroness of the three Orders of Saint Francis, Pray for us.

 

St. Francis, Seraphic Father; R/.

St. Francis, Patriarch of the Poor; R/.

St. Francis, Founder and Leader of three Franciscan Orders; R/.

St. Francis, preacher of penance; R/.

St. Francis, mirror of the Gospel; R/.

St. Francis, little poor man of Assisi; R/.

St. Francis, herald of the great King; R/.

St. Francis, messenger of peace; R/.

St. Francis, valiant knight of Christ; R/.

St. Francis, mighty lover of souls; R/.

St. Francis, martyr in desire; R/.

St. Francis, spouse of Lady Poverty; R/.

St. Francis, model of dedicated chastity; R/.

St. Francis, master of holy obedience; R/.

St. Francis, sincere in bodily penance; R/.

St. Francis, uplifted in heavenly contemplation; R/.

St. Francis, marked with the Stigmata of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, on fire with seraphic love; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Babe of Bethlehem; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Sacred Passion; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Blessed Sacrament; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Name of Jesus; R/.

St. Francis, lover of the Holy Scriptures; R/.

St. Francis, lover of all the creatures of God; R/.

St. Francis, patron of care for creation; R/.

St. Francis, deacon of Holy Mother Church; R/.

St. Francis, brother to the lepers; R/.

St. Francis, emissary to the Sultan; R/.

St. Francis, confessor of the Faith; R/.

St. Francis, our advocate and guide; R/.

 

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

 

V. Pray for us, O blessed father Francis,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 

Let Us Pray,

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing cold, in order to renew in our hearts the flame of love, imprinted the sacred marks of Thy Passion on the body of our blessed father Francis, mercifully grant that by his merits and prayers we may persevere in bearing the cross and may bring forth fruits worthy of penance, Thou Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

 

Blessing

 

The Lord bless you and keep you.

May He show His face to you and have mercy.

May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

The Lord bless you!

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