Novena to Saint John Neumann,A Powerful Friend

Saint John Neumann, C.Ss.R., immigrated to the United States in 1836. He was ordained a priest and later joined the Redemptorist order. He was the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia. He founded many schools, churches, hospitals, orphanages and religious orders in a short amount of time. He was very devoted to the Holy Eucharist. Sadly, he died when he was 48 years old in 1860. Many miracles are attributed to his intercession. He is invoked as a patron of sick children and of immigrants.

This novena prayer to Saint John Neumann is very powerful. It is taken from the website of the National Shrine of St. John Neumann in Philadelphia. The novena is prayed by the congregants at the shrine every Wednesday after each Mass. Please join your prayer to implore Saint John Neumann for his prayerful intercession and ask this through Jesus Christ. 

Novena

St. John Neumann, acknowledging our dependence upon Almighty God and recognizing the power of your intercession, we come to you because many prayers have been answered through your intercession. You were an inspiration to all who knew you. You went wherever the care of souls required your presence. You were always an example of charity and sacrifice. It was your life of virtue which merited a place in heaven. As we submit to the will of God in heaven, we pray that our petitions be granted for His honor and glory and for the salvation of souls.

St. John Neumann, pray for us.

St. John Neumann, manifest yourself to all who seek your help. Teach us to prefer God in everything we do. Protect us from spiritual and temporal harm. Alleviate the sufferings of the poor, the aged, and the infirm. Many times you experienced the sorrows of life, and yet you overcame those trials. Show us how to overcome our trials and tribulations. We want to grow in faith, hope, and love. Never let us forget that we are temples of the Holy Spirit. May we always be worthy of that honor.

St. John Neumann, intercede for us.

St. John Neumann, you had great devotion to our Eucharistic Lord. Pray that we may know and love the Eucharist as you did. Give strength and courage to the Vicar of Christ. Protect our bishops, priests, and religious. May all people be zealous for the kingdom of God. Enlighten the minds of people who seek truth. Lead them to the path of justice. How good it is to know that you will never forget our families, relatives, and friends. Protect our loved ones away from home. May your prayers comfort the souls of our departed brethren. St. John Neumann, pray that we may live and die in the state of grace.

Look upon us with favor, St. John Neumann. We claim you as our very own. You are familiar with the places where we live, work, and pray. As a priest, you lived here among our forefathers. You taught them. You blessed them. You prayed for them. How often they gathered to pray with you. You did this so that they might enjoy the glories of heaven. Just as our predecessors came to you, so now we come to you. We are confident you will not disappoint us. Pray for our intentions.

(Pause and reflect on your intentions)

Whatever God grants through your intercession, we accept with a deep sense of gratitude. We thank Him. We praise Him. We want to be with Him forever.

Let us pray:

Almighty God, you placed the holy confessor St. John Neumann among the elect of Your sanctuary. May his life be an inspiration to all who seek eternal glory. May our prayers be answered through his intercession. May they be answered not only through his intercession but most especially through the merits of Jesus Christ, Who lives forever and ever. Amen.

Let Go of Anger

Holding on to anger and resentment is a big mistake. Instead of helping a bad situation, being angry for days, weeks or years makes the matter worse and causes even more suffering, especially to the person who is angry. This reading from Sirach explains that if you want Divine Mercy and forgiveness for yourself from God, it is YOU must show it. So let it go to save your own soul. These Sunday Mass readings will help you. 

Sirach 27:30—28:7

Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight.

The vengeful will suffer the LORD’s vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail.

Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.

Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the LORD?

Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins?

If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive his sins?

Remember your last days, set enmity aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin!

Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor; remember the Most High’s covenant, and overlook faults. 

Today's Gospel Reading From Luke

In today's Gospel reading, Christ offers a rebuke of the people's actions because of what they expect a Messiah to be instead of opening their hearts and minds to the Word of God.

Luke 7:31-35

Jesus said to the crowds:

“To what shall I compare the people of this generation?

What are they like?

They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.

We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’

For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine,

and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’

The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said,

‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,

a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’

But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”