Three 20-something women trying to figure out what it means to be lay, Catholic, and modern all at once.


October 19, 2009

St. Jude Novena begins tomorrow

For as long as I can remember, my mother has had an old chipped plaster-of-paris statue of St. Jude sitting on her desk. She loved St. Jude, and encouraged all of us to love him and pray his novena. It is not a novena to be used lightly--St. Jude is the patron of hopeless causes and things despaired of, and his novena is a wonderful consolation for those dealing with extreme difficulties--disease, poverty, despair, etc.

I know all of us are going through difficult things right now, and have friends and family for who we are desperately praying for. So, I encourage you all to pray the St. Jude Novena, and foster in your hearts a love for this great and holy Saint.

Below is the main novena prayer. You can also find specific prayers here. One of the stipulations of the novena is to promulgate his name--so do pass this novena on to friends and family. Also, St. Jude is a very popular patron of parishes, so if you have a chance, visit one of the many St. Jude Shrines or St. Jude parishes on his feast day, October 28th.



Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.
Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly -(make your request here)- and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen


May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, and loved in all the tabernacles until the end of time. Amen.
May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised and glorified now and forever. Amen
St. Jude pray for us and hear our prayers. Amen.

Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Blessed be the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Blessed be St. Jude Thaddeus, in all the world and for all Eternity.

(say this prayer, followed by the Our Father and the Hail Mary)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Does your mom make sure to put it in 9 churches? I am sometimes scared to do it because I'm afraid I won't get to 9 churches!

Margaret E. Perry said...

I've never heard of having to go to nine churches. I say it every year, but just at home. Besides--isn't it more about the intent?

Anonymous said...

Absolutely it's the intent :) I think it's my Italian superstition coming out. I'd like to blame my grandmother...

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