Novena suggestions?

[petitfleur]

I have never done a Novena before and was inspired by Bohm and his rosary novena to try one, though think I should stRt smaller. My biggest concerns are the salvation of loved ones and for my family and being a good mom and wife.
Any suggestions?

 

[TuAutem]

I don’t know if such novenas exist or are easy to find, but based on your intention St. Monica seems like a worthy target for your devotion.

 

[petitfleur]

thank you for your response! I chose St. Monica when I converted as my confirmation name! I did not know there was a novena for her. I only mentioned those intentions because thought it might give people some ideas.
please feel free to add your favorite novena!

 

[TuAutem]

I have done a novena to St. Joseph before (for similar intentions as you, only to be a good husband and father), here is what I did, and I think you can fruitfully do the same for St. Monica, if you so choose (and from what you say, it sounds like she may be a good choice!):

1. Google “St. Monica novena”, and you will find a number of different novenas online.
2. Read through them and find the one that ‘fits’ for you. Some of them may put too much emphasis on one or another aspect of the saint (e.g. St. Monica’s dealing with an abusive spouse) that may not apply to you. So look around a bit until you find one whose prayers seem to fit your own.
3. Print out that novena, and, when you are ready, begin!

That’s what I did, and it worked well. It’s also quite alright to modify the prayers if you like, or feel inspired to, in order to personalise the devotion. Although in my opinion all that should be done before you actually begin praying the novena, so that once you’ve begun you concentrate on the prayers, and not on tweaking them!

Finding an image of St. Monica, if you don’t have one, to use when praying the prayers can also be useful. We are blessed to be living in the internet age when it comes to things like that!

Other novenas that I have been interested in, and heard good things about, but not yet tried are: Bl. John Henry Newman (whom I have heard is effective in helping people find jobs), and of course Our Lady (I have a particular devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows). I have also entertained the idea of one day composing a novena to St. Bruno, perhaps for increase in the virtue of temperance, but I have not yet done so.

Oh, and I just remembered, I have also prayed a novena before to St. Raphael, who is also a good intercessor for a good marriage! (As well as for healing, blindness, and travel.)

 

[MS_SURVEYOR]

**Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Read more: ewtn.com/devotionals/heart/sh_novena.htm#ixzz1RN9gWniH
**

*The word “efficacious” means “having the power to produce a desired effect“. This Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a powerful prayer and was recited daily by Saint Padre Pio for all those who asked for his prayers. You are invited to recite this novena daily for your intentions.

1. O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you”. Behold, I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of … (Mention your intention)
   Our Father …… Hail Mary …… Glory be to the Father ……
   “Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in you.”
2. O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, He will give it to you”. Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of … (Mention your intention)
   Our Father …… Hail Mary …… Glory be to the Father ……
   “Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in you.”
3. O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away”. Encouraged by your infallible words, I now ask for the grace of … (Mention your intention)
   Our Father …… Hail Mary …… Glory be to the Father ……
   “Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in you.”
4. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender mother and ours.
   Hail Holy Queen ……

“St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.”
*

 

[wild_thing]

I definitely agree that St. Monica is a good choice for you. I’ve always had my prayers answered when I pray the novena to St. Jude. I think I’ve done more novenas to various saints than I can count! But I always come back to good ol’ Jude.

 

[petitfleur]

thank you again, will do that! the sacred heart of Jesus looks nice too.