Fifth Day of the Novena for Priests:
St John Vianney, lover of sinners
‘Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.’ (Matt 11:28-30)
O holy priest of Ars, you spent many long hours daily in the confessional. People came to you for forgiveness of their sins from far-off places. Although you despised sin, you always received the sinner with much love and forgiveness.
O holy confessor of the Lord, St John Vianney, awaken in our priests a sense of their sinfulness before the eyes of God. By your priestly example and prayers, grant them a love of the sacrament of Penanace. Obtain for them the understanding that it is in confessing their sins that God’s mercy is poured out upon them and draw them closer to Christ. Obtain for them a deep hatred of sin and the grace to resist temptation. Teach them the value of frequent confession, where they meet Jesus their Saviour, the source of all mercy and consolation. Pray that all priests, religious, and seminarians may always love the sacrament fo penance. Pray that they may call sinners to repentance by their good example and lives given in complete service to our Lord.
Novena Prayer:
O holy priest of Ars, St John Vianney, you loved God and served Him faithfully as His priest. Now you see God face to face in heaven. You never despaired but persevered in your faith until you died. Remember now the dangers, fears and anxieties that surround them and intercede for them in all their needs and troubles. O St John Vianney, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for them in a special way during this novena.
(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)