Novena of grace in honor of San Francisco Javier
(Prayed from March 4 to 12)
ORIGIN OF THE NOVENA OF GRACE
On the occasion of decorating an altar in Naples for a feast of the Immaculate Conception in 1633, a two-pound hammer fell from the scaffolding and mortally wounded Father Marcelo Mastrilli, of the Society of Jesus, destroying his right parietal bone. From day to day, his illness got so bad that they were going to give him extreme unction, since it was impossible to administer Vitico, because the sick man could not even drink a drop of water. But when they were thinking about this, behold, Fr. Mastrilli woke up healthy and well… The wound had disappeared, the scar was not noticeable, the Father suddenly felt restored. Very early he celebrated his mass and gave communion to many people who came to see this miracle.
He immediately went up to the pulpit, and by his own voice he explained the secret to the people of Naples. Seeing himself wounded and without hope of life, he had made a vow in honor of San Francisco Javier to go to the Misiones de Indias, if he would grant him health. The last night the saint had appeared to him encouraging him to fulfill his vow and receive martyrdom in Japan (as it happened). Father Mastrilli promised the saint’s special help to all who invoke him and also recommended making a novena.
Later, Fr. Alejandro Filipucci, also cured by the saint in 1658, composed the novena and set the date for its performance from March 4 to 12 (anniversary of his canonization), although it can be done at any time of the year. Since then, this devotion has spread rapidly everywhere. It is known by the name of Novena of Grace “because of its great and proven effectiveness in the needs of present life” (S. Po X).
The Roman Pontiffs have granted a plenary indulgence if the following requirements are met:
* Pray the full novena
* On one of these days of the novena, confess, take communion and pray for the intentions of His Holiness.
NOVENA OF GRACE
For the signal, etc. My Lord Jesus Christ…
PRAYER
Most kind and loving Saint, I humbly adore the Divine Majesty with You and I thank Him for the singular gifts of grace that He granted you in life and for the glory that you already enjoy. I beseech you, with all the affection of my soul, obtain for me through your powerful intercession, the all-important grace to live and die holy. I also ask you to reach me… (here the spiritual or temporal request is made) And if what I ask does not suit the greater glory of God, and the good of my soul, I want to achieve what is most convenient for that. Amen.
(An Our Father, Avemara and Gloria).
Prayer composed and said by the Holy
Eternal God, Creator, of all things, remember that you created the souls of the infidels, making them in your image and likeness. Remember, Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ who, so liberally shedding his blood, suffered for them. Do not allow your Son to be despised by the infidels any longer, before appeased with the pleas and prayers of your chosen Saints and of the Church, most blessed Spouse of your own Son; remember your mercy and, forgetting their idolatry and infidelity, make them also know the one whom you send Jesus Christ, your Son, who is our health, life and resurrection, by whom we are free and are saved, to whom glory be given for infinite centuries of centuries. Amen.
PRAYER
Oh, God, that you wanted to add to your Church the nations of the Indies for the preaching and for the miracles of San Francisco Javier. Grant us that, since we venerate the glory of his distinguished merits, we also imitate the examples of his heroic virtues: For Our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the centuries of centuries. Amen.