INSPIRING NOVENA TO SAINT LAWRENCE, DEACON & MARTYR: DAY 3

Opening Prayer for Day 3

Lord God, we gather before you on this third day of the novena to honor Saint Lawrence, your faithful servant and martyr. We thank you for the gift of his inspiring life and his unwavering witness to the Gospel. As we meditate on his story today, may we be strengthened in our own faith and commitment to follow Christ, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties. Through the intercession of Saint Lawrence, may we find the courage to face our trials with hope and trust in your divine providence (Pause & add your intentions). We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Life, Examples & Legacies (Part 3)

As a deacon, Saint Lawrence’s primary role was to serve the needs of the poor, widows, and orphans. He took this responsibility to heart, going above and beyond to ensure that the Church’s resources were used to care for those who were suffering. His dedication to serving others was a living reflection of the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. In the midst of persecution, Lawrence’s love for Christ and the Church remained steadfast. When asked to hand over the Church’s treasures, he did not hesitate to distribute them to the poor, recognizing that true treasure lay not in material wealth but in the hearts and souls of those whom he served. His actions mirrored the teachings of Jesus, who said, “Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail” (Luke 12:33). Saint Lawrence’s martyrdom was a testament to his unwavering faith in Christ. Despite facing unimaginable pain and suffering, he did not renounce his beliefs. Instead, he entrusted himself to God’s care and found strength in the promise of eternal life. Lawrence’s courage in the face of death inspires us to persevere in our own faith journey, knowing that the trials of this world are temporary, but the rewards of heaven are eternal.

Meditation for Day 3

Let us take a moment to examine our own lives and consider how we can emulate the selfless service of Saint Lawrence. Are we attentive to the needs of the poor and marginalized in our communities? Do we use our resources to alleviate the suffering of others? Let us also pray for the grace to remain steadfast in our faith, even when facing difficulties or persecution. May the example of Saint Lawrence remind us that our true treasure is found in our relationship with Christ and in serving others with love and compassion.

Scriptural Reflection

• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Litany of Saint Lawrence

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Lawrence, pray for us.
Beloved son of the Church, pray for us.
Courageous martyr of Christ, pray for us.
Zealous defender of the faith, pray for us.
Lover of the poor, pray for us.
Servant of the suffering, pray for us.
Patron of deacons, pray for us.
Example of virtue, pray for us.
Faithful follower of Christ, pray for us.
Hope of the hopeless, pray for us.
Man of unshakable faith, pray for us.
Witness to the Gospel, pray for us.
Lover of God’s creation, pray for us.
Holy Lawrence, pray for us.

Concluding Prayer

Loving Father, as we continue this novena in honor of Saint Lawrence, we thank you for the gift of his life and witness. May his example of selfless service and unwavering faith inspire us to follow Christ wholeheartedly, no matter the challenges that come our way. Through the intercession of Saint Lawrence, grant us the grace to embrace our call to be servants of others and to find strength in knowing that our ultimate reward is eternal life with you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Shalom!
Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Loreto, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com
___________________________________

PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?