INSPIRING NOVENA TO SAINT LAWRENCE, DEACON & MARTYR: DAY 6

Opening Prayer for Day 6

Heavenly Father, as we enter the sixth day of the novena in honor of Saint Lawrence, we come before you with hearts filled with gratitude for the witness of this faithful servant and martyr. We thank you for the lessons we have learned from his life of love, compassion, and courage. Through the intercession of Saint Lawrence, may we grow in holiness and be strengthened to bear witness to our faith, even in the face of adversity (Pause & add your intentions). We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Life, Examples & Legacies (Part 6)

Saint Lawrence’s life was marked by his deep love for the Church and his unwavering commitment to serving Christ in the poor and marginalized. As a deacon, he understood the importance of his ministry in caring for those in need and distributing the Church’s resources to alleviate their suffering. When faced with persecution, Lawrence did not abandon his calling but embraced it even more fervently. Saint Lawrence’s life challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward the less fortunate. Do we recognize the inherent dignity of every person and see them as treasures in God’s sight? Are we willing to share our time, talents, and resources to uplift those who are suffering? Furthermore, Saint Lawrence’s willingness to endure martyrdom rather than renounce his faith calls us to examine our own commitment to Christ. Are we ready to stand firm in our beliefs, even in the face of persecution or opposition? May Saint Lawrence’s example inspire us to be courageous witnesses to the Gospel, shining Christ’s light in a world that often struggles in darkness.

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Meditation for Day 6

As we meditate on the life of Saint Lawrence, let us reflect on our own commitment to serving Christ in the poor and vulnerable. Are we actively engaged in acts of charity and compassion? Do we recognize the face of Christ in those who suffer? Let us also pray for the grace to remain steadfast in our faith, even when faced with challenges or temptations to compromise our beliefs. May the example of Saint Lawrence inspire us to live with love, courage, and unyielding dedication to Christ and His teachings.

Scriptural Reflection

• 2 Timothy 3:12: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

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 God, on this sixth day of the novena, we thank you for the example of Saint Lawrence, who showed us the true meaning of love and courage. Through his intercession, may we grow in compassion for the poor and marginalized, recognizing their dignity as your beloved children. Grant us the grace to remain faithful to Christ and His Gospel, even in the face of persecution or challenges. May we follow the example of Saint Lawrence, bearing witness to the truth with love and courage. 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
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PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?