INSPIRING NOVENA TO SAINT LAWRENCE, DEACON & MARTYR: DAY 8

Opening Prayer for Day 8

Heavenly Father, as we come together on this eighth day of the novena, we thank you for the opportunity to reflect on the life of Saint Lawrence, your faithful servant and martyr. His witness of love, courage, and devotion to Christ continues to inspire us. As we meditate on his life today, may we grow in our own faith and commitment to follow Jesus with wholehearted dedication. Through the intercession of Saint Lawrence, may we be strengthened to endure any trials that come our way, knowing that you are always with us (Pause & add your intentions). We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Life, Examples & Legacies (Part 8)

Saint Lawrence’s life was characterized by his deep love for Christ and his unwavering commitment to the Christian faith. As a deacon, he served the Church with dedication, particularly in caring for the poor and marginalized. He saw the face of Christ in those he served and recognized that serving the needy was an act of love and worship toward God. In the face of persecution, Lawrence demonstrated remarkable courage and trust in God’s providence. His refusal to surrender the treasures of the Church to the authorities and his subsequent martyrdom were acts of profound faith. He believed that the ultimate treasure lay in the eternal reward promised by Christ to those who remained faithful. Saint Lawrence’s life challenges us to consider our own relationship with Christ and the level of commitment we have to our faith. Are we willing to embrace our Christian calling with the same fervor and dedication as Saint Lawrence? Do we view every opportunity to serve others as an opportunity to encounter Christ Furthermore, Saint Lawrence’s witness encourages us to see our possessions and material wealth in a different light. Do we cling tightly to earthly treasures, or are we willing to use our resources to serve others and build up the kingdom of God? As we reflect on Saint Lawrence’s life, let us pray for the grace to grow in love for Christ and for our fellow human beings. May we be inspired to serve others with selflessness, courage, and a deep trust in God’s providence.

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Meditation for Day 8

As we meditate on the life of Saint Lawrence, let us examine our own level of commitment to Christ and our willingness to serve others with love and selflessness. Are we ready to surrender our possessions and resources to help those in need? Do we embrace our faith with the same courage and trust in God’s providence that Saint Lawrence displayed? Let us pray for the grace to grow in our love for Christ and to be faithful witnesses to His Gospel in every aspect of our lives.

Scriptural Reflection

• Revelation 2:10: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

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 eighth day of the novena, we thank you for the witness of Saint Lawrence, who showed us the true meaning of love and devotion to Christ. Through his intercession, may we grow in our love for you and for our fellow human beings. Grant us the grace to embrace our Christian calling with courage and dedication, serving others with love and selflessness. May we be faithful witnesses to the Gospel, following the example of Saint Lawrence, and striving to build up your kingdom on earth. 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?