INSPIRING NOVENA TO SAINT LAWRENCE, DEACON & MARTYR: DAY 9

Opening Prayer for Day 9

O God, as we come to the final day of this novena in honor of Saint Lawrence, we humbly seek your grace and guidance. We thank you for the inspiration we have received from the life of this faithful servant and martyr. Through the intercession of Saint Lawrence, may we be strengthened to live our faith with courage, compassion, and selflessness. Grant us the grace to follow his example and bear witness to the Gospel in our lives (Pause & add your intentions). We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Life, Examples & Legacies (Part 9)

Day 9 – Office of the Reading on St. Lawrence

From the “Sermon on the Life of St. Lawrence” by St. Augustine

*“The Roman Church commends this day to us as the blessed Laurence’s day of triumph, on which he trod down the world as it roared and raged against him; spurned it as it coaxed and wheedled him; and in each case, conquered the devil as he persecuted him. For in that Church, you see, as you have regularly been told, he performed the office of deacon; it was there that he administered the sacred chalice of Christ’s blood; there that he shed his own blood for the name of Christ. The blessed apostle John clearly explained the mystery of the Lord’s supper when he said Just as Christ laid down his life for us, so we too ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. My brethren, Lawrence understood this and, understanding, he acted on it. Just as he had partaken of a gift of self at the table of the Lord, so he prepared to offer such a gift. In his life, he loved Christ; in his death, he followed in his footsteps.

On Lawrence’s courage before his execution:

Brethren, we too must imitate Lawrence if we desire to reign with Christ. We too must be found imitating him if we are to share in his glory. Behold how the Lord in his love shows us the way of humility. He shows it by his own example, for he is the very personification of humility. The preachers of God’s truth led holy lives themselves and were proud of the opportunity to suffer for the truth, for they were convinced that they were not undergoing persecution for themselves, but for you.

On the meaning of Lawrence’s name:

Lawrence, as we are told, was briskly ordered to hand over the Church’s treasure. The thought occurred to him: “The Church is poor and I am a poor man, what can I give her? Silver and gold I have none…” But he offered himself, that is, he set himself on fire. The material fire which was prepared for that kind-hearted man was incapable of burning Lawrence. The burning love within him consumed the flames without.

On Lawrence’s joyful endurance:

“The flames are my crown,” he said. “I am already on the way.” That fire which was outside him could not touch the flames within. Perhaps you are asking what was this flame inside him? It was the fire of the Holy Spirit, which comes down from heaven and burns in the hearts of those who love their neighbour… For Lawrence it was love for his fellow men that enabled him to conquer the fire which devoured him.

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Meditation for Day 9

As we come to the end of this novena in honor of Saint Lawrence, let us take a moment to meditate on the profound lessons we have learned from his life.

Saint Lawrence’s story is one of love, courage, and selflessness. As a deacon of the Church, he dedicated himself to serving the poor and marginalized, recognizing in them the true treasures of the Church. He understood that authentic discipleship involved giving generously and sacrificially to those in need, imitating the example of Christ. Facing persecution, Saint Lawrence did not waver in his faith but embraced his calling with courage and trust in God. He willingly offered his life for Christ and the Gospel, knowing that his true treasure was in heaven.

In our own lives, we are called to emulate Saint Lawrence’s virtues. We are called to love our neighbors, especially the poor and vulnerable, with genuine compassion and selflessness. Let us remember that our faith is not meant to be an isolated belief but a lived reality that transforms us and impels us to action. Saint Lawrence’s joyful endurance in the face of martyrdom teaches us to find strength in God’s presence, even in the midst of trials. As we encounter challenges or persecutions, may we be reminded that God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us, and our hope rests in the promise of eternal life with Him. Let us also reflect on the meaning of our own names as Christians. We are called to be “little Christs” (Christians), and our lives should reflect the love and humility of Christ. Like Saint Lawrence, may we set our hearts on fire with the love of God and allow that love to consume and transform us.

As we conclude this novena, let us pray for the grace to carry the lessons of Saint Lawrence’s life in our hearts. May we become instruments of God’s love, shining His light in the world and boldly proclaiming the Gospel through our words and deeds.

Scriptural Reflection

• 1 Peter 5:10: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

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, as we conclude this novena, we thank you for the witness of Saint Lawrence, who showed us the path of love, courage, and devotion to Christ. Through his intercession, may we grow in our commitment to follow Jesus with all our hearts. Grant us the grace to love our neighbors, especially the poor and vulnerable, with the same selflessness and compassion that characterized Saint Lawrence’s life. May we embrace our Christian calling joyfully, knowing that our true treasure lies in 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
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PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?