Day 7- St. John of the Cross Contemplative Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

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Day 7 – St. John of the Cross Contemplative Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

St. John of the Cross you have said:

What God communicates to the soul in this intimate union is totally beyond words. One can say nothing about it just as one can say nothing about God Himself that resembles Him. For in the transformation of the soul in God, it is God who communicates Himself with admirable glory. In this transformation, the two become one, as we would say of the window united with the ray of sunlight, or of the coal with the fire, or of the starlight with the light of the Sun.

Spiritual Canticle, 26:4; Kavanaugh & Rodriguez, 1973; p. 512

Prayer for Peace from St. John of the Cross

O Blessed Jesus, grant me stillness of soul in You. Let Your mighty calmness reign in me. Rule me, O King of gentleness, King of peace. Give me control, control over my words, thoughts and actions. From all irritability, want of meekness, want of gentleness, O dear Lord, deliver me. By Your own deep patience give me patience, stillness of soul in You. Make me in this, and in all, more and more like You. Amen.

Lord God, you gave Saint John of the Cross
the grace of complete self-denial
and an ardent love for the cross of Christ.
Grant that by following always in his footsteps
we may come to the eternal vision of your glory.
And through his intercession, if it be in accord with your holy will,
Grant the petition we bring before you in this novena.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

Amen

For more on St. John of the Cross, visit St. John of the Cross: of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty

Day 2 – St. John of the Cross Contemplative Novena – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast

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Day 2 – St. John of the Cross Contemplative Novena

St. John of the Cross you have said:

When there is union of love, the image of the Beloved is so sketched in the will and drawn so vividly, that it is true to say that the Beloved lives in the lover and the lover in the Beloved. Love produces such likeness in this transformation of lovers that one can say each is the other and both are one. The reason is, that in the union and transformation of love, each gives possession of self to the other, and each leaves and exchanges self for the other. Thus each one lives in the other and is the other, and both are one in the transformation of love. (1)

…Thus, no one … can disturb the soul that is liberated and purged of all things and united with God. She enjoys now in this state a habitual sweetness and tranquility which is never lost or lacking to her. (2)

(1) Spiritual Canticle, 12 :7; Kavanaugh & Rodriguez, 1973; p. 455 ; (2) Spiritual Canticle, 24 :5; Kavanaugh & Rodriguez, 1973; p. 503

Prayer for Peace from St. John of the Cross

O Blessed Jesus, grant me stillness of soul in You. Let Your mighty calmness reign in me. Rule me, O King of gentleness, King of peace. Give me control, control over my words, thoughts and actions. From all irritability, want of meekness, want of gentleness, O dear Lord, deliver me. By Your own deep patience give me patience, stillness of soul in You. Make me in this, and in all, more and more like You. Amen.

Lord God, you gave Saint John of the Cross
the grace of complete self-denial
and an ardent love for the cross of Christ.
Grant that by following always in his footsteps
we may come to the eternal vision of your glory.And through his intercession, if it be in accord with your holy will,
Grant the petition we bring before you in this novena.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

Amen

For more on St. John of the Cross, visit St. John of the Cross: of Contemplation with Fr. Donald Haggerty

A Novena to the Immaculate Conception – Day 3

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A Novena to the Immaculate Conception – Day 3

O God,
who by the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son,
we beseech You that,
as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son,
You did preserve Her from all stain,
so too You would permit us,
purified through Her intercession,
to come unto You.
Through the same Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son, who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, world without end.

Amen.

O Blessed Virgin Mary,
glory of the Christian people,
joy of the universal Church
and Mother of Our Lord,
speak for us to the Heart of Jesus,
who is your Son and our brother.
O Mary, who by your holy Immaculate Conception
did enter the world free from stain,
in your mercy obtain for us from Jesus
the special favor which we now so earnestly seek…

(State your intention here…)

O Mary of the Immaculate Conception,
Mother of Christ,
you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth;
you have the same influence now in heaven.
Pray for us
and obtain for us from him
the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

For the complete 9 day novena visit the Discerning Hearts:

The Immaculate Conception Novena page

Day 9 – A Novena to St. John Paul II – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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A Novena to St. John Paul II – Day Nine

Reflection by Saint John Paul II:

“The pilgrim Church on earth lifts its gaze to Heaven and exultantly joins the choir of those with whom God shares his glory. It is the communion of saints!”

Prayer for the Intercession of St. John Paul II

O Blessed Trinity, we thank you
for having graced the Church with
Saint John Paul II and for allowing
the tenderness of your fatherly care,
the glory of the Cross of Christ
and the splendor of the Spirit of love
to shine through him.
Trusting fully in your infinite mercy
and in the maternal intercession of Mary,
he has given us a living image of
Jesus the Good Shepherd.
He has shown us that holiness
is the necessary measure of ordinary
Christian life and is the way of
achieving eternal communion with you.
Grant us, by his intercession,
and according to your will,
the graces we implore,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer composed by St. John Paul II

Jesus said…”Abide in Me, and I in you…for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

I leave you now with this prayer: that the Lord Jesus will reveal Himself to each one of you, that He will give you the strength to go out and profess that you are Christian, that He will show you that He alone can fill your hearts. Accept His freedom and embrace His truth, and be messengers of the certainty that you have been truly liberated through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This will be the new experience, the powerful experience, that will generate, through you, a more just society and a better world.

God bless you and may the joy of Jesus be always with you!

[L’Osservatore Romano, 11-5-79, 2]

St. John Paul II, pray for us. Amen

For the full 9-day Novena to St. John Paul II with Mp3 audio and text visit here

Day 8 – A Novena to St. John Paul II – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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A Novena to St. John Paul II – Day Eight

Reflection by Saint John Paul II:

“Thus the great gift of redemption – our being ‘brought forth’ to divine life – is a mighty work of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It must be received by us in faith. It must be lived. It must be proclaimed.”

A Prayer composed by St. John Paul II

Thanksgiving for the Eucharist

For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast!

O Christ the Savior, we give You thanks for Your redeeming sacrifice, the only hope of men!

O Christ the Savior, we give You thanks for the eucharistic breaking of bread, which You instituted in order to really meet Your brothers, in the course of the centuries!

Christ the Savior, put into the hearts of the baptized the desire to offer themselves with You and to commit themselves for the salvation of their brothers!

You who are really present in the Blessed Sacrament, spread Your blessings abundantly on Your people…Amen.

[L’Osservatore Romano, 7-27-81, 2]

St. John Paul II, pray for us. Amen

For the full 9-day Novena to St. John Paul II with Mp3 audio and text visit here

Day 7 – A Novena to St. John Paul II – Discerning Hearts Podcast

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A Novena to St. John Paul II – Day Seven

Reflection by Saint John Paul II:

“Certainly the whole mystery of Christ is a mystery of light. He is the ‘light of the world.’”

A Prayer composed by St. John Paul II

Lord, from You every family in heaven and on earth takes it name. Father, You are Love and Life.
Through Your Son, Jesus Christ, born of woman, and through the Holy Spirit, the fountain of divine charity, grant that every family on earth may become for each successive generation a true shrine of life and love.
Grant that Your grace may guide the thoughts and actions of husbands and wives for the good of their families and of all the families of the world.
Grant that the young may find in the family solid support for their human dignity and for their growth in truth and love.
Grant that love, strengthened by the grace of the sacrament of Marriage, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass.
Through the intercession of the Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that the Church may fruitfully carry out her worldwide mission in the family and through the family.
We ask this of You, who are Life, Truth, and Love with the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

[L’Osservatore Romano, 5-25-80, 19]

St. John Paul II, pray for us. Amen

For the full 9-day Novena to St. John Paul II with Mp3 audio and text visit here

Day 9 – Living Mercy – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 9 – Living Mercy – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart

From the Diary of St. Faustina, 1317 – Jesus speaks to Faustina:

“If a soul does not exercise mercy somehow or other, it will not obtain My mercy on the day of judgment. Oh, if only souls knew how to gather eternal treasure for themselves, they would not be judged, for they would forestall My judgment with their mercy.”

Jesus makes it clear to St. Faustina that mercy must be lived out in our daily lives. We cannot simply receive God’s mercy without also extending it to others. How can you practice mercy today? Remember that mercy is not just about grand acts of forgiveness; it is also about the small acts of kindness and compassion we show each day. Reflect on how you can be more merciful in your thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus tells us that by showing mercy to others, we forestall His judgment and store up treasures in heaven. Make mercy a way of life.

Prayer & Petition:
Lord Jesus, You call me not only to receive Your mercy but to live it out in my daily life. Help me to show mercy to others in both great and small ways, knowing that in doing so, I am reflecting Your love to the world. May my life be a reflection of Your Divine Mercy, and may I store up eternal treasures by showing mercy in all things. St. Faustina, pray that I may live mercy in all things, so that I may obtain God’s mercy on the day of judgment. Amen.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, through the intercession of St. Faustina, Apostle of Divine Mercy, I ask for the grace to live more fully in Your mercy. Help me to trust in You completely, to offer mercy to others, and to live in the joy of Your love. May St. Faustina guide me in my journey toward holiness, and may her prayers obtain for me the graces I most need. Amen.

St. Faustina, pray for us.

You find the entire 9-Day St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart tap here

You can find the Discerning Hearts “Chaplet of Divine Mercy” tap here

You find the Diary here

Day 8 – Bringing Joy to Others – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 8 – Bringing Joy to Others – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart

From the Diary of St. Faustina, 1074 – Jesus speaks to Faustina:

“My daughter, I desire that you live very close to My heart. Meditate upon the love and mercy of your Creator. When you come to know Me more deeply, you will be able to bring much joy to others. Speak of My mercy to all, so that souls may be strengthened and comforted. Bring joy to the world through My mercy.”

St. Faustina lived her life close to the heart of Jesus, and through this intimacy, she was able to bring joy to others. Jesus invites us to do the same—when we come to know Him deeply and experience His mercy, we are filled with joy, which overflows to others. Reflect on your relationship with Jesus and how it affects those around you. Do you bring joy to others through your words and actions? As you grow closer to the heart of Jesus, may your life become a source of joy and strength for those who need to experience His mercy.

Prayer & Petition:
Lord, You call me to be a source of joy in the world by reflecting Your love and mercy. Teach me to live close to Your heart, so that my words and actions may bring comfort and strength to those around me. May I spread the joy of Your mercy wherever I go. St. Faustina, help me to be a bearer of joy to others, reflecting God’s love in all my interactions. Amen.

Closing Prayer

St. Faustina, pray for us.

You find the entire 9-Day St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart tap here

You can find the Discerning Hearts “Chaplet of Divine Mercy” tap here

You find the Diary here

Day 7 – Mercy for Others – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 7 – Mercy for Others – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart

From the Diary of St. Faustina, 367 – Jesus speaks to Faustina:

“My heart overflows with great mercy for souls, and especially for poor sinners. If only they could understand that I am the best of Fathers to them and that it is for them that the Blood and Water flowed from My Heart as from a fount overflowing with mercy.”

Jesus tells St. Faustina that His heart overflows with mercy, especially for sinners. He invites us to draw near to Him, knowing that His mercy is a fountain that never runs dry. As recipients of His mercy, we are also called to share that mercy with others. Reflect today on how you can show mercy to others, particularly those who are most in need. Do you harbor grudges, or are you quick to forgive? Are you generous in showing kindness and compassion? Jesus calls us to be His instruments of mercy in the world, just as He has shown mercy to us.

Prayer & Petition:
Lord, Your heart is full of compassion for sinners. Help me to reflect Your mercy to others, forgiving those who have wronged me and showing kindness to those in need. May I be a channel of Your mercy to the world, bringing Your love to everyone I encounter. St. Faustina, pray that I may be a channel of God’s mercy to others in my words and actions. Amen.

Closing Prayer

St. Faustina, pray for us.

You find the entire 9-Day St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart tap here

You can find the Discerning Hearts “Chaplet of Divine Mercy” tap here

You find the Diary here

Day 6 – Strength from the Cross – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Day 6 – Strength from the Cross – St. Faustina Novena for the Discerning Heart

From the Diary of St. Faustina, 1558 – Faustina writes:

“In difficult moments I will fix my gaze upon the silent heart of Jesus, stretched upon the cross, and from the exploding flames of His merciful heart will flow down upon me power and strength to keep fighting.”

St. Faustina drew strength from the cross of Christ in her moments of trial, focusing on the silent heart of Jesus, who suffered for love of us. She saw that from His pierced heart flowed the flames of His mercy, giving her strength to endure her own struggles. When you face difficulties, do you turn to the cross as a source of strength, or do you try to carry your burdens alone? Reflect today on the power of Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus endured the cross so that you might have the strength to carry your own. In times of suffering, fix your gaze on Him and allow His mercy to flow into your heart.

Prayer & Petition:
Lord, You stretched out Your arms on the cross to embrace the world in mercy. When I am weary or burdened, help me to look at Your cross and remember that You carry my burdens with me. May I draw strength from Your Passion and trust that You are always with me, even in the darkest moments. St. Faustina, help me to gaze upon the cross of Christ and draw strength from His merciful heart in times of suffering. Amen.

Closing Prayer

St. Faustina, pray for us.