Pope Francis will visit the United States Sept. 22–27, 2015. Daughters of Charity invite us to join in a novena of prayer for his safety and the success of his visit.

Opening Prayer: Pope Francis’ Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy.
Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Daily Intentions

Day One: For the safety of Pope Francis as he travels.

Day Two: For the people of the United States, that we may be open to our Holy Father’s message of care and concern for the poor and vulnerable among us.

Day Three: For our government, that all elected officials in the United States use their positions to promote equal opportunity, justice and quality of life for all people.

Day Four: For the United Nations, that world leaders work together to create peace and to make “land, lodging and labor” available to all.

Day Five: For the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, that all participants be guided by the Holy Spirit and discern ways to support families amid the challenges of our day.

Day Six: For all those in consecrated life, that they be the presence of Christ on earth; for those who pray for vocations, especially members of the Serra Club; for those considering or preparing for consecrated life, especially the novices who will meet with Pope Francis.

Day Seven: For our criminal justice system, that we work for an end to crime by creating prisons that offer not only punishment, but an opportunity to effect real change; that prisoners and those responsible for them be treated with respect in an environment that is safe for all.

Day Eight: For an end to human trafficking in all forms and for respect for immigrants everywhere.

Day Nine: For the Church throughout the world, especially the Church in the United States, that all bishops, priests, religious and the lay faithful be open and attentive to the messages of the Holy Father and to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Novena Prayer

Good and gracious God, You create us, sustain us and are present with us always. We ask you to hear our prayer this day.

We pray for Our Holy Father, Pope Francis: Continue to bless and protect him. Guide him with your Holy Spirit as he leads your Church on earth.

Help each of us, who profess belief in You, to be attentive to your word expressed in the teachings of the Church. Help us make our lives a living witness of your presence by our care for all your creation, especially the poor and vulnerable. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, Your Son, who lived among us and taught us to pray: Our Father…

prepared by Sister Mary Frate, D.C.

Have a blessed week!
Sister Theresa Sullivan, D.C.