BIG C CATHOLICS

By Msgr. Bernard W. Bourgeois Dear Heavenly Father: We come before you today as a people of faith imploring your intercession. Our society, our schools, our churches, and much of our work has come to a standstill in light of an unseen enemy known as the coronavirus. Dear Lord, to begin with and most importantly, we pray for those who contracted this hideous disease, most especially those who are physically most vulnerable; the aged, the sick, nursing home patients, and any with compromised immune systems. We offer up to you all those on the front lines of fighting this disease, most especially those in the medical profession, public health officers, scientists and government officials who are working day and night to find ways to beat this disease. Inspire them, O Lord, with minds filled with knowledge and hearts filled with love as they work to protect the rest of us. We also pray for those who are supplying us with food, gas, medical supplies and oil for our home

Saint Francis de Sales, the 17th century French bishop and Doctor of the Church, yearned to save souls. His gentleness of spirit, pastoral aptitude and compassion made him a great teacher of the Faith. The following illustrates his deep insight: Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs. — St. Francis de Sales __________________________________________ Prayer for the Intercession of St. Francis de Sales Almighty God, who for the salvation of souls willed that the Bishop Saint Francis de Sales become all things to all, graciously grant that, following his example and holy intercession, we may always display the gentleness of your charity in the service of our neighbor. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Saint Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients. He was known for his holiness and for a miraculous healing he received. Peregrine was scheduled to have his leg amputated due to a cancerous growth. The night before the surgery, while praying for healing, he received a vision of Christ coming down from the cross to touch his leg. The following morning, he was completely healed. Cancer patients and those suffering from terminal diseases seek his intercession. Dear holy servant of God, St. Peregrine, we pray today for healing. Intercede for us! God healed you of cancer and others were healed by your prayers. Please pray for the physical healing of… (Mention your intentions) These intentions bring us to our knees seeking your intercession for healing. We are humbled by our physical limitations and ailments. We are so weak and so powerless. We are completely dependent upon God. And so, we ask that you pray for us… We know, St. Peregrine, that you are a powerful interce

On the occasion of Father Solanus Casey's beatification, November 18, 2017, the following prayer for the canonization of this extraordinary Capuchin Franciscan priest and miracle worker may be recited for the cause of Blessed Casey and for one's own personal intentions. Blessed Father Solanus Casey, intercede for us. Jesus, you made Fr. Solanus Casey an example of humility, charity and selflessness. He taught us that every human life has value and dignity. May we follow him in serving the poor. the sick, the dying, the despondent and the desperate. Grant us, by his intercession, and according to Your will, the graces we implore..., knowing that he will soon be numbered among Your saints. We ask this in Your name,  through the intercession of Mary,  Your Mother, Queen of heaven and earth. Amen. Bl. Solanus Casey, you overcame adversity with humility in answering God’s call to the priesthood. May we, inspired by your example, persevere with

St. Gertrude the Great of Helfta was a 12th century German Benedictine nun, mystic and theologian. Graced with visions of Christ, her spiritual insights into mystical union with God, Purgatory, and the eternal value of suffering for our souls are a treasure for the Church. Here she speaks to the merit of suffering. Bodily and spiritual affliction are the surest sign of Divine predilection. Gratitude for suffering is a precious jewel for our heavenly crown... Man should always firmly believe that God sends just that trial which is most beneficial for him. — St. Gertrude the Great ____________________________________ Prayer for St. Gertrude the Great's Intercession O God, who prepared a delightful dwelling for yourself in the heart of the Virgin Saint Gertrude, graciously bring light, through her intercession, to the darkness of our hearts, that we may joyfully experience you present and at work within us always. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and

Padre Pio was a man of immense spiritual gifts and insight. As a Capuchin priest, his ministry was marked by prayer and piety. His suffering was constant. He bore the stigmata of Our Lord’s Crucifixion with their attending agony, and was beset by demonic manifestations. He was graced with the ability to read souls and see his guardian angel. He was also visited by souls seeking release from Purgatory. We must empty Purgatory with our prayers. — St. Pio of Pietrelcina ____________________________________ Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen. [Poor souls, upon attaining heaven, pray that I may also experience holy beatitude at the close of my earthly life.] Prayer for St. Padre Pio’s Interc

October 27, 2017 Today, on the final day of this Saint Jude novena, we reflect upon the sins in our life that feel impossible to overcome. We pray for the ability to resist temptation and all occasions of sin with the grace of God and the intercession of St. Jude. Saint Jude Novena - Day 9 Most holy St. Jude, apostle, martyr and friend of Jesus, pray for me and my intentions. Intercede for me before the throne of God and plead for His favor. (State your intentions here) You are the patron of the impossible. Pray for my intentions St. Jude, that God’s grace and mercy will answer them. Pray for the impossible if it is God’s will. Pray that I may have the grace to accept God’s holy will even if it is difficult. St. Jude, pray for me that I will not lose hope. O St. Jude, pray for me that I may grow in faith, hope and love and in the grace of Jesus Christ. Pray for these intentions, but most of all pray that I may join you in heaven together with God, seeing Him face t

October 26, 2017 Today we pray for another seemingly impossible cause: an end to violence. With God, and through Saint Jude's intercession, let us pray for peace in our world, and that it may truly begin with us. St. Jude, we dare to ask you for harmony in our families and between nations. Petition God for peace we humbly beseech you. Saint Jude Novena - Day 8 Most holy St. Jude, apostle, martyr and friend of Jesus, pray for me and my intentions. Intercede for me before the throne of God and plead for His favor. (State your intentions here) You are the patron of the impossible. Pray for my intentions St. Jude, that God’s grace and mercy will answer them. Pray for the impossible if it is God’s will. Pray that I may have the grace to accept God’s holy will even if it is difficult. St. Jude, pray for me that I will not lose hope. O St. Jude, pray for me that I may grow in faith, hope and love and in the grace of Jesus Christ. Pray for these intentions, but most of

October 25, 2017 All things are possible with God. Let's remember that today as we pray for an end to poverty. Saint Jude, help us to aide those in need, and that the destitute may strive to improve their lives so as to realize true freedom from poverty and need. Saint Jude Novena - Day 7 Most holy St. Jude, apostle, martyr and friend of Jesus, pray for me and my intentions. Intercede for me before the throne of God and plead for His favor. (State your intentions here) You are the patron of the impossible. Pray for my intentions St. Jude, that God’s grace and mercy will answer them. Pray for the impossible if it is God’s will. Pray that I may have the grace to accept God’s holy will even if it is difficult. St. Jude, pray that I may put my trust in God that He knows my needs even better than I do and that He provides. O St. Jude, pray for me that I may grow in faith, hope and love and in the grace of Jesus Christ. Pray for these intentions, but most of all pray

October 24, 2017 In keeping with the theme of difficult circumstances and hopeless causes, today we remember everyone who has left the Church. Let us pray for their conversion and their return to the Church. We pray also for those who have never been a part of the Church. May they come to know the fullness truth that is our Faith. Saint Jude Novena - Day 6 Most holy St. Jude, apostle, martyr and friend of Jesus, pray for me and my intentions. Intercede for me before the throne of God and plead for His favor. (State your intentions here) You are the patron of the impossible. Pray for my intentions St. Jude, that God’s grace and mercy will answer them. Pray for the impossible if it is God’s will. Pray that I may have the grace to accept God’s holy will even if it is difficult. St. Jude, pray that I may know God’s will in my life. O St. Jude, pray for me that I may grow in faith, hope and love and in the grace of Jesus Christ. Pray for these intentions, but most of al

October 23, 2017 Today we remember marriages in distress and families that face hardships or are undergoing difficulty. We pray for reconciliation and peace. May Saint Jude guide them through each day and restore them so to exerience God's love and comfort. Saint Jude Novena - Day 5 Most holy St. Jude, apostle, martyr and friend of Jesus, pray for me and my intentions. Intercede for me before the throne of God and plead for His favor. (State your intentions here) You are the patron of the impossible. Pray for my intentions St. Jude, that God’s grace and mercy will answer them. Pray for the impossible if it is God’s will. Pray that I may have the grace to accept God’s holy will even if it is difficult. St. Jude, you sacrificed for the Kingdom of God, pray that I may sacrifice like you. O St. Jude, pray for me that I may grow in faith, hope and love and in the grace of Jesus Christ. Pray for these intentions, but most of all pray that I may join you in heaven tog

October 22, 2017 As we continue to pray to Saint Jude for impossible and hopeless causes, today we pray for all those who are burdened with debt, and those who constantly struggle to make ends meet. May they find relief from their financial burdens. Saint Jude Novena - Day 4 Most holy St. Jude, apostle, martyr and friend of Jesus, pray for me and my intentions. Intercede for me before the throne of God and plead for His favor. (State your intentions here) You are the patron of the impossible. Pray for my intentions St. Jude, that God’s grace and mercy will answer them. Pray for the impossible if it is God’s will. Pray that I may have the grace to accept God’s holy will even if it is difficult. St. Jude, you are known for answering lost causes, pray for my most impossible needs. O St. Jude, pray for me that I may grow in faith, hope and love and in the grace of Jesus Christ. Pray for these intentions, but most of all pray that I may join you in heaven together with

October 21, 2017 Today we remember all those who are seeking employment. Let us pray for the unemployed or underemployed that God will provide for them and, through the intercession of Saint Jude, they will find purpose and meaning in their labors. Saint Jude Novena - Day 3 Most holy St. Jude, apostle, martyr and friend of Jesus, pray for me and my intentions. Intercede for me before the throne of God and plead for His favor. (State your intentions here) You are the patron of the impossible. Pray for my intentions St. Jude, that God’s grace and mercy will answer them. Pray for the impossible if it is God’s will. Pray that I may have the grace to accept God’s holy will even if it is difficult. St. Jude, you labored for years, pray that I may have patience in my struggles. O St. Jude, pray for me that I may grow in faith, hope and love and in the grace of Jesus Christ. Pray for these intentions, but most of all pray that I may join you in heaven together with God, se

October 20, 2017 Today, we remember those who are suffering whether mentally, physically or emotionally. Let us pray for a restoration to health of the unwell, and especially for those whose cases seem hopeless. Saint Jude, intercede on our behalf, that illnesses and catastrophic diseases that afflict mankind be cured or alleviated. Saint Jude Novena - Day 2 Most holy St. Jude, apostle, martyr and friend of Jesus, pray for me and my intentions. Intercede for me before the throne of God and plead for His favor. (State your intentions here) You are the patron of the impossible. Pray for my intentions St. Jude, that God’s grace and mercy will answer them. Pray for the impossible if it is God’s will. Pray that I may have the grace to accept God’s holy will even if it is difficult. St. Jude, pray that I may have your zeal to preach the Gospel. O St. Jude, pray for me that I may grow in faith, hope and love and in the grace of Jesus Christ. Pray for these intentions, but

October 19, 2017 This novena is dedicated to impossible causes or difficult situation which seem hopeless or extremely gave, as Saint Jude is the patron saint of desperate and lost causes. Today we pray for our personal intentions confident that all things are possible for God. St. Jude, help us to be steadfast in our faith as you were. Saint Jude Novena - Day 1 Most holy St. Jude, apostle, martyr and friend of Jesus, pray for me and my intentions. Intercede for me before the throne of God and plead for His favor. (State your intentions here) You are the patron of the impossible. Pray for my intentions St. Jude, that God’s grace and mercy will answer them. Pray for the impossible if it is God’s will. Pray that I may have the grace to accept God’s holy will even if it is difficult. St. Jude, you loved our Lord, help me to love Him more. O St. Jude, pray for me that I may grow in faith, hope and love and in the grace of Jesus Christ. Pray for these intentions, but mo

Most holy Apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of difficult cases, of things despaired of and desperate situations. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where all hope is almost despaired of. Please come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (state your request...) that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special patron, and to gratefully extol devotion to you. Amen. Prayer May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved and adored in all the tabernacles until the end of time. Amen. May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised and glorified now and forever. Amen St. Jude pray fo

Saint Jude (not to be confused with Judas Iscariot) is one of the twelve Apostles named by Jesus. He is also referred to as Thaddeus, (meaning sweetness and gentleness of character) in addition to Jude Thaddaeus, Judas Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus. He is the patron of impossible causes. His feast day is October 28th. Jude followed Our Lord faithfully until Christ's crucifixion. He then preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Syria, Mesopotamia and Libya. Jude spoke both Greek and Aramaic, and was a farmer by trade. His New Testament letter stresses the importance of being faithful and persevering despite difficulties and harsh circumstances. Jude died a martyr around the year 65 AD. Tradition holds he was killed with arrows when he refused to disavow his faith in Jesus Christ. After his martyrdom, pilgrims came to his grave to pray. Many benefited from his powerful intercession, hence the designation, "The Saint for the Hopeless and the Despaired". St. Bridget of

September 30, 2017 Today let us pray for selflessness. St. Thérèse gave of herself to her Carmelite sisters in love. We ask God for the grace to love others unconditionally. Through St. Thérèse's intercession, may we love those we find difficult to love. Also, we remember those who work selflessly for their families, and those in need of work. ____________________________________________ Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, you said that you would spend your time in heaven doing good on earth. Your trust in God was complete. Pray that He may increase my trust in His goodness and mercy as I ask for the following petitions… (State your intentions) Pray for me that I, like you, may have great and innocent confidence in the loving promises of our God. Pray that I may live my life in union with God’s plan for me, and one day see the Face of God whom you loved so deeply. Saint Thérèse, you were faithful to God even unto the moment of your death. Pray for me that I may be

September 29, 2017 Today let us pray for a greater dependence on God. Our culture is constantly pushing us to rely only on ourselves, to be totally self-sufficient. But, we are not, we belong to God. We must rely on Him for everything just like Saint Thérèse. ____________________________________________ Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, you said that you would spend your time in heaven doing good on earth. Your trust in God was complete. Pray that He may increase my trust in His goodness and mercy as I ask for the following petitions… (State your intentions) Pray for me that I, like you, may have great and innocent confidence in the loving promises of our God. Pray that I may live my life in union with God’s plan for me, and one day see the Face of God whom you loved so deeply. Saint Thérèse, you were faithful to God even unto the moment of your death. Pray for me that I may be faithful to our loving God. May my life bring peace and love to the world through faithful e

September 28, 2017 Today we ask for an emptying out of ourselves in order that we may be Christ to others. We pray for the realization that our lives are the only Gospel some people will ever read. Let us continue on with our daily activities and responsibilities as St. Thérèse would; doing small things with tremendous love for the Glory of God. ____________________________________________ Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, you said that you would spend your time in heaven doing good on earth. Your trust in God was complete. Pray that He may increase my trust in His goodness and mercy as I ask for the following petitions… (State your intentions) Pray for me that I, like you, may have great and innocent confidence in the loving promises of our God. Pray that I may live my life in union with God’s plan for me, and one day see the Face of God whom you loved so deeply. Saint Thérèse, you were faithful to God even unto the moment of your death. Pray for me that I may be faithf