Novena in Honour of St. Angela Merici

NOVENA IN HONOUR OF ST. ANGELA DE MERICI. ¹

O most Blessed St. Angela! who art now shining with that eternal splendour which is promised to all who here below “instruct others unto justice”, join us, we beseech thee, in thanking the Almighty for having so gloriously exalted thee, and for having given us a place among thy devoted followers. O illustrious patroness and foundress of the Ursuline Order! do not permit that we, or any of thy children, should claim thee as our model and guide, without also fervently walking in thy footsteps. Look down on all the houses of the Order, but particularly on this community, with the tenderness of a mother, and consider the filial and lively confidence which we now place in thy intercession. Remember, O great saint! that the peculiar object of our present petition is one, for which thou wouldst once have laid down a thousand lives, since thou now seest far better than while on earth, the bliss and the honour of promoting the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Do not permit that we should degenerate from the purity and ardour of thy zeal, but that, guided by that spirit which dwelt in thy heart, enlightened thy views, and directed all thy undertakings, we may be inflamed with zeal for the great end of our vocation, and desire nothing so ardently as to be instrumental in promoting the glory of our Divine Master, and for this end, implore for us the intentions of this novena. N. N. O glorious victim of zeal for God’s glory! specially raised up to provide for millions the precious blessings of religious instruction, do not exclude us from the number of those who most zealously co-operate in thy charitable views. Ask of Him who so often employs the weakest instruments to accomplish the greatest designs, to send forth upon us from His sanctuary that Heavenly Wisdom which reaches from end to end, and with might and sweetness disposes of all things, that we may each and all be enabled to discern His holy Will, and powerfully strengthened to sacrifice everything, even life itself, to its perfect accomplishment. We beseech thee, by that ardent thirst for the salvation of souls, which caused thee to undergo so many labours for the instruction of the ignorant, to obtain that we may be replenished with the true spirit and virtues of our state—that a blessing may be poured down on the children confided to our care—that their number may be multiplied to the greater glory of God, and that after having taught them to know and love God on earth, we may be joined by them in the exercise of His love for eternity. Amen.

V. Pray for us, O glorious St. Angela.

R. That we may be made, etc.

Let us pray.

(Prayer of the Church.)

O God, who by blessed St. Angela, wert pleased to give birth to a new order of holy virgins in Thy Church, grant that by her intercession, we may lead angelic lives on earth, and renouncing all earthly things, may deserve to attain to eternal joys. Through Christ Jesus, etc.

[Members of the “Confraternity of St. Angela” may gain indulgences by saying twice a day the following prayers: Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us. St. Angela, pray for us.]