PRAYER TO THE HOLY FAMILY.
To be said before a representation of the Holy Family.
O MOST loving Jesus, Who by Thy sublime and beautiful virtues of humility, obedience, poverty, modesty, charity, patience, and gentleness, and by the example of Thy domestic life, didst bless with peace and happiness the family which Thou didst choose on earth, in Thy clemency look down upon this household, humbly prostrate before Thee and imploring Thy mercy. Remember that this family belongs to Thee; for to Thee we have in a special way dedicated and devoted ourselves. Look upon us in Thy loving-kindness, preserve us from danger; give us help in time of need; and grant us the grace to persevere to the end in the imitation of Thy Holy Family; that having revered Thee and loved Thee faithfully on earth, we may bless and praise Thee eternally in heaven. O Mary, most sweet Mother, to thy intercession we have recourse, knowing that thy Divine Son will hear thy prayers. And do thou, O glorious Patriarch, St. Joseph, assist us by thy powerful mediation, and offer, by the hands of Mary, our prayers to Jesus. Amen.
Novena for the New Year.
O MOST amiable Redeemer! Whose infinite love for man far exceeded Thy corporal strength in the crib of Bethlehem, receive our fervent adorations and most ardent thanksgiving for the first effusion of that adorable blood which Thou didst afterwards shed to the last drop for us on the cross. Oh, how ardently must Thou have desired our salvation, since Thou didst so soon begin to suffer for us! How much must Thou have wished for our confidence, since Thou didst so early assume that name which, above all names, is best calculated to render Thee amiable in our eyes and dear to our hearts. O Jesus! our infant, but most powerful Saviour! we now feel that Thou art Our Redeemer, and therefore most confidently approach Thy crib, to represent to Thee all our wants, and in particular to implore, by Thy adorable infancy, by Thy painful circumcision, and above all by Thy sacred name, which is the joy of heaven, the terror of hell, the consolation of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners, that Thou wouldst grant us the intentions of this novena.
