NOVENA OF GRACE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER: DAY 1
Read the story from the life of St. Francis Xavier.
Ponder on the “Reflection” for a few minutes.
Pray the set of prayers at the bottom of the page.
Day 1: The Early Years (1506-1525)
Francis was born in 1506, in Javier, a small village in the province of Navarre to the north of Spain. He was a Basque, the fifth and last child of local landowners. His two brothers and two sisters were in their teens when Francis was born. Their family home was a castle. They had their own private chapel, where Mass would be said by a local priest. Sadly, his father died when he was very young, and the family lost their land and home in a war with Spain. His mother, a very devout catholic, with the help of the local priests, made sure that he received a good education.
At the age of 19, Francis went off to study in Paris. His intention was to revive the fortunes of his family b becoming an eminent cleric. He was bright and vibrant, with a zest for life and a desire to gain profit from it. The one thing he lacked was a clear focus in his life.
A Prayer to St. Francis Xavier
I join with you Saint Francis Xavier
In bowing before the God of all Creation.
When I look at the great things you did during life,
I see what marvels can be achieved by a person blessed by God.
I join with you in praising God and giving thanks
For all the good things I have been given.
Dear Saint Francis Xavier,
Please pray to God for me and ask that I may live and die in God’s favour.
Please ask God for me for (here ask for what you desire),
Provided, of course, that this would be good for me.
In the end, my only wish is
For whatever gives glory to God and is good for my health in body,
Mind and spirit. Amen
Reflection
- How have I been blessed from my early years – in my family and school?
- What disappointments have I encountered along the way?
- Do I now have a purpose in my life – a clear focus that gives it meaning?
The Lord’s Prayer…
Hail Mary…
Glory be…
