NOVENA OF GRACE OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER: DAY 2
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 2: Francis meets Ignatius Loyola in Paris (1529-1534)
In his early years in the University of Paris, Francis tended to put more effort into sports and the night life of the city than into his studies.
A turning point in his life was his encounter with a fellow Basque, Ignatius of Loyola. As a mature student of 38 years, Ignatius was beginning his studies at the University of Paris. He was assigned to the same student quarters as Francis and Peter Faber. At first, Francis was not attracted to Ignatius. He saw him as a middle-aged religious enthusiast. He even made fun of him in public.
After five years of patiently encouraging and supporting Francis, Ignatius finally broke through Francis’ mask of self-sufficiency. He challenged him with the question Christ put to His disciples, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)
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:
- Do I try to give the impression to others that I “have it all together” – that I do not need the support of others?
- Do I recognize the need for God in my life?
- Am I open to the encouragement and support of friends?
The Lord’s Prayer…
Hail Mary…
Glory be…
