Novena to St. Josemaria Escriva: Day 6 – Love for the Church

DAY SIX

“’I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit… Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.’”

John 15:1-2, 4-5

REFLECTION

Love for the Church: “Do you not see how those who separate themselves from the Church, even though they are full of foliage, quickly dry up, and their very fruits are converted into a living bed of worms? Love the holy, roman, apostolic Church. One!
(…) To defend the unity of the Church is to live very united to Jesus Christ who is our vine. How? By growing in fidelity to the perennial Magisterium of the Church: For the Holy Spirit was promised to the successors of Peter not that they should manifest a new doctrine by his revelation, but rather that with his assistance, they should religiously safeguard and faithfully teach the revelation that was handed down through the Apostles — the deposit of faith. By venerating this Mother of ours without stain, and loving the Roman Pontiff, we will preserve unity.”

St. Josemaria Escriva
In Love with the Church, no. 3

PRAYER FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEMARIA

O God, through the mediation of Mary our Mother, you granted your priest Saint Josemaria countless graces, choosing him as a most faithful instrument to found Opus Dei, a way of sanctification in daily work and in the fulfillment of the Christian’s ordinary duties.

Grant that I too may learn to turn all the circumstances and events of my life into occasions of loving you and serving the Church, the Pope and all souls with joy and simplicity, lighting up the pathways of this earth with faith and love.

Deign to grant me, through the intercession of Saint Josemaria, the favor of… (make your request). Amen.

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

Our Father, who art in Heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory be to the Father…
The readings and prayers for each day of the novena can also be found online at www.stjosemaria.org.