Day 4 Intention: For Parents
The role of parents in the family is to be the solid foundation of the family. Parents have a very difficult job, they must provide shelter, food and clothing to the family members (sounds a lot like the corporal works of mercy) as well as create a family life that shows children how to love as God loves. If parents fail in this example, they have the opportunity to ask for forgiveness. This rhythm of the home is always teaching the children how to be fully human. Parents are aided in this enormous task by the grace of the sacrament of matrimony and strengthened daily by prayer and frequent reception of the sacraments.
“When they become parents, spouses receive from God the gift of a new responsibility. Their parental love is called to become for the children the visible sign of the very love of God, “from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.” Familiaris Consortio 14
“Parents must trustingly and courageously train their children in the essential values of human life. Children must grow up with a correct attitude of freedom with regard to material goods … being fully convinced that “man is more precious for what he is than for what he has.” Familiaris Consortio 37
The Novena Prayer:
St. John Paul II, great champion of the family, we seek your intercession for the holiness of our parents. Parents are the foundation of the family, they provide guidance and stability in family life. Their job is difficult and sometimes thankless. Please strengthen them to do the tough work of parenting in sickness and in health and amidst all the struggles encountered while striving to maintain a peaceful, healthy home. Inspire parents to be holy and do their part to make their family a holy family and ask God to grant us the favor of the following intention(s):
For the success of the upcoming Retreat for Families
(mention any family specific intentions here)
St. John Paul II, help our family to always choose to love as God loves and be a witness to hope in our community. Amen
Closing Prayer – The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.