Day 5 Intention: For Children
In the beginning, God blessed Adam and Eve and told them to be fruitful and multiply; perhaps he knew exactly what we needed to reclaim the original holiness that was to be lost due to our disobedience. God gave us children so we could participate in creating new life and understand, if only partially, what it is to bring forth life, educate them in the ways of God and guide them towards holiness, just like He does for us.
“By means of love, respect and obedience towards their parents, children offer their specific and irreplaceable contribution to the construction of an authentically human and Christian family.” Familiaris Consortio 21
Children “offer their own precious contribution to building up the family community and even to the sanctification of their parents.” Familiaris Consortio 26
The Novena Prayer:
St. John Paul II, great champion of the family, we seek your intercession for the holiness of our children. Children are the fruit of the marriage, each child is a gift from God to our family. Each child is a unique, unrepeatable person who brings something amazing to our families, like each stroke of an artist’s paintbrush on his masterpiece, each stroke is intentional and together with the other strokes makes a beautiful painting. Inspire in us a desire to be holy and do our part to make our 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.