EFFICACIOUS NOVENA TO SAINT STANISLAUS, BISHOP & MARTYR – DAY 3 (FOR THE CHURCH AND HER MINISTERS)

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Help is in the Name of the Lord, 

Who made Heaven and Earth.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

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Opening Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, You granted to St. Stanislaus, your faithful bishop and martyr, the grace to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel and to give his life in defence of justice and righteousness. Grant that through his intercession, we may receive the grace we seek during this novena. Strengthen our faith, deepen our hope, and increase our charity, that we may live courageously in the light of Your Gospel till the end. (Add your personal intention). We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Scriptural Reading, Life, Examples & Legacies (Part 3)

John 21:17 – “Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’”
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Meditation: The Church is the Body of Christ, a divine institution entrusted with the mission of preaching the Gospel, administering the sacraments, guiding souls, and being a visible sign of God’s saving presence in the world. But for this Body to be healthy and fruitful, it depends deeply on the fidelity, sanctity, and pastoral zeal of its ministers: those who, by ordination or consecration, have dedicated their lives to serving God’s people. Today, the Church faces many internal and external challenges: divisions within, growing secularism, loss of trust due to scandals, indifference among the faithful, and increasing hostility from the world. In such a climate, the burden borne by bishops, priests, deacons, religious men and women, catechists, and other ministers is immense. Some serve in isolation, others in dangerous missions, still others in places where their work is unnoticed or unappreciated. Many are tempted to discouragement, and others risk spiritual fatigue.

St. Stanislaus, in his ministry as Bishop of Kraków, is a model of what it means to be a faithful shepherd. He was not content to occupy a position, he embraced a vocation. His leadership was marked by prayer, pastoral visitation, love for the sacraments, and courage in preaching. He lived simply, and he listened attentively. He corrected when necessary, but always with the heart of a father. He did not fear losing influence; he feared failing in his duty before God. When moral decay crept into public life, and even into the behaviour of his king, Stanislaus did not shrink from his responsibility. He reminded the ruler, and all under his care, that no one is above the law of God. He defended the Church’s freedom to speak the truth, even when that truth cost him his reputation, security, and ultimately his life.

This meditation invites us to pray not only for our Church leaders but with them. We must support our priests and bishops not merely by admiration or criticism, but by lifting them daily in prayer. Like Moses on the mountain, they need others to support their hands when they grow weary. Vocations are fragile if not nurtured by intercession and practical support. We must also examine our own role in the Church. Whether clergy or laity, each of us has a part to play in building up the Body of Christ. Are we committed to our parish life? Do we encourage our pastors? Are we active in evangelization, service, and witness? Are we living in such a way that the Church becomes more credible through our example?

The Church is holy because Christ is her Head, but she is also human and in constant need of renewal. That renewal will not come from programs alone, it will come through the holiness of her members, beginning with her shepherds.

Through the intercession of St. Stanislaus, may all Church leaders be faithful, humble, and courageous. And may we, as one Body, walk together in unity and love, always led by the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Litany of St. Stanislaus:

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
St. Stanislaus, devoted shepherd, pray for us.
St. Stanislaus, fearless witness to truth, pray for us.
St. Stanislaus, martyr of the altar, pray for us.
St. Stanislaus, defender of justice, pray for us.
St. Stanislaus, humble and obedient servant, pray for us.
St. Stanislaus, intercessor for the Church, pray for us.
St. Stanislaus, protector of the oppressed, pray for us.
St. Stanislaus, faithful in prayer, pray for us.
St. Stanislaus, patron of Poland, pray for us.
St. Stanislaus, model for bishops, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us, O glorious St. Stanislaus, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Concluding Prayer

O Lord, raise up faithful shepherds in Your Church. May their lives reflect the zeal and purity of St. Stanislaus. Strengthen all who serve in ministry with wisdom and perseverance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Shalom!
Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Seminário Padre Pedro Magnone, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com
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PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?