EFFICACIOUS NOVENA TO SAINT STANISLAUS, BISHOP & MARTYR – DAY 5 (FOR YOUTH AND VOCATIONS)

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 5)

1 Timothy 4:12 – “Let no one despise your youth, but set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.”
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Meditation: The youth of every generation carry within them the seeds of tomorrow. They are not just the Church of the future, they are the Church of the present. And yet, how often do young people face confusion, discouragement, pressure, and temptation? Many are searching for purpose, but are led astray by a culture of instant gratification, false success, or shallow definitions of freedom. Some are burdened by unstable homes, wounded hearts, and societal expectations that have little to do with God’s vision for their lives. In such a context, the call to holiness and vocation can seem distant or unrealistic. But God continues to call, and He calls boldly.

St. Stanislaus knew the importance of forming and guiding the youth. He understood that for the Church to remain strong, her young members must be rooted in truth, nurtured in virtue, and inspired by good example. As bishop, he was a strong advocate for Christian education and spiritual formation. He encouraged the development of schools and the instruction of children in the faith. He promoted vocations by his own example; his life was a living testimony to fidelity, self-sacrifice, and pastoral zeal. He saw in every young person not just potential, but a soul uniquely loved and called by God. And today, we are reminded through his legacy that God calls the young to greatness, not according to worldly standards, but through the path of love, purity, and service.

This day’s intention invites us to pray for young people across the world: for those seeking direction, for those in school, for those battling peer pressure, addiction, or doubt. We pray for those discerning a vocation to the priesthood, religious life, or marriage, that they may listen attentively to God’s voice, and respond with generosity. We also pray for families and parish communities, that they may be fertile ground where vocations are nourished rather than neglected.

St. Stanislaus challenges us to not only pray for vocations but to foster them. Every word of encouragement, every patient conversation, every witness of joy and holiness from a priest, religious, catechist, or parent can inspire a soul to say yes to God. It is not enough to lament the shortage of vocations; we must actively build a culture where saying “yes” to God is normal, beautiful, and joy-filled.

May this day renew our commitment to the youth, not to criticize them or fear for them, but to guide them lovingly toward the fullness of their calling. And through the intercession of St. Stanislaus, may many arise from our communities, eager to serve the Lord with their whole lives.

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

Lord of the harvest, raise up labourers for Your vineyard. Inspire young men and women to follow You courageously. Through the intercession of St. Stanislaus, protect our youth from harm and lead them to their purpose in You. 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?