INSPIRING NOVENA TO SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA, RELIGIOUS – PATRON SAINT OF THE YOUTH, AIDS PATIENTS: DAY 3 (For the sick and suffering – particularly, AIDS patients, and other terminal diseases)

(Do you seek inspiration in your studies or strive to live a life of purity and service? Do you need strength to remain steadfast in your faith and compassionate in your actions? Then turn to St. Aloysius of Gonzaga, the patron saint of youth and students, known for his deep piety, commitment to chastity, and compassionate dedication to those in need)

Opening Prayer for Day 3

O Holy Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, you cared for the sick and suffering with great compassion. Pray for all who are in pain or illness, that they may find comfort and healing through your intercession and the mercy of God. (Add your personal intention).

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

Matthew 25:35-36: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

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Saint Aloysius devoted himself to the care of the sick, even at the cost of his own health. His selflessness and compassion are powerful reminders of our Christian duty to care for those in need. During an outbreak of the plague in Rome, he tirelessly ministered to the sick and dying, eventually succumbing to the disease himself. His actions reflect the love and mercy of Christ, who calls us to serve the least of our brothers and sisters. Today, he is called the patron of AIDS patients primarily due to his lifelong dedication to caring for the sick in Rome who were affected by the plague, and his death resulting from the care he gave to the sick. Miracles and relief from AIDS have been attributed to his intercession.  Reflect on how you can show greater compassion to those who are suffering and how you can be a source of comfort and healing in their lives.

Litany of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

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, Queen of Angels, pray for us.
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, pray for us.
Patron of Youth, pray for us.
Model of Humility, pray for us.
Exemplar of Purity, pray for us.
Mirror of Penitents, pray for us.
Lover of the Poor, pray for us.
Comforter of the Afflicted, pray for us.
Defender of the Faith, pray for us.
Zealous Worker for Souls, pray for us.
Inspiration for Students, pray for us.
Example of Piety, pray for us.
Devoted Servant of Jesus, pray for us.
Faithful Follower of Mary, pray for us.
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, intercede 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, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga,
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, by the intercession of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, grant us the grace to care for the sick and suffering with love and compassion. May we be instruments of Your healing and peace. Bless those who are ill with Your comfort and strength, and guide the hands of those who care for them. Help us to see Your face in those who suffer and to serve them with the same love and dedication that Saint Aloysius showed. Amen.

Shalom!
Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Loreto, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com
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PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?