INSPIRING NOVENA TO SAINT LAWRENCE, DEACON & MARTYR: DAY 1

Opening Prayer for Day 1

Heavenly Father, we come before you in prayer to honour and seek the intercession of Saint Lawrence, your faithful servant, and martyr. Grant us the grace to learn from his life of unwavering faith, love for the poor, and courage in the face of persecution. As we journey through this novena, may we grow closer to you and be inspired by the example of Saint Lawrence (Pause & add your intentions). We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Life, Examples & Legacies (Part 1)

Saint Lawrence was born in the third century, possibly in Spain or Italy. He was one of the seven deacons of Rome, entrusted with the responsibility of serving the poor and distributing alms to those in need. Lawrence was deeply devoted to his ministry and had a great love for the poor, often referring to them as the “treasures of the Church.” During the reign of the Roman Emperor Valerian, Christians faced severe persecution. Pope Sixtus II, the head of the Church in Rome, was martyred, and Lawrence knew that he would be next. When the Roman authorities demanded that Lawrence hand over the Church’s treasures, he instead distributed all the wealth to the poor and needy, showing his unwavering commitment to Christ and His teachings. On August 10, 258 AD, Saint Lawrence was arrested and condemned to death. He was subjected to a cruel and agonizing martyrdom. Tradition holds that he was grilled alive on a gridiron, and during this torment, he famously said, “Turn me over, I am done on this side!” Lawrence’s steadfast faith and sense of humor in the face of suffering have made him a beloved saint and a symbol of Christian courage.

Meditation for Day 1

As we reflect on the life of Saint Lawrence, let us contemplate the love he had for the poor and his willingness to give up his life rather than betray his faith. In our own lives, are we attentive to the needs of those less fortunate? Do we recognize the treasures found in the faces of the marginalized? Let us pray for the grace to imitate Saint Lawrence’s selflessness and dedication to serving others, even in the face of adversity.

Scriptural Reflection

• Matthew 5:10-12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Litany of Saint Lawrence

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, pray for us.
Saint Lawrence, pray for us.
Beloved son of the Church, pray for us.
Courageous martyr of Christ, pray for us.
Zealous defender of the faith, pray for us.
Lover of the poor, pray for us.
Servant of the suffering, pray for us.
Patron of deacons, pray for us.
Example of virtue, pray for us.
Faithful follower of Christ, pray for us.
Hope of the hopeless, pray for us.
Man of unshakable faith, pray for us.
Witness to the Gospel, pray for us.
Lover of God’s creation, pray for us.
Holy Lawrence, pray for us.

Concluding Prayer

O God, you gave Saint Lawrence the strength to face persecution and martyrdom with unwavering faith and courage. Through his intercession, grant us the grace to stand firm in our beliefs, to love one another as Christ loved us, and to serve those in need with selfless hearts. May we be inspired by his example of joyful endurance and be united with him in praising you eternally in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Shalom!
Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Loreto, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com
___________________________________

PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?