The final installment of the novena to St. Benedict! Tomorrow, July 11, is the Feast of St. Benedict. Get to a monastery, if you can. HYMN With gospel teachings as your guide You wrote a rule that would provide A way of life for all who aim To follow Christ, His Name proclaim. While yet on earth, your fame spread…
Today’s iteration of the novena is dedicated to all who have expressed skepticism or concern over what is perceived to be a “withdrawl” from society in the recent discussions of Rod Dreher’s Benedict Option. Please note the paradox at work in the fact that St. Benedict did make a profound withdrawl from society, but yet still had a monumental impact on…
HYMN Beloved Father, we now pray: Instruct us how to walk God’s way, That we may not reject God’s law, But quickly from all sin withdraw. Our voices now we gladly raise To sing the Lord’s eternal praise: This praise of God, as taught by you, Is rightly God’s eternal due. All praise to God the Father be, And to…
St. Benedict’s feast is fast approaching! We reflect today on prophecy and the gifts of God. HYMN O favored Saint, in vision bright, In God’s transcending, wondrous light, You saw the world in one bright ray, The universe before you lay. Obtain for us a vision clear And save us from all human fear, That by your guidance we may…
We’re half way through! Today we reflect on the power of God and miracles in our life. HYMN With sign of Cross, your weapon bright, You put the evil one to flight. Protect us by your loving care, Defend us from the tempter’s snare. They offered you some poisoned wine, But you then made the sacred sign: The cup…
Today we reflect on the necessary role of law in our faith and religious life. May St. Benedict inspire us all to a greater understanding and appreciation of this often-misunderstood aspect of faith! HYMN As once upon Cassino’s heights, Our blessed Father still invites Stout hearts to his monastic school To live according to his Rule. Discreet, yet firm, this…
HYMN Eternal Father, God of Love, Look kindly on us from above, And grant that we may never stray From paths marked out by you each day. You sent Saint Benedict to be Our father, who would help us see How we should daily live aright, That we might share your vision bright. To you be praised eternally, Most blessed,…
HYMN In God alone the noble youth, Saint Benedict, sought after Truth: He fled the world’s alluring sham To share the triumph of the Lamb. O blessed Saint, behold us here Amid a world of strife and fear: Detach our hearts from things below That God may higher gifts bestow Most blessed, holy Trinity, To you be praise eternally, Your…
Here we are. Day One of the novena. Just a few notes before you start. First, the ” / ” divisions within the psalm indicate original divisions in the biblical text. The ” * ” indicates where to switch if praying in a group or with a designated leader. Check out my post here for an outline of the entire nine…