Day 8 Novena to the Holy Spirit.
29th May 20
Moment of Grace
(Memorial of Blessed Joseph Gerard, Priest)
“Go and make disciples of all nations,” says the Lord; “I am with you always, to the close of the age.”
Matt. 28:19-20
Today we celebrate with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the Memorial of Blessed Joseph Gerard who was sent to KZN, what was the Colony of Natal, from France, where he became a deacon and then a Priest. He spent most of his life among the people of Lesotho. As with all missionaries who exude a unique joy in their Christian vocation, Blessed Joseph Gerard was known for his love for the people among whom he lived, taught and prayed. He was declared Blessed on 15th September 1988 by Pope St. John Paul II. We continue to pray for the cause of his canonization.
We are all called into ministry, a mission of evangelisation. The call is to emulate and imitate the life of Jesus. In our Novena prayers to the Holy Spirit in great anticipation of the Feast of Pentecost, we ask the Holy Spirit for special guidance to help us fulfil our call to be Christ-like in this world and in these different, difficult times, by the power of His gifts and fruits. We need God’s grace to continue to exercise much more self restraint, increased compassion, greater patience, and mostly love and empathy, when so many people are sick and dying from a deadly virus.
Prayer
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, thank You for the humble example of Blessed Joseph Gerard, whose life truly spoke of his love for You through his suffering. Through his intercession, guide me to know and understand how You desire me to spread Your message of love, Your Good News of salvation, Your Holy Word among those I am in contact with. Anoint me with Your Holy Spirit, Lord, that I may live Your Word of Truth, as I abide in Your law.
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. Alleluia!
