Day 1: Holy Face Novena

Dear Friend,

If you haven’t already subscribed to the Holy Face Novena we sent yesterday, here’s Day One. Each day there will be different prayers.  Our intention with this special devotion is not only to prepare for the Lenten season, but to make everyone aware of the amazing promises Jesus grants to those who honor his Holy Face. Please consider praying this 9-day novena, with me and the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, to the Holy Face of Jesus; let us pray for each other’s intentions. 

"I firmly wish that my face reflecting the intimate pains of my soul, the suffering and love of my heart, be more honoured! Whoever gazes upon me already consoles me." (Our Lord Jesus Christ to Sister Pierina)

Day One of the Novena to the Holy Face of Jesus

(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, through the intercession
of Holy Mary, whose soul was pierced through by a sword
of sorrow at the sight of the passion of her Divine Son, we
ask your help in making a perfect Novena of reparation with
Jesus, united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.
We now implore all the Angels and Saints to intercede
for us as we pray this Holy Novena to the Most Holy Face
of Jesus and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity, Father,
Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Psalm 51,3-4.
Have mercy on me, O God in your goodness,
in your great tenderness wipe away my faults:
wash me clean of my guilt, purify me from my sin.
O most Holy Face of Jesus, look with tenderness on us
who are sinners. You are a merciful God, full of love and
compassion. Keep us pure of heart, so that we may see Thee
always. Mary, our Mother, intercede for us; Saint Joseph.
pray for us.

Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy
Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition (state your intentions) Pardon
and mercy.

Prayer to Our Almighty Father
Almighty Father, come into our hearts, and so fill us with
your love that forsaking all evil desires, we may embrace
you, our only good. Show us, O Lord our God, what you
are to us. Say to our souls, I am your salvation, speak so
that we may hear. Our hearts are before you; open our ears;
let us hasten after your voice. Hide not your Face from us,
we beseech you, O Lord. Open our hearts so that you may
enter in. Repair the ruined mansions, that you may dwell
therein. Hear us, O Heavenly Father, for the sake of your
only Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(St. Augustine)
Pray one (1) Our Father, three (3) Hail Mary's, one (1)
Glory Be.
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine.
(Three times)

May God bless you and your loved ones.

Your friend in Jesus and Mary,

Thomas J. McKenna 
Founder and President
Catholic Action                                      
http://www.catholicaction.org/