NOVENA TO

OUR LADY OF THE WAY

SAINT JOHN’S CHURCH AT CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

WEEK 4: MAY 14 – 20, 2020
 A 33-DAY NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF THE WAY: OUR OFFERING TO OUR LADY
Introduction
There are times when we feel a great need for a prolonged period of prayer. Frequently this arises
from interior crisis or experiences of conversion. Throughout history, during times of turmoil in the
human community, it has been common for entire communities to undertake acts of prayer and
devotion for the common good. In this time of pandemic and social distance, the people of St. John’s
Parish will undertake a 33-day Novena in honor of Our Lady of the Way (Madonna della Strada) to ask
for Mary’s protection on our community and all who participate in this novena.

Ignatius and Our Lady

For Ignatius, the veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary was an essential part of his spirituality. At
crucial points in his life, Ignatius had recourse to her intercession. During his conversion, Mary
appeared to him and this encounter had a powerful impact on his spiritual life. At the shrine of
Arantzazu, he took a vow of chastity. At the Shrine of Montserrat, he held a vigil and laid his sword
before Our Lady.

At Montmartre in Paris, Ignatius and his first companions took their first vows on the Feast of the
Assumption. After the approval of the Society, the first profession of solemn vows was celebrated at
Our Lady’s altar in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. Our Lady of the Way
(Madonna della Strada) became the first church of the Society. While praying the Office of Our Lady,
Ignatius felt many consolations.

Far deeper than all these external signs of his devotion to Our Lady, Ignatius models the Spiritual
Exercises after the pattern of Mary’s faith: receiving and pondering the Word of God and letting it
take flesh in our lives and in our person, through the Holy Spirit.

Jesuits and Our Lady

The Jesuits have always turned to Our Lady for protection and care, especially in times of crisis. In
our own country, we have the example of Fr. Arnold Damen, S.J. In October of 1871, while away
preaching a mission, Fr. Damen received word that his Chicago parish, Holy Family was directly in
the path of a massive fire ravaging the city. Feeling completely helpless, he spent all night in prayer
pleading with Our Lady to save his church building and the homes of his parishioners. If she would
grant his request, Fr. Damen promised to keep seven lamps burning in front of her image in his
church.

Fr. Damen quickly returned to Chicago and found Holy Family Church standing tall among the
smoldering ruins of the city. Upon further inquiry, he learned that none of his parishioners had
perished in the fire and that their homes had gone undamaged. With hearts full of gratitude, Fr.
Damen and his parishioners celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in Holy Family Church and lit seven
lamps in front of Our Lady’s Image – lamps which still burn to this day.

A Novena
With the examples of St. Ignatius and Fr. Damen in mind, it is only right that we at St. John’s turn to
Our Lady during this pandemic. While the number of days a novena is recited is no guarantee of
special favors, the daily, frequent repetition of our calling on our Lord and his Mother for help
increases our faith, hope, and love. It brings us into closer union with God and makes us more ready
to do God’s will rather than our own. A novena helps us to see things from God’s point of view
rather than our own. We turn to Our Lady in prayer with confidence, knowing that the love she had
for her Son extends to us as well.

The texts for each day below offers the fullest form of this Novena to Our Lady of the Way. It may be
prayed communally or individually. Recognizing that it may not be possible in all circumstances to
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participate in this full form, one may simply offer each day the prayer composed by Pope Pius XII on
July 2, 1956:
O sweet Mary, our heavenly mother, be the guide of our steps along the often steep and rocky path of
life. When we come to the end, be for us the door of heaven and show us the blessed fruit of your womb,
Jesus. Amen.

Our Lady of the Way

The late medieval mural of Mary was originally on an external wall of the small chapel of Our Lady
of the Way in Rome, where Ignatius prayed and eventually set up the headquarters of his new
Society. Ignatius would have known the image well and, throughout his life, had a particular
devotion to Our Lady under whose patronage he placed the Society of Jesus. The small chapel of
Santa Maria della Strada was demolished to make way for the Church of the Gesù, begun in 1568 and
consecrated in 1584. Ignatius left specific instruction that the image of Our Lady of the Way was to
be preserved in the new church and is today venerated in the north chapel of the Gesù, having
recently undergone restoration.

The staff at St. John’s Church felt a strong call to bring the current pandemic to prayer in a special
way. In the midst of this uncertainty, it seemed providential that two Jesuit feast days honoring Our
Lady fell during this time: the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus on
April 22 and the Feast of Our Lady of the Way on May 24. With these two feasts encompassing 33
days, it seemed like an ideal time to turn to Our Lady of the Way in prayer as all of us seek to find
our way through this pandemic.

Our Offering to Our Lady

St. John’s Parish offers this Novena to Our Lady of the Way from a place of love and confidence in
Our Lady’s protection and care. As a way to demonstrate our love, we make three promises to Our
Lady as a part of this Novena:
1) To keep a perpetual lamp burning before the image of Our Lady in St. John’s Church.
2) To celebrate annually the Feast of Our Lady of the Way with great solemnity.
3) To promote devotion to Our Lady of the Way.
By living into these promises, we hope that St. John’s will become a place where people of all walks
of life will experience Mary’s loving care and protection, just as Ignatius did throughout his own life.

Conclusion
Throughout this Novena, all are invited to submit their prayer intentions via the St. John’s Parish
website (www.stjohns-creighton.org) to be placed at the Shrine of Our Lady in St. Johns’ Church.
Similarly, if any favors have been received during this Novena, please notify the Liturgy Coordinator
at St. John’s Church ([email protected]) so that these acts of Our Lady’s intercession may be
recorded. May this time of extended prayer deepen our faith, hope, and love in a God who loves us
unconditionally and who chose Mary as the Mother of his Son and the mother of us all.

2500 California Plaza

Omaha, Nebraska 68178
Phone: (402) 280-3031

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 DAY 23
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020
FEAST OF ST. MATTHIAS, APOSTLE

Intention
For those without health insurance.

God, come to my assistance.

⁜
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia.

Antiphon: Your sorrow will be turned into joy, alleluia.

Psalm 126
Joyful hope in God
When the LORD brought back the exiles of Sion,
we thought we were dreaming.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter;
on our tongues, songs of joy.

Then the nations themselves said, “What great deeds

the LORD worked for them!”
What great deeds the LORD worked for us!
Indeed, we were glad.

Bring back our exiles, O LORD,

as streams in the south.
Those who are sowing in tears
will sing when they reap.

They go out, they go out, full of tears,

bearing seed for the sowing;
they come back, they come back with a song,
bearing their sheaves.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon: Your sorrow will be turned into joy, alleluia.

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 Scripture Reading
2 Samuel 22:1-4
David proclaimed the words of this song to the Lord when the Lord had rescued him
from the grasp of all his enemies and from the grasp of Saul. He said: “O Lord, my
rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my rock of refuge! My shield, my saving
horn, my stronghold, my refuge, my savior, from violence you keep me safe. Praised
be the Lord, I exclaim! I have been delivered from my enemies.”

Collect
Let us pray.
Lord our God,
you added Saint Matthias to the college of apostles;
grant through his intercession
that we who have also been chosen by your love
may be numbered among the elect in glory.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.

O Lady of the Way, guide our steps along the often steep and rocky path of life.
- When we come to the end, be for us the door of heaven
and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Novena Prayer
O Mary, / you always brighten our path / as a sign of salvation and of hope. / We
entrust ourselves to you, Our Lady of the Way, / who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus’
pain / while remaining steadfast in faith. / O loving Mother, / you know what we
need, / and we are confident you will provide for us / as at Cana in Galilee. /
Intercede for us with your Son Jesus, / the Divine Physician, / for those who have
fallen ill, / for those who are vulnerable, / and for those who have died. / Intercede
also / for those charged with protecting / the health and safety of others / and for
those who are tending to the sick / and seeking a cure. / Help us, Our Lady of the
Way, / to conform to the will of the Father / and to do as we are told by Jesus, / who
took upon himself our sufferings / and carried our sorrows, / so as to lead us, through
the Cross, / to the glory of the Resurrection. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

- Thanks be to God.

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 DAY 24
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020
MEMORIAL OF ST. ISIDORE, FARMER

Intention
For all farmers, ranchers, and those in agricultural professions.

God, come to my assistance.

⁜
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia.

Antiphon: Other seeds fell upon good ground, and yielded fruit,
some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold, alleluia.

Psalm 65:2-3a, 10-14

Solemn thanksgiving
Praise is due to you
in Sion, O God.
To you we pay our vows in Jerusalem,
you who hear our prayer.

You visit the earth, give it water;

you fill it with riches.
God’s ever-flowing river brims over
to prepare the grain.

And thus you provide for the earth:

you drench its furrows;
you level it, soften it with showers;
you bless its growth.

You crown the year with your bounty,

and abundance flows in your pathways.
The pastures of the desert overflow,
and the hills are girded with joy,

The meadows are clothed with flocks,

and the valleys are decked with wheat.
They shout for joy; yes, they sing!
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Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon: Other seeds fell upon good ground, and yielded fruit,
some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, and some thirtyfold, alleluia.

Scripture Reading
James 5:7-8
Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for
the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late
rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is
at hand.

Collect
Let us pray.
Lord God,
all creation is yours, and you call us to serve you
by caring for the gifts that surround us.
May the example of Saint Isidore urge us
to share our food with the hungry
and to work for the salvation of all people.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
Amen.

O Lady of the Way, guide our steps along the often steep and rocky path of life.
- When we come to the end, be for us the door of heaven
and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Novena Prayer
O Mary, / you always brighten our path / as a sign of salvation and of hope. / We entrust
ourselves to you, Our Lady of the Way, / who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus’ pain /
while remaining steadfast in faith. / O loving Mother, / you know what we need, / and
we are confident you will provide for us / as at Cana in Galilee. / Intercede for us with
your Son Jesus, / the Divine Physician, / for those who have fallen ill, / for those who are
vulnerable, / and for those who have died. / Intercede also / for those charged with
protecting / the health and safety of others / and for those who are tending to the sick /
and seeking a cure. / Help us, Our Lady of the Way, / to conform to the will of the Father
/ and to do as we are told by Jesus, / who took upon himself our sufferings / and carried
our sorrows, / so as to lead us, through the Cross, / to the glory of the Resurrection.
Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

- Thanks be to God.

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 DAY 25
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020
MEMORIAL OF ST. ANDREW BOBOLA, S.J., PRIEST & MARTYR

Intention
For all Creighton University graduates, who celebrate commencement today.

God, come to my assistance.

⁜
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia.

Antiphon: Day by day I shall bless you, Lord, alleluia.

Psalm 145:1-11
Praise of God’s majesty
I will extol you, my God and king,
and bless your name forever and ever.

I will bless you day after day,

and praise your name forever and ever.
The LORD is great and highly to be praised;
his greatness cannot be measured.

Age to age shall proclaim your works,

shall declare your mighty deeds.
They will tell of your great glory and splendor,
and recount your wonderful works.

They will speak of your awesome deeds,

recount your greatness and might.
They will recall your abundant goodness,
and sing of your just deeds with joy.

The LORD is kind and full of compassion,

slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
How good is the LORD to all,
compassionate to all his creatures.

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All your works shall thank you, O LORD,
and all your faithful ones bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your reign,
and declare your mighty deeds.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon: Day by day I shall bless you, Lord, alleluia.

Scripture Reading
Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called
in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all
wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual
songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through
him.

Collect
Let us pray.
O God,
who willed to reunite your scattered children
through the death of your Son,
enable us to labor faithfully in this work of reconciliation
for which your martyr, Saint Andrew, gave his life.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
Amen.

O Lady of the Way, guide our steps along the often steep and rocky path of life.
- When we come to the end, be for us the door of heaven
and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Novena Prayer
O Mary, / you always brighten our path / as a sign of salvation and of hope. / We
entrust ourselves to you, Our Lady of the Way, / who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus’
pain / while remaining steadfast in faith. / O loving Mother, / you know what we
need, / and we are confident you will provide for us / as at Cana in Galilee. /
Intercede for us with your Son Jesus, / the Divine Physician, / for those who have
fallen ill, / for those who are vulnerable, / and for those who have died. / Intercede
also / for those charged with protecting / the health and safety of others / and for
those who are tending to the sick / and seeking a cure. / Help us, Our Lady of the
9
Way, / to conform to the will of the Father / and to do as we are told by Jesus, / who
took upon himself our sufferings / and carried our sorrows, / so as to lead us, through
the Cross, / to the glory of the Resurrection. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

- Thanks be to God.

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 DAY 26
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Intention
That members of Christian Life Communities be sustained in their spiritual growth.

God, come to my assistance.

⁜
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia.

Antiphon: Lord, how wonderful is your wisdom, alleluia.

Psalm 139:1-14, 23-24

God sees all that is
O LORD, you search me and you know me.
You yourself know my resting and my rising;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You mark when I walk or lie down;
you know all my ways through and through.

Before ever a word is on my tongue,

you know it, O LORD, through and through.
Behind and before, you besiege me,
your hand ever laid upon me.
Too wonderful for me, this knowledge;
too high, beyond my reach.

O where can I go from your spirit,

or where can I flee from your face?
If I climb the heavens, you are there.
If I lie in the grave, you are there.

If I take the wings of the dawn

or dwell at the sea’s furthest end,
even there your hand would lead me;
your right hand would hold me fast.

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If I say, “Let the darkness hide me
and the light around me be night,”
even darkness is not dark to you,
the night shall be as bright as day,
and darkness the same as the light.

For it was you who formed my inmost being,

knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I thank you who wonderfully made me;
how wonderful are your works,
which my soul knows well!

O search me, God, and know my heart.

O test me, and know my thoughts.
See that my path is not wicked,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon: Lord, how wonderful is your wisdom, alleluia.

Scripture Reading
1 Peter 4:8-11
Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of
sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a
gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever
preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength
that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to
whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Collect
Let us pray.
Faithful God,
who love us in Christ Jesus,
send your Spirit of truth to dwell within us,
that we may always reject what is false,
live by the commands of Christ,
and be true to the love you have shown us.
Grant this through Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.

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O Lady of the Way, guide our steps along the often steep and rocky path of life.
- When we come to the end, be for us the door of heaven
and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Novena Prayer
O Mary, / you always brighten our path / as a sign of salvation and of hope. / We
entrust ourselves to you, Our Lady of the Way, / who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus’
pain / while remaining steadfast in faith. / O loving Mother, / you know what we
need, / and we are confident you will provide for us / as at Cana in Galilee. /
Intercede for us with your Son Jesus, / the Divine Physician, / for those who have
fallen ill, / for those who are vulnerable, / and for those who have died. / Intercede
also / for those charged with protecting / the health and safety of others / and for
those who are tending to the sick / and seeking a cure. / Help us, Our Lady of the
Way, / to conform to the will of the Father / and to do as we are told by Jesus, / who
took upon himself our sufferings / and carried our sorrows, / so as to lead us, through
the Cross, / to the glory of the Resurrection. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

- Thanks be to God.

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 DAY 27
MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020
MONDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER

Intention
For those who are unemployed or underemployed.

God, come to my assistance.

⁜
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia.

Antiphon: Stir up your mighty power, Lord; come to our aid, alleluia.

Psalm 80:2-8, 18-20

Lord, come take care of your vineyard
O shepherd of Israel, hear us,
you who lead Joseph like a flock:
enthroned on the cherubim, shine forth
upon Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh.
Rouse up your might and come to save us.

O God, bring us back;

let your face shine on us, and we shall be saved.

How long, O LORD, God of hosts,

will you be angry at the prayer of your people?
You have fed them with tears for their bread,
an abundance of tears for their drink.
You have made us the taunt of our neighbors;
our foes mock us among themselves.

O God of hosts, bring us back;

let your face shine forth, and we shall be saved.

May your hand be on the one at your right hand,

the one you have confirmed as your own.
And we shall never forsake you again;
give us life that we may call upon your name.

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O LORD God of hosts, bring us back;
let your face shine forth, and we shall be saved.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon: Stir up your mighty power, Lord; come to our aid, alleluia.

Scripture Reading
1 Timothy 6:7-11
Beloved: we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take
anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. Those
who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish
and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of
money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from
the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. But you, child of God, avoid
all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

Collect
Let us pray.
Through the labor of the human race, O God,
you guide and bring to perfection
your vast work of creation.
Hear the prayers of your people
and grant that all men and women
may obtain work which befits their dignity,
enhances their lives,
and contributes to the well-being of all.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.

O Lady of the Way, guide our steps along the often steep and rocky path of life.
- When we come to the end, be for us the door of heaven
and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Novena Prayer
O Mary, / you always brighten our path / as a sign of salvation and of hope. / We
entrust ourselves to you, Our Lady of the Way, / who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus’
pain / while remaining steadfast in faith. / O loving Mother, / you know what we
need, / and we are confident you will provide for us / as at Cana in Galilee. /
Intercede for us with your Son Jesus, / the Divine Physician, / for those who have
fallen ill, / for those who are vulnerable, / and for those who have died. / Intercede
15
also / for those charged with protecting / the health and safety of others / and for
those who are tending to the sick / and seeking a cure. / Help us, Our Lady of the
Way, / to conform to the will of the Father / and to do as we are told by Jesus, / who
took upon himself our sufferings / and carried our sorrows, / so as to lead us, through
the Cross, / to the glory of the Resurrection. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

- Thanks be to God.

16
 DAY 28
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020
TUESDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER

Intention
For all prisoners and detainees.

God, come to my assistance.

⁜
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia.

Antiphon: You have led me forth from prison,

that I may give praise to your name, alleluia.

Psalm 142
You, Lord, are my refuge
With all my voice I cry to the LORD;
with all my voice I entreat the LORD.
I pour out my trouble before him;
I tell him all my distress
while my spirit faints within me.
But you, O Lord, know my path.

On the way where I shall walk,

they have hidden a snare to entrap me.
Look on my right hand and see:
there is no one who pays me heed.
No escape remains open to me;
no one cares for my soul.

To you I cry, O LORD.

I have said, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
Listen, then, to my cry,
for I am brought down very low.

Rescue me from those who pursue me,

for they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison,
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and I shall give thanks to your name.
Around me the just will assemble,
because of your goodness to me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon: You have led me forth from prison,

that I may give praise to your name, alleluia.

Scripture Reading
Matthew 25:37-40
Then the righteous will answer the king and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry
and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and
welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit
you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did
for one of these least brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Collect
Let us pray.
Almighty and ever-merciful God,
from whom no secret of the heart is hidden,
you alone know who is just,
and alone can forgive the sinner.
Hear our prayer for your servants
who are detained in prison,
that, sustained by patience and hope,
they may shortly resume their lives in freedom.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.

O Lady of the Way, guide our steps along the often steep and rocky path of life.
- When we come to the end, be for us the door of heaven
and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Novena Prayer
O Mary, / you always brighten our path / as a sign of salvation and of hope. / We
entrust ourselves to you, Our Lady of the Way, / who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus’
pain / while remaining steadfast in faith. / O loving Mother, / you know what we
need, / and we are confident you will provide for us / as at Cana in Galilee. /
Intercede for us with your Son Jesus, / the Divine Physician, / for those who have
fallen ill, / for those who are vulnerable, / and for those who have died. / Intercede
18
also / for those charged with protecting / the health and safety of others / and for
those who are tending to the sick / and seeking a cure. / Help us, Our Lady of the
Way, / to conform to the will of the Father / and to do as we are told by Jesus, / who
took upon himself our sufferings / and carried our sorrows, / so as to lead us, through
the Cross, / to the glory of the Resurrection. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

- Thanks be to God.

19
 DAY 29
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020
WEDNESDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER

Intention
For those awaiting the sacraments of initiation.

God, come to my assistance.

⁜
- Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
- as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia.

Antiphon: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want, alleluia.

Psalm 23
The Good Shepherd
The LORD is my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me;
he revives my soul.

He guides me along the right path,

for the sake of his name.
Though I should walk in the valley of the shadow of death,
no evil would I fear, for you are with me.
Your crook and your staff will give me comfort.

You have prepared a table before me

in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil;
my cup is overflowing.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life.
In the LORD’S own house shall I dwell
for length of days unending.

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Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want, alleluia.

Scripture Reading
John 7:37b-39a
Jesus stood up and exclaimed, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink.
Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within
them.’” He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him
were to receive.

Collect
Let us pray.
God of the living,
you grant us the grace to join with Christ
in the mystery of his death and resurrection.
Strengthen us by your Spirit of adoption,
that we may walk without stumbling in newness of life.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.

O Lady of the Way, guide our steps along the often steep and rocky path of life.
- When we come to the end, be for us the door of heaven
and show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Novena Prayer
O Mary, / you always brighten our path / as a sign of salvation and of hope. / We
entrust ourselves to you, Our Lady of the Way, / who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus’
pain / while remaining steadfast in faith. / O loving Mother, / you know what we
need, / and we are confident you will provide for us / as at Cana in Galilee. /
Intercede for us with your Son Jesus, / the Divine Physician, / for those who have
fallen ill, / for those who are vulnerable, / and for those who have died. / Intercede
also / for those charged with protecting / the health and safety of others / and for
those who are tending to the sick / and seeking a cure. / Help us, Our Lady of the
Way, / to conform to the will of the Father / and to do as we are told by Jesus, / who
took upon himself our sufferings / and carried our sorrows, / so as to lead us, through
the Cross, / to the glory of the Resurrection. Amen.

Let us bless the Lord.

- Thanks be to God.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Volume II: Lectionary.

Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2012.

Lectionary for Mass. Totowa, NJ: Catholic Book Publishing, 2002.

Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Totowa, NJ: Catholic Book Publishing,
1988.

New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of
Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.

Pope Francis. A Prayer for Protection in Time of Pandemic.

Columbia, vol. 100, no. 4 (April 2020): 33.

Supplement to the Divine Office for the Society of Jesus. Saint Louis, MO: The
Institute of Jesuit Sources, 2002.

Supplement to the Lectionary for Solemnities and Feasts Proper to the Society of
Jesus. Boston, MA: Institute of Advanced Jesuit Studies, 2017.

Supplement to the Roman Missal for Celebrations Proper to the Society of Jesus.
Boston, MA: Institute of Advanced Jesuit Studies, 2017.

The Liturgy of the Hours. Totowa, NJ: Catholic Book Publishing, 1976.

The Revised Grail Psalms © 2010, Conception Abbey/The Grail, admin. by

GIA Publications, Inc.

The Sacramentary. Washington, DC: International Commission on English in

the Liturgy, 1998.

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