Dear Parishioners,

This past Wednesday our Lenten Journey began. We were signed with the sign of the Cross using branches from last year. I have already mentioned that a primary theme of our Lenten journey that came from a parish discussion on the Lenten Scriptures was that of “Listening to the Voice of God/ Listening to the Voice of the Other”. Something else that we noticed was a strong “elemental” feel throughout the scriptures beginning with the “clay of the earth” in the first Sunday, the “fire” of transfiguring light in the second, the “living water” in the third and the “air” is all around! In my homily last Sunday I spoke of the need to remember that Creation was God’s “first-born” and that we are mandated to care for our Mother Earth which is the source of life for all. I suggested that during this Lenten Season we might “do” something for our earth. For a better awareness of the issues, you can go to Metro NY Catholic Climate movement.

I’m including here an “Ignatian Examen” that corresponds to the scripture readings for today. I hope you will benefit from this and it will help to deepen your experience of our shared Lenten Journey.

First Sunday of Lent 

In the tradition of Ignatius we open our hearts and minds to God’s loving guidance through the spirit of Jesus Christ. Together let us examine our lives with God as our guide and Jesus walking beside us. 

Lord, we realize that everything, even ourselves, is a gift from you. How has God breathed life into you this day?

Lord, open our eyes and ears to be more honest with ourselves. What have you hungered most for today?

Lord, show us what has been happening to us and in us this day. How has our loving God called you personally today? What are the obstacles and tempations that draw you away from God’s love.

Lord, we are still learning to grow in your love. What offenses do you wish God would wipe away today?

Lord, let us look with longing toward the future. How can you set aside your own plans and desires to walk with Jesus more closely during your Lenten Journey? 

Novena of Grace

Praying with St Francis Xavier

Saturday, March 4th- Sunday, March 12th

Please visit jesuitinstitute.org for daily reflections

Novena Prayer

O most kind and loving saint, in union with you I adore the most divine majesty. The memory of the favours with which God blessed you during life, and of your glory after death, fillls me with joy.

And I unite with you in offering to him my humble tribute of thanksgiving and praise. I implore of you to secure for me, through your powerful intercession,

the all-important blessing of living and dying in a state of grace. I also ask you to obtain the favour I ask in this novena. 

(Here pause to ask the favour you seek.) 

But if what I ask is not for the greater glory of God, or the good of my soul, obtain for me what is most conducive to both. Amen. 

O God, who was pleased to gather to your Church the peoples of the East by the preaching and miracles of St Francis Xavier, mercifully grant that we, who honor his glorious merits, may also imitate the example of his virtues, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Our Father

Hail Mary

Glory be to the Father