Pray the Christmas Novena, beginning today

We are pleased to pass along an invitation too all Catholics from the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter to pray the Christmas Novena which begins today, 17 December. Thank you for participating as you are capable of doing. Remember that a little is always better than nothing! May God reward you,

Each day of this novena, December 17th to 25th inclusive, contains 4 small parts: a) a prayer to the Infant Jesus, b) the Sub Tuum, c) one Antiphon, and d) a thanksgiving. 

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

O Sweet Infant Jesus 

O Sweet Infant Jesus, thy greatest joy is to dwell among us. We are not worthy to approach and yet thy kindness and mercy draw us to thee. Thy holy innocence makes us blush for our transgressions. Forgive us and grant us a share in thy profound humility. Behold we come to thee, the source of all that is good, as needy and poor.  

Fill us, O Lord, with confidence to lay our many petitions before thy loving heart. 

In particular, we pray for: 

- the salvation of all souls dear to us,       

- the relief of persecuted Christians throughout the world, and       

- add your own petition here.

Rule over us, dear Infant Jesus, and do with us according to thy Holy Will, for we trust in thy Divine Wisdom. For the sake of thy Sacred Infancy, and through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, who cared for thee so tenderly, protect and bless us. We thank thee for graciously hearing our prayers. Let us love thee and praise thee for all eternity. Amen.  

Sub Tuum 

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but ever deliver us from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. 

One Antiphon for Each Day 

On Dec. 17th O Sapientia, 

O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence. 

On Dec. 18th  O Adonai 

O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush, and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm. 

On Dec. 19th  O Radix Jesse 

O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples; before you kings will shut their mouths, to you the nations will make their prayer: Come and deliver us, and delay no longer. 

On Dec. 20th  O Clavis David 

O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel; you open and no one can shut; you shut and no one can open: Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house, those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. 

On Dec. 21st  O Oriens 

O Morning Star, splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. 

On Dec. 22nd  O Rex gentium 

O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay. 

On Dec. 23rd  O Emmanuel 

O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Saviour: Come and save us, O Lord our God. 

On Dec. 24th  O Virgo virginum 

O Virgin of virgins, how shall this be? For neither before thee was any like thee, nor shall there be after. Daughters of Jerusalem, why marvel ye at me? The thing which ye behold is a divine mystery. 

On Dec. 25th Hodie 

This day the Christ is born this day the Saviour is appeared; this day the Angels sing praise in the earth and the Archangels rejoice; this day the righteous are glad and say: Glory to God in the highest. Alleluia.  

Agimus Tibi Gratias 

We give you thanks, Almighty God, for all your blessings: who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen. 

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.