Novena to St. John Bosco, Day 7

7th Day (January 28) - For Missionaries

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.* And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

From Don Bosco's farewell to the first. Missionary expedition in 1875.

Our divine savior, when he was on this Earth before going to his Heavenly Father gathered his apostles and told them, "Go out to all the world. Teach all peoples, preach my gospel to all creatures with these words." The Savior gave not advice but a command to his apostles, for them to bring the light of the gospel to all parts of the Earth. This command, or mission, gave the name missionaries to everyone who in our country or foreign countries go out, to spread or preach the truths of the faith.

In this way, we are beginning a great work. Not because we have pretenses or believe we can convert the whole universe in a few days, no, but who knows? Could it be that this departure, in this little group is like a seed, from which a huge tree grows? Who knows if it is not a grain of millet, or a mustard seed which grows little by little, and may do great good?

Novena Prayer

O Saint John Bosco, in your love and concern for all the scattered children of God, you sent your sons and daughters to the farthest part of the world to bring the knowledge of the loving God and the Light of the Gospel. Pray for all missionaries, and pray for us, that, inspired by your example and in your spirit, we may be united in work and prayer to win souls for Christ.

Through your intercession may God grant me the following grace... [pause]... so that together with Salesian missionaries all over the world I may assist in bringing young people to the love of Christ.

Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father...

Link to the Salesian Mission Office, New Rochelle, NY: https://salesianmissions.org

Link for the Salesian Lay Missioners, New Rochelle, NY: https://www.salesianlaymissioners.org