Novena to St. John Bosco, Day 8

8th Day (January 29) - For Purity

From the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians.

But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Avoid immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.

From Don Bosco's introduction to the Salesian constitutions in 1885

The virtue that is supremely necessary, the great virtue, the angelic virtue, the one who crown all others, is chastity. He who has this virtue can apply to himself the words of the Holy Spirit, "All good things came to me along with her, our Savior assures us that those who gain this priceless treasure, become even in this life like the Angels of God.

Novena Prayer

O Saint John Bosco, you prized the virtue of purity highly and strove with all your might to foster it in the hearts of young and old. Pray for us that, inspired by your example, we may nurture it in our hearts and minds and may act effectively to defend our young people against a culture pervaded by sex and violence.

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

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