Novena to St. John Bosco, Day 9

9th Day (January 30) - For Family, Friends, and those in Need

From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned,* like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

From the constitutions of the Society of Saint Francis Desales

Under the inspiration of God damn Bosco lived and handed onto us an original style of life in action, the Salesian spirit. It is summed up and centered in pastoral charity characterized by that youthful dynamism which was revealed so strongly in our founder and at the beginning of our society. It is an Apostolic impetus that makes us seek souls. And serve God alone.

Novena Prayer

O Saint John Bosco, you were full of compassion toward all people, especially the young, who suffered from illness, poverty, hunger, injustice, and alienation. Pray for all in need, and for us too, that the blessings of God and protection of Mary Help of Christians may be on us all, to heal us, strengthen us, and comfort us. Pray for our families, especially for our young people, that they may be kept safely in God's grace. Intercede for us in life and in death so that we may eternally sing the Divine mercies in heaven.

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

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