On this first day of the Novena, the petition is for us to increase our charity.

Where are you lacking in charity? Charity means more than merely dropping a few coins or bills in the collection plate at Mass or writing a check for some missionary organization doing God’s work overseas.

It also is empathizing with other people, with trying to see them not as merely external objects within your vision, but as persons like yourself with thoughts, feelings and sufferings.

You have no certain idea as to what is going on within a person. Rather than being quick to judge that person for what they are doing, empathize and put yourself in their place. From that vantage point you may still admonish them for an action, but in trying to feel as they do, to realize that you are seeing them at a snapshot in their life journey, you may soften your admonishment with the sweetness of charity. Much more can be accomplished in converting hearts and minds.

Now, to the Novena:

Begin the prayer with: O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father…, etc.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.

[Say one Our Father and three Hail Marys after your intentions concerning where you may be negligent in charity.]

To say the entire Chaplet, click here:
Chaplet of St. Michael

Are you a creative Catholic? "The Catholicpunk Manifesto" is my new book exhorting Catholics to apply their faith to change the culture for the better!

Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)