<h2>Advent Program</h2>“Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it,” says Jesus in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 10:15). This verse sums up the entire Christian life and points to the path Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus chose to follow—the “straight and simple” way of spiritual childhood to step fully into the kingdom of God&#039;s love. Like all the great saints, Thérèse understood the profound truth of Jesus&#039; words, which echo as a call throughout the centuries: “If you only knew the gift of God” (John 4:10). <h2>Retreat Format and Rhythm</h2>After an introductory message on Wednesday, November 27, you&#039;ll receive a weekly meditation every Sunday.Here&#039;s what to expect:<ul><li>A reflection based on the Gospel and writings of Saint Thérèse</li><li>Practical steps for daily life</li></ul>During the week, from Monday to Saturday, we&#039;ll share an Advent calendar featuring a daily prayer with an image and a meditation text to help you stay grounded in prayer throughout the season.

Advent 2024: With the Little Flower

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen

Each Day of the Novena, you will receive: A Daily Reflection A Short Prayer Novena ThemesDay 1: Renewed Hope (Don Bosco&#039;s early life and dream at nine)Day 2: Over Hills and Valleys (Don Bosco childhood and adolescence) Day 3: Stepping Stones (Don Bosco&#039;s return home and entering the seminary)Day 4: Helping the “Outcasts” (Pre-Oratory)Day 5: Welcome to the Oratory (Beginning of the Oratory at Valdocco)Day 6: Trust All to Divine Providence (Working through money issues and with benefactors)Day 7: The Beginning of Beautiful Partnerships (Establishing the Salesian Society, Salesian Sisters [with St. Mary Mazzarello], and Salesian Cooperators)Day 8: Nothing by Ourselves (Don Bosco: “I have done nothing by myself. It is the Virgin Mary who has done everything.” / We can do all things to, for, and with God)Day 9: Let the Young Know They Are Loved (Don Bosco&#039;s final words and lasting legacy) Who are the Salesians of Don Bosco, SUE?The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDBs) are a family of men and women founded by an Italian Catholic priest, Fr. John Bosco. Fr. John Bosco was popularly known as “Don” Bosco, using the Italian word &#34;Don&#34; to mean &#34;Father&#34; Bosco.Our mission is to be in the Church signs and bearers of the love of God for young people, especially those who are poor (Salesian Constitution, 2).After the example of our founder, we animate and form collaborators to share in this mission of the Church.By our consecration, the Salesians of Don Bosco, Province of St. Philip the Apostle, are called to be signs and bearers of God&#039;s love for the young in the Eastern United States and Canada (SUE).

Become a Pilgrim of Hope with Don Bosco

Dear St. John Bosco, as we enter this Jubilee year as pilgrims of hope, help us be voices for those most needing them, especially the young and the poor. Give us the courage, strength, and fortitude to always speak up for the most vulnerable while simultaneously seeing God in everyone whom we encounter. May our young people learn how to do this and be not only “Good Christians and Honest Citizens,” but bearers of truth, light, love, faith, and hope, too.

O holy St. John Bosco, who taught us that everyone can be holy and a saint, especially the young, please pray for us and our intentions. (Pause for a moment of silence to offer private intentions for St. John Bosco's intercession) May we follow your advice to “Trust all things to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians” and “see what miracles are.” In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

(Recite an Our Father, a Haily Mary, and a Glory Be)

Mary Help of Christians, pray for us! St. John Bosco, pray for us!

This Lent, we challenge you to reclaim the sacred discipline of daily fasting—a practice that, though unfashionable, remains as vibrant and fruitful as ever. Just as Our Lord fasted in the desert, preparing His heart for the mission that would change the world, we too must journey into this holy season with reverence and purpose. The Norbertines invite you to take up the discipline of daily fasting, a sacred tradition that Holy Mother Church and her saints have practiced through the centuries. Through this practice, you will draw closer to Christ, strengthen your spirit, and find renewal in holiness. Will you answer the call to make this Lent a profound time of transformation and renewal?

The Great Fast - Lent 2025

Let us Pray,

Stir up in me this day O Savior, by the merits of the mystery of your Fast in the Wilderness, the earnest desire and the effective will to choose to fast, and so repair my many falls, order my bodily appetites, and purify my mind. Unite me in the present struggle with all the Christian penitents throughout the world who will pass this day in self-denial. By this holy observance increase my hunger for the delights of the banquet of the Lamb below under the sacramental signs, and finally above in the vision of Your Blessed Face. Amen.


<h2>A Walk of Faith for Valentine&#039;s Day!</h2>Now is the time to experience the spirit of Valentine&#039;s Day, by confidently entrusting our desires to live a Christian marriage to St. Valentine, a great martyr and the patron saint of lovers.Be assured that we share your hopes and keep your intentions in our hearts every day!<h2>The Grace of Love: a Gift from God</h2><ul><li>Pray for yourself: pray that you meet someone in accordance with the Lord &#039;s heart.</li><li>Pray for yourself: entrust God with your desire to live a fruitful Christian marriage.</li><li>Pray for a single person you know who suffers from loneliness.</li><li>Pray for all those who desire to get married.</li><li>Pray that marriages be based on the « Rock of Faith » .</li><li>Pray for young people who are not looking to commit to the Sacrament of Marriage </li><li>Pray that the world regains a deep sense of commitment to sacraments.</li></ul>… other ideas? Share them with us!St. Valentine will certainly be happy to hear them and present them to the Lord!<h2>Commitment</h2>Commit yourself to offer your thanks to St. Valentine: if you feel that he answered your prayers, celebrate his Feast Day in a spirit of gratitude for his intercession on your behalf!<h2>Click Join to receive the prayers</h2><a href="https://hozana.org/en/intentions">Click here to leave your prayer intention.</a>

Meet Your Soulmate with the Novena to St. Valentine

Loving Father,
You know that the deepest desire of my heart is
to meet someone that I can share my life with.
I trust in Your loving plan for me and ask that I may soon meet
the person that you have prepared for me.
Through the power of Your Holy Spirit,
open my heart and mind so that I recognize my soulmate.
Remove any obstacles that are in the way of this happy encounter,
So that I might find a new sense of wholeness, joy and peace.
Give me the grace too, to know and accept, if you have another plan for my life.
I surrender my past, present and future into the tender heart of Your Son, Jesus,
full of confidence that You will hear and answer my prayer.
AMEN.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.
St Valentine, pray for me.