For the Sick: a novena with Saint Josemaría Escrivá

During nine days, we will pray for the sick, under the guidance of St. Josemaría Escrivá.

3 shares

Why pray for the sick?

Whether we are the ones going through it, or a member of our entourage is, battling an illness is incredibly challenging. 

We often can't do anything besides offering our comforting assistance and constant prayers to those who suffer. While sometimes it may appear useless to pray for someone who is sick, God thinks otherwise. His heart looks tenderly upon those who intercede for the sick and suffering, and he often performs a miraculous healing because of the faith he sees in others (cf. Luke 5:17-26).

While God does not “guarantee” to heal someone because of our prayers, he always receives and answers them, though not always in the ways we expect.

We should certainly pray to  God for healing, but we also must accept God's Will, whatever it may be, with faith and confidence. 

It is easier said than done, but we know that God is a loving and attentive Father, and this is a very encouraging thought. 

During this novena, we will pray for the sick, through the intercession of St. Josemaría Escrivá. 

Every day, you'll receive:

  • A selection from St. Josemaría's writing on the sick. 
  • An intention based on those texts.
  • The daily prayers. 

Source: St. Josemaría Institute

Picture: Holding hands - CC0 Public domain. 

Prayer from the novena

Novena Prayer

O GOD, through the mediation of Mary our Mother, You granted Your priest Saint Josemaría countless graces, Choosing him as a most faithful instrument to found Opus Dei, A way of sanctification in daily work and in the fulfillment of the Christian's ordinary duties. Grant that I too may learn to turn all the circumstances and events of my life Into occasions of loving you and serving all souls with joy and simplicity, Lighting up the pathways of this earth with faith and love. Deign to grant me, through the intercession of Saint Josemaría, The favor of... (make your request). Amen.