On the First Day

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Prayer of the Novena

O holy Magi,
you were living in continual expectation
of the rising of the Star of Jacob,
which would announce the birth
of the true Sun of justice,
obtain for us an increase
of faith and charity,
and the grace to live
in continual hope of beholding one day
the light of heavenly glory and eternal joy.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

The Adoration of the Magi, by St. Alphonsus Liguori

Jesus is born poor in a stable; the angels of heaven indeed acknowledge him, but men abandon and forsake him on earth. Only a few shepherds come and pay him homage. But our Redeemer was desirous of communicating to us the grace of His redemption and begins, therefore, to manifest himself to the Gentiles, who knew him least. Therefore he sends a star to enlighten the holy Magi, in order that they may come and acknowledge and adore their Saviour. This was the first and sovereign grace bestowed upon us, our vocation to the faith; which was succeeded by our vocation to grace, of which men were deprived. 

Behold the wise men, who immediately, without delay, set off upon their journey. The star accompanies them as far as the cavern where the holy Infant lies: on their arrival, they enter; and what do they find? They found the child with Mary. They find a poor maiden and a poor Infant wrapped in poor swaddling-clothes, without anyone to attend on Him or assist Him. But, lo! on entering into the little shed these holy pilgrims feel a joy which they had never felt before; they feel their hearts chained to the dear little Infant which they behold. The straw, the poverty, the cries of their little Saviour, oh, what darts of love! oh, what blessed flames are they to their enlightened hearts! The Infant looks upon them with a joyful countenance, and this is the mark of affection with which he accepts them amongst the first-fruits of His redemption. 

The holy kings then look at Mary, who does not speak she remains silent; but with her blessed countenance that breathes the sweetness of paradise she welcomes them, and thanks them for having been the first to come and acknowledge her Son (as indeed He is) for their Sovereign Lord. See also how, out of reverence, they adore Him in silence, and acknowledge him for their God, kissing His feet, and offering Him their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Let us also with the holy Magi adore our little King Jesus, and let us offer Him all our hearts. 

AFFECTIONS AND PRAYERS

O amiable Infant! though I see Thee in this cavern lying on straw poor and despised, yet faith teaches me that Thou art my God, who camest down from heaven for my salvation. I acknowledge Thee, then, for my sovereign Lord and Saviour; but I have nothing, alas! to offer Thee. I have no gold of love because I have loved creatures; I have loved my own caprices, but I have not loved Thee, O amiable infinite One! I have not the incense of prayer, because I have lived in a miserable state of forgetfulness of Thee. I have no myrrh of mortification, for I have often displeased Thy infinite goodness that I might not be deprived of my miserable pleasures. What then shall I offer Thee? I offer Thee my heart, filthy and poor as it is; do Thou accept it, and change it. Thou camest into the world for this purpose, to wash the hearts of men from their sins by Thy blood, and thus change them from sinners into saints. 

Give me, therefore, I pray Thee, this gold, this incense, and this myrrh. Give me the gold of Thy holy love; give me the spirit of holy prayer, give me the desire and strength to mortify myself in everything that displeases Thee. I am resolved to obey Thee and to love Thee; but Thou knowest my weakness, oh, give me the grace to be faithful to Thee! Most holy Virgin, thou who didst welcome with such affection and didst console the holy Magi, do thou welcome and console me also, who come to visit thy Son and to offer myself to him. O my Mother, I have great confidence in thy intercession! Do thou recommend me to Jesus. To thee do I entrust my soul and my will; bind it forever to the love of Jesus!

Picture: The Three Kings bearing presents to the Infant Jesus - CC0 Public Domain. 

Community prayer

Prayer to Our Lady of the Epiphany

O Lady of the Epiphany, Most-Holy-Name-of-Mary, Through your power, glory, and love, Show us your salvation – Jesus Christ. As the shepherds of Bethlehem came to you long ago, We now come before you. With Jesus Christ reigning in your arms, We also bow in awe. O Queen and intimate friend, Remember our poverty. We beg you, O tender Mother, to hold our hands And listen closely to the desires and needs of our hearts. Mary, please remember: [State your request…]. Through your powerful intercession obtain for us The beautiful manifestation of your Divine Son In the lives of those for whom we pray. Mystical glorious woman crowned with stars, Obtain the miracles and heavenly signs Our dear ones need to find and embrace Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. Mary, we promise to amend our lives And implore you to reveal the treasures of your heart to us, Your poor children, at this time. Amen.

Thank you! 27 people prayed

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Col 4:6

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Novena of Preparation for the Epiphany

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