Novena Prayer to AlphonsAmma ( Blessed Alphonsa

Prayer to Blessed Alphonsa

Oh, Blessed Alphonsa, you have been graciously chosen from our midst to be united with Jesus Christ, our savior, in the misery of his passion, death and resurrection. You have grown to the heights of holiness and have been crowned with heavenly glory.

Help us in our trials and tribulations. Oh! Daughter of sufferings, obtain for us the grace to lead a holy life, following your example, in total submission to the will of God. Be with us, transforming all our sorrows into a holy sacrifice in union with Christ Crucified, in reparation to our sins, for the sanctification and salvation of the whole world.
Amen

Prayer for the intercession of Blessed Alphonsa

O, Holy Spirit, descend upon us. Pour out your gifts upon us and strengthen us in faith. Guide us with the hope for the kingdom of heaven. Enkindle our hearts with the fire of divine love. Just as you led Blessed Alphonsa along the path of sanctity, lead us also on the path of righteousness. Grant us the grace to grow in sanctity and wisdom, by serving you faithfully in humility and gentleness.

Celebrant : With joy and hope in our hearts, let us pray: "Lord, hear our prayer".

All : Lord, hear our prayer.

Celebrant : Lord, you raised Sr. Alphonsa to the host of the Blessed, fill us with the spirit of prayer and sacrifice.

All : Lord, hear our prayer.

Celebrant : Lord, grant us the grace to seek the hand of god in all our sufferings and sorrows, like Bl. Alphonsa who bore witness to you through her sufferings and self-sacrifice.

All : Lord, hear our prayer.

Celebrant : Lord Jesus, you offered yourself as a victim on the cross for us sinners. Bl. Alphonsa imitated you by offering herself as a victim on your alter. Grant us the strength and grace to offer ourselves to you every moment, as a burnt offering, like this holy sister.

All : Lord, hear our prayer.

Celebrant : Lord Jesus, at the moment of your death agony, your prayer to the father saying: "Not my will, but they will be done". Bl. Alphonsa also imitated you praying in the same fashion. Help us to see you in our superiors and do your will in all circumstances.

All : Lord, hear our prayer.

Let us pray

Merciful and benevolent God, we offer ourselves completely to you. We give you thanks for all the blessings you shower upon us. Forgive us our sins and offences. Lord, you gave us Bl. Alphonsa as our model and mediator. We seek her intercession now. Protect us from all evils, spiritual and material. Fill us with your blessings. We make this prayer in your name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Prayer of Blessed Alphonsa

O Lord Jesus, hide me in the wound of your Sacred Heart. Free me from my desire to be loved and esteemed. Guard me from my evil attempts to win fame and honor. Make me humble till I become a small pearl in the flame of love in your Sacred Heart. Grand me the grace to forget myself and all worldly things. Jesus, sweet beyond words, convert all worldly consolations into bitterness for me. O My Jesus, Sun of Justice, enlighten my intellect and mind with your sacred rays. Purify my heart, consume me with burning love for you, and make me one with you.
Amen


THE CANONISATION OF BL. ALPHONSA, THE FIRST OFFICIALLY DECALRED SAINT FROM INDIA

The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has officially announced today that the canonization ceremony of Bl. Alphonsa, the first officially declared saint from India, will take place on Sunday 12 October 2008 in Vatican, together with three other blessed. The Holy Father announced it during a consistory, which has been held today in Vatican. The Consistory began at 11.00 am, Italian local time with the mid day prayer, followed by the final confirmation of the closing of the process of canonization and the formal announcement of the exact date of the canonization ceremony, which will take place at 9.00 am, local time on 12 October at St. Peters Square, Vatican. On the same day three other blessed will also be canonized. It is expected that the canonization ceremony will be attended by thousands of faithful from all over the world, especially from Kerala. The details of the program will be duly updated in the coming days.