Category Archives: Novenas

Our Lady of Lourdes Novena for Alcoholics: Day 1

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We are all individuals. Sometimes our sense of individuality gets unhealthy and and is replaced by a feeling of aloneness. We feel isolated and no longer a part of whatever community or communities we belong to. This separation is distinctly harmful and will lead to all sorts of thoughts about our well-being that are untrue. Our problems are worse that anybody else’s. No one likes me. No one notices me, I am invisible.

No one suffers with us.

We somehow must re-establish our connections with those around us and reassert our balanced perspective as to how we are in relation to others.

Prayer is one way. Prayer, that seeking out conscious contact with God and uplifting our hearts and minds to Him reconnects us to the Divine, and in turn helps us to be aware that we are not truly alone. God is there and He softens our hearts and assists us in seeing those about us.

In this novena, we turn to Our Blessed Mother and request her intercessory powers to aid us in our healing. We can turn to her and ask that our feelings of aloneness be banished when they arise.

Pray:

Oh ever immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfortess of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. My loving Mother, obtain my request. I will try to imitate your virtues so that I may one day share your company and bless you in eternity. Amen

From: Prayers – Catholic Online: “Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes”

NOTE: This was published last year.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes for Alcoholics

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On February 11 is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. It honors the 1858 apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France. Along with the apparition at Fatima, Portugal, it is one of the best known of Marian apparitions. Even non-Catholics have heard of it due to miraculous healings of people immersed in the waters of its springs. This article from New Advent contains the basic information Lourdes.

I will re-post the Novena I published last year.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena

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Today also marks the start of a Novena to St. Maximilian Kolbe.

From an earlier post: Reminder for upcoming St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena for Alcoholics and Addicts

Here is another Novena prayer you can use,

“O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us out petitions. . . (mention your petitions).

Through the Militia of the Immaculata movement, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all men, a love which was inspired by true devotion to Mary.
Grant O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen in order to better love and serve our fellowman in imitation of your humble servant, Maximilian. Amen.”

Courtesy: Marytown

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Reminder for upcoming St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena for Alcoholics and Addicts

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On August 6th readers and subscribers can start the St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena for Alcoholics and Addicts.

Although you can say a novena at anytime, the customary practice is to start it 9 days before the feast day, basically so that all the petitioners can be united in prayer as a community.

Just go to the link highlighted in the first sentence, and further links to all novena prayers are given there for all nine days.

St.Maximilian Kolbe is regarded as a patron saint of addicts and alcoholics as he was executed by the Nazis via lethal injection. There are links in the sidebar where you can find more information of one of my favorite patrons.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 9 (and Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

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Today is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Via USCCB.)

It is also the ninth and therefore final day of the novena through him for alcoholics.

St. Joseph was the head of the Holy Family of himself, the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus. He is the model and guide for family leadership, being responsible for the enormous task of providing and caring for Mary and Jesus.

Alcoholism and addiction rupture families. Repairing relationships with the family is one of the tasks that recovering alcoholics seek to do. Making amends for the hurt and pain caused by a drinking past is long and a courageous trial to overcome.

Establishing a new family is also a goal. Once sober, an alcoholic seeks to have what seemed impossible before, a stable and secure home life.

And so, to that end, we pray:

St. Joseph, model of leadership in a family look with favor upon families and those seeking to belong to one. Intercede with God on their behalf and heal people and relationships so that all who desire it may become part of a happy and healthy family. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 8

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The prayer changes for Days 8 and 9. The previous prayers were based on the Seven Sorrows of St. Joseph, and as a novena is 9 days I have to come up with something else for the last two.

And also being mindful that one of St. Joseph’s titles is that of “St. Joseph the Worker”, today’s intentions are for those seeking honest labor and escaping unemployment. These are usually at the top of the list of things to accomplish and gain by anyone entering recovery and who seek to establish a new life in sobriety.

St. Joseph the Worker, you led an honest and humble life as a carpenter in Nazareth, providing for the Holy Family out of the fruits of your labors. Look with kindness and compassion upon those seeking honest and sufficient labor and intercede with God for them so that they may discover through work the dignity of being contributing and supporting members of society. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 7

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On the seventh day of this novena we pray:

St. Joseph: “O glorious Saint Joseph, pattern of all holiness, when thou didst lose, through no fault of thine, the Child Jesus, thou didst seek Him sorrowing for the space of three days, until with great joy thou didst find Him again in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors.

By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, we supplicate thee, with our hearts upon our lips, to keep us from ever having the misfortune to lose Jesus through mortal sin; but if this supreme misfortune should befall us, grant that we may seek Him with unceasing sorrow until we find Him again, ready to show us His great mercy, especially at the hour of death; that so we may pass over to enjoy His presence in heaven, and there, in company with thee, may we sing the praises of His divine mercy forever.

Now say the Our Father…, the Hail Mary…, and the Glory be…”

(Via Inter Mirifica.)

We pray for all those in a state of mortal sin. Please check the link for a previous post on the subject.

Those who die in a state of mortal sin are lost forever.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 6

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On this sixth day of the novena, we pray:

St. Joseph: “O glorious Saint Joseph, an angel on earth, thou didst marvel to see the King of Heaven obedient to thy commands, but thy consolation in bringing Jesus out of the land of Egypt was troubled by thy fear of Archelaus; nevertheless, being assured by the Angel, thou didst dwell in gladness at Nazareth with Jesus and Mary.

By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, obtain for us that our hearts may be delivered from harmful fears, that so we may rejoice in peace of conscience and may live in safety with Jesus and Mary, and, like unto thee, may die in their company.

Now recite the Our Father…, the Hail Mary…, and then the Glory be…”

(Via Inter Mirifica.)

Not everyone can “dwell in gladness”. Homelessness is oftentimes the result of addiction. We cannot treat our addiction, either through stubborn pride or weak will, or lack of recognizing when someone is trying to help. Or a host of reasons beyond the victim’s power. Nevertheless, the addict loses everything and winds up on the street, dependent upon the kindness of strangers or charitable organizations.

Perhaps this is when many “hit bottom”, and make the decision that not drinking may just be better than drinking. It is then that the veil may be removed from their eyes and they see the help that is available.

Pretty much everyone who is an addict faces homelessness. Many manage to avoid it. For those who cannot, we pray:

Oh, Lord, look with favor upon those suffering from the indignity of homelessness. May they seek shelter where it is available and may the hearts of those who can provide assistance be softened to see past their immediate situation and recognize in the homeless the truth that they also are adopted children of God and thus provide for their needs. We pray that the homeless may then take their place as valuable members of society and contribute to building up the Kingdom of God on Earth. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.

 

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 5

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On this fifth day of the novena, we pray:

St. Joseph: “O most watchful Guardian of the Incarnate Son of God, glorious Saint Joseph, what toil was thine in supporting and waiting upon the Son of the Most High God, especially in the flight into Egypt! Yet at the same time, how thou didst rejoice to have near thee always the very God Himself, and to see the idols of the Egyptians fall prostrate to the ground before Him.

By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, obtain for us the grace of keeping ourselves in safety from the infernal tyrant, especially by flight from dangerous occasions; may every idol of earthly affection fall from our hearts; may we be wholly employed in serving Jesus and Mary, and for them alone may we live and happily die.

Now say the Our Father…, the Hail Mary…, and the Glory be…”

(Via Inter Mirifica.)

Alcoholism and addiction necessarily cause periods of instability in our lives. There is uncertainty in every situation in life when there is change, for good or for bad. We leave a stable situation and enter a stretch of time where there is little security, such as those times when we sink deeper into alcoholism, and also when we are on the way out, and are groping for means to stay sober.

Quite often our behavior and reactions to situations cause us to run afoul of authority. We seek help from clergy and are condemned as sinners and therefore are hurt by the Church and leave, to wander about a spiritual desert looking for a home. Or we get into trouble with the law. Drunk driving, criminal misbehavior, and the like.

We move, forgetting that in relocation we take our problems (namely ourselves) with us. We do the same things elsewhere.

For all of those who are in these uncertain periods of transition and in opposition to authority and are suffering for mutual mistakes and abuse, we pray for their healing and that they may see through their pain and return to the safety of your guidance, Lord. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Amen.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to St. Joseph for Alcoholics: Day 4

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On the fourth day of this Novena, we pray:

St. Joseph: “O most faithful Saint, who didst share the mysteries of our Redemption, glorious Saint Joseph, the prophecy of Simeon touching the sufferings of Jesus and Mary caused thee to shudder with mortal dread, but at the same time filled thee with a blessed joy for the salvation and glorious resurrection which, he foretold, would be attained by countless souls.

By this thy sorrow and this thy joy, obtain for us that we may be of the number of those who, through the merits of Jesus and the intercession of Mary the Virgin Mother, are predestined to a glorious resurrection.

Say the Our Father…, the Hail Mary…, and the Glory be….

(Via Inter Mirifica.)

We know not what the future holds. It is a dark and murky place, seen at best very dimly. Based on the experiences of our past, and how many times we have made mistakes and paid for them dearly, the future is feared to have much of the same.

However, if we have had some sustained sobriety, we may not view the future with dread. We know from experience that we have overcome our troubles and difficulties before, and will continue to do so. Each victory over ourselves and our trials increases our faith that we will persevere until the end. We learn to walk with God, knowing that if we keep the faith, we will endure.

Not all share this view, yet. Their experience is newer and they are still suffering from the stings and wounds of their past. For these people we pray.

Lord, protect the wounded and the broken beneath the shelter of your strength. Guide and lead them like the Good Shepherd that You are until they learn to trust and follow You. We ask this through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)