Page:Withgodbookofpra00las.djvu/779

 Father arose,  instantly  cured. So well  has  the  saint  kept this promise,  that  this  devotion  in  his  honor  became  universally known  as  the  Novena  of  Grace. Its efficacy  is  not restricted to  the  dates  mentioned. It may  be  made  very appropriately in  preparation  for  the  feast  of  St.  Francis Xavier, viz.,  the  3d  of  December. Though any  prayers may be  said  in  honor  of  the  saint,  the  following  are  generally recommended.

Used for  the  novena  from  the  beginning  and  attributed to Father  Mastrilli,  S.J.

OST amiable  and  most  loving  St.  Francis  Xavier,  in union  with  thee  I  reverently  adore  the  divine  majesty. I rejoice  exceedingly  on  account  of  the  marvelous gifts which  God  bestowed  upon  thee. I thank  God  for the special  graces  He  gave  thee  during  thy  life  on  earth  and for the  great  glory  that  came  to  thee  after  thy  death. I beseech thee  with  all  my  heart  to  obtain  for  me  by  thy powerful intercession  the  all-important  grace  of  living  and dying in  a  holy  manner. I entreat  thee  to  obtain  for  me  also the special  grace  I  desire  to  receive  in  this  Novena  (here you  may  mention  the  grace,  spiritual  or  temporal,  you  wish to  obtain),  and  if  what  I  ask  is  not  for  the  glory  of  God  and for the  greater  good  of  my  soul,  obtain  for  me  that  which is most  conducive  to  this  end. Amen.

V. Pray  for  us,  St. Francis Xavier.

R. That  we  may  be  made  worthy  of  the  promises  of Christ.

God, who  didst  vouchsafe,  by  the  preaching  and miracles of  St.  Francis  Xavier,  to  join  unto  Thy Church the  nations  of  the  Indies;  grant,  we  beseech  Thee, that we  who  reverence  his  glorious  merits  may  also  imitate his example,  through  Jesus  Christ,  Our  Lord. Amen.