Novena for 2nd anniversary of foundation
“Introibo ad altare Dei, ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam » (Psalm 42)
On Thursday 15 May 2008
Dear Friends of Juventutem,
In nine days, on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, we will celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the founding of the Federation International Juventutem (May 24, 2006) in Bern, Switzerland.
Like last year, we suggest that those who wish may unite spiritually in praying a novena for Juventutem. Our prayer will focus on our members in Hong Kong, as Pope Benedict XVI has decreed a plenary indulgence for Catholics in Hong Kong diocese who join a May 15-23 novena to pray to Our Lady, Help of Christians or special prayers for the Church in China.
The novena is a response to Pope Benedict's call for a World Day of Prayer for the Church in China on May 24. He announced this in his June 2007 letter to mainland Catholics. « This day, he said, is dedicated to the liturgical memorial of Our Lady, Help of Christians, who is venerated with great devotion at the Marian Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai ».
We will pray in particular for Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun of Hong Kong, who recently offered Mass in the extraordinary form of the Roman rite, assisted by our friends in Hong Kong. Our prayer intention will include all Catholic bishops, clergy and laity, particularly those suffering for their faith.
Cordially yours in St John Bosco, special protector of youths,
Fr Armand de Malleray, Eccl. Assist. Juventutem
P.S. You may like to recite either the whole prayer below or part of it each day of the novena, or simply one Hail Mary.
Hymn and oration from the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians
Oft when the flock of Christ were driven,
By bloody sword and cruel foe;
The tender Virgin came from heaven,
With loving aid to heal their woe.
So was it in the days of old,
As many a temple lifted high;
Proclaims; and gifts of richest gold,
With grateful blessings testify.
New thanks for help today we bring,
To Mary, Queen, with gladsome voice;
In strains of holy joy we sing,
And all the bounds of earth rejoice.
O happy hour! O glorious day!
Behold the Master on the throne!
The years of fear are passed away,
The Chair of Faith receives its own.
Let gentle youths and virgins chaste,
Uplift to heaven rejoicing lays;
While priests and people proudly haste,
To join in songs of thanks and praise.
Sweet Virgin, hear us in our need,
Mother of Christ, thy gifts increase;
Help thou our Guide, his flocks to lead,
To pastures of eternal peace.
O Triune God, let all our days,
Be glorified with love of Thee;
While songs of faith and heavenly praise,
Resound through all eternity. Amen.
By bloody sword and cruel foe;
The tender Virgin came from heaven,
With loving aid to heal their woe.
So was it in the days of old,
As many a temple lifted high;
Proclaims; and gifts of richest gold,
With grateful blessings testify.
New thanks for help today we bring,
To Mary, Queen, with gladsome voice;
In strains of holy joy we sing,
And all the bounds of earth rejoice.
O happy hour! O glorious day!
Behold the Master on the throne!
The years of fear are passed away,
The Chair of Faith receives its own.
Let gentle youths and virgins chaste,
Uplift to heaven rejoicing lays;
While priests and people proudly haste,
To join in songs of thanks and praise.
Sweet Virgin, hear us in our need,
Mother of Christ, thy gifts increase;
Help thou our Guide, his flocks to lead,
To pastures of eternal peace.
O Triune God, let all our days,
Be glorified with love of Thee;
While songs of faith and heavenly praise,
Resound through all eternity. Amen.
V. Deem me worthy to praise Thee, o sacred Virgin, (alleluja).
R. Give me strength against Thy enemies, (alleluja).
Almighty and merciful God, who for the defense of the Christian people didst wondrously establish a perpetual help in the most Blessed Virgin: grant in Thy mercy, that we, protected by such a defense as we strive in this life, may be able to obtain victory over our malign enemy in death. Through Our Lord…