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Day 1

Listening to God

St. Benedict teaches you to begin by listening. God speaks through Scripture, the teaching of the Church, the duties of your vocation, and the wise counsel of faithful people. Listening requires silence and a heart ready to obey. Bring your distractions and anxieties before the Lord without hiding them. Ask St. Benedict to help you recognize the voice of Christ and respond without delay. A life ordered toward God begins with attention to His word and trust in His guidance.

Glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thee in thy loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy towards those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, confident in the hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore, if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul. Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

Day 2

The School of Humility

Humility places you truthfully before God. Every good gift comes from Him, while every sin reveals your need for mercy. St. Benedict understood that humility is learned through prayer, obedience, patience, and honest repentance. It does not require you to deny your gifts. It asks you to use them for God's glory rather than your own praise. Ask for freedom from pride, resentment, and the desire to control others. Christ can make your heart gentle, grateful, and ready to serve.

Glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thee in thy loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy towards those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, confident in the hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore, if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul. Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

Day 3

Prayer and Work

St. Benedict ordered daily life so that prayer and work would lead his monks toward God. Your ordinary responsibilities can also become offerings of love. Work done honestly and carefully serves your neighbor and honors the gifts God has given you. Prayer keeps work from becoming an idol, while faithful work guards prayer from empty sentiment. Ask St. Benedict to help you establish a sound rhythm of worship, labor, rest, and service. Let each task become a quiet act of fidelity to Christ.

Glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thee in thy loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy towards those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, confident in the hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore, if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul. Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

Day 4

Obedience of Heart

Christian obedience is rooted in the obedience of Christ to the Father. St. Benedict asks for obedience that is prompt, sincere, and free from murmuring. You practice it by keeping God's commandments, receiving the Church's teaching, and fulfilling the rightful duties of your state in life. Obedience may expose impatience or self-will, but grace can purify both. Ask St. Benedict to help you surrender whatever resists God's will. True obedience leads toward freedom because it places your life under the wisdom and love of God.

Glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thee in thy loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy towards those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, confident in the hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore, if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul. Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

Day 5

Strength Against Temptation

St. Benedict endured serious temptations and resisted them through prayer, discipline, and confidence in God's grace. Temptation is not itself a sin, but it calls for vigilance and a prompt refusal of evil. You should avoid occasions of sin and seek the sacraments when you have fallen. Ask St. Benedict to intercede for you in the weakness you know most clearly. The mercy of Christ is stronger than any sinful habit. His grace can restore your freedom and teach you to choose what leads to life.

Glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thee in thy loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy towards those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, confident in the hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore, if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul. Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

Day 6

The Holy Cross

The medal of St. Benedict points to the saving Cross of Jesus Christ. It is a sacramental, not a charm. Its prayers express faith in Christ and rejection of Satan's lies. When you use a blessed medal with devotion, let it remind you to make the Sign of the Cross, resist temptation, and call upon the Lord. Ask St. Benedict to guard you from spiritual harm and strengthen your trust in Christ. Every victory over evil comes through the grace won by the Cross.

Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Non draco sit mihi dux! Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas! May the Holy Cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide! Begone, Satan! Never tempt me with thy vanities! What thou offerest me is evil. Drink the poison thyself! Glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thee in thy loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy towards those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, confident in the hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore, if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul. Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

Day 7

Welcoming Christ

St. Benedict taught his monks to receive guests with reverence and charity. Christian hospitality begins by recognizing the dignity God gives to every person. You may practice it through patient attention, generous service, and care for someone who is lonely or burdened. Hospitality also requires prudence and healthy order, but it should never become cold indifference. Ask St. Benedict to make your home and heart places of peace. May those who meet you receive something of the kindness, truth, and welcome of Christ.

Glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thee in thy loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy towards those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, confident in the hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore, if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul. Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

Day 8

Peace and Charity

Life with others requires patience, forgiveness, and respect for rightful order. St. Benedict formed communities in which strong and weak members could seek God together. Peace does not grow from avoiding every difficulty. It grows when truth is joined to charity and each person is willing to repent. Ask St. Benedict to intercede for your family, parish, workplace, and community. Bring any conflict before Christ and examine your own conduct honestly. God can heal divisions when you offer Him a humble and forgiving heart.

Glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thee in thy loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy towards those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, confident in the hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore, if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul. Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

Day 9

Perseverance Until Death

St. Benedict's whole life was directed toward eternal union with God. Perseverance is built through daily fidelity rather than occasional enthusiasm. Prayer, the sacraments, works of charity, and repentance prepare you to meet Christ with hope. Ask St. Benedict for the grace to remain faithful in suffering, weakness, and old age. Entrust to him those approaching death and those who have died. May your final prayer be one of confidence in the mercy of Jesus, who calls His faithful servants into everlasting life.

Glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thee in thy loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy towards those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, confident in the hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore, if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul. Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

Closing prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. St. Benedict, pray for us.

Novena to St. Benedict