Novena of spazio + spadoni | SIXTH DAY
The Novena is a time of waiting that spazio + spadoni wishes to fill with a personal reflection on works of mercy
On the altar, 9 unlit candles, in a row (one will be lit each day at the conclusion of the prayer)
If praying as a family, the same candle can be lit each time.
DAY 6 – Dec. 21: VISITING THE PRISONERS
Symbol: a calendar
Opening hymn: your choice, depending on your repertoire
CEL. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
ASS. Amen.
THE WORD
From the Gospel according to Matthew (25:36)
“I was sick and you visited me, imprisoned and you came to see me.”
From Pope Francis’ Message to the inmates of Sollicciano (Dec. 2024)
“I wish to embrace all the prisoners to whom I assure my human and spiritual closeness. I invite them to trust always in God, the good and merciful Father.”
Today’s work of mercy: visiting the prisoners
A calendar, on the sixth day of this novena…
In solidarity with all the prisoners of the world,
for whom the days all seem the same,
and never pass.
So that the future may enter the idea of their hearts
and tomorrow be contemplated.
- Jesus, as we wait for Christmas, teach us to have mercy on those who have done wrong;
- Jesus, as we wait for Christmas, remind us that we are all sinners;
- Jesus, as we wait for Christmas, help us to bring comfort to places where hope fails.
The sixth lamp (or candle) is lit as the reader reads a prayer from https://chiesaconsolazione.it/
Merciful God, we pray to you for all those who are held in prisons around the world. We know that each person has a unique story and that many of them have made mistakes that have brought them to this place of confinement. We ask you to open their hearts to your grace and love, that they may find the strength to face the consequences of their actions and to embark on a path of redemption
O God, look with compassion on those who are in prison. Many of them feel alone, abandoned and hopeless. Please be their light in the midst of darkness, give them comfort and consolation. Help them find inner peace and strength to face daily challenges. Instill in them confidence in your mercy and the possibility of a new beginning.
Lord, please inspire those who work in prisons to be agents of positive change. Give them wisdom and compassion to treat prisoners with respect and dignity. Help them to understand that prisoners are also your children and deserve a second chance. Please open the doors of reform and rehabilitation so that those who have been imprisoned can find hope and a better future.
CEL. Beloved, today, we have been reflecting and praying on the sixth work of mercy. Let us make these words become deeds. God’s mercy is at work — ALWAYS!
God bless you. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
ASS. Amen.
Final hymn: your choice according to your repertoire