Novena for the Sick
Drawing from sickness and suffering he experienced in his own life and in the lives of those he served through his priestly ministry, St. Josemaria explained that, “Suffering is part of God’s plans. This is the truth, however difficult it may be for us to understand it. It was difficult for Jesus Christ the man to undergo his passion: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but yours be done.” In this tension of pleading and acceptance of the Father’s will, Jesus goes calmly to his death, pardoning those who crucify him.
This supernatural acceptance of suffering was, precisely, the greatest of all conquests. By dying on the cross Jesus overcame death. God brings life from death. The attitude of a child of God is not one of resignation to a possibly tragic fate; it is the sense of achievement of someone who has a foretaste of victory. In the name of this victorious love of Christ, we Christians should go out into the world to be sowers of peace and joy through everything we say and do. We have to fight — a fight of peace — against evil, against injustice, against sin. Thus do we serve notice that the present condition of mankind is not definitive. Only the love of God, shown in the heart of Christ, will attain the glorious spiritual triumph of men” (Christ is Passing By, 168).
Through the teaching and example of St. Josemaria, theNovena for the Sick by Fr. Francisco Faus invites those who are suffering from physical sickness, or any form of sickness, to turn to prayer—to God—to find peace and meaning. The novena is also helpful for those who are accompanying a loved one during a difficult time and are praying for their recovery.
The novena contains daily reflections from the writings of St. Josemaria, prayers for recovery from sickness, and the Prayer for the Intercession of St. Josemaria.