A Novena is a 9 consecutive day recitation of prayers and devotions with the hope of obtaining, through the grace of God, the requested favour before the end of the Novena.
NOVENA
Saint Martha,
I resort to thy aid and protection.
As proof of my affection and faith,
I offer thee this light,
which I shall burn every Tuesday.
Comfort me in all my difficulties
and through the great favors thou didst enjoy
when the Savior was lodged in thy house,
intercede for my family,
that we be provided for in our neccessities.
I ask of thee, Saint Martha,
to overcome all difficulties
as thou didst overcome the dragon
which thou hadst at thy feet.
In the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Recite the following prayers…
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
In the Catholic Church, a Novena is a traditional devotion that involves nine consecutive days of prayer for a specific intention or to seek intercession from a saint. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “The saints have always been the source and origin of renewal in the most difficult moments in the Church’s history” (CCC 828). Therefore, Novenas are a way for Catholics to seek the aid and intercession of the saints in difficult times.
The Novena to Saint Martha is a prayer to seek the aid and protection of Saint Martha, who is known in the Catholic Church as the patron saint of homemakers, cooks, and servants.
The prayer begins with a request for Saint Martha’s aid and protection, which is in line with Catholic teaching on the intercession of the saints. The Catechism states that “The witnesses who have preceded us into the kingdom, especially those whom the Church recognizes as saints, share in the living tradition of prayer by the example of their lives, the transmission of their writings, and their prayer today” (CCC 2683).
The prayer then offers a symbolic act of devotion and commitment to Saint Martha through the burning of a light every Tuesday. This act of devotion is in line with Catholic teaching on the importance of prayer and sacrifice as expressions of faith. The Catechism states that “Prayer is both a gift of grace and a determined response on our part” (CCC 2565).
The prayer also asks for Saint Martha’s intercession on behalf of the person praying and their family. This is in line with Catholic teaching on the communion of saints, which holds that “the communion of saints is the Church” and that “in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always attentive to our prayers” (CCC 946).
The prayer references the biblical story of Saint Martha, where she welcomed Jesus into her home and served him (Luke 10:38-42). This story highlights the importance of hospitality and service, which are values that the Catholic Church upholds. The prayer also references the dragon that Saint Martha overcame, which is a symbolic representation of evil. This reference highlights the Catholic belief in the existence of evil and the importance of seeking God’s protection and aid in overcoming it.
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Finally, the prayer concludes with the sign of the cross and the recitation of three common Catholic prayers: the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. These prayers are expressions of faith in the Holy Trinity and a way of seeking further blessings and intercession.
Overall, the Novena to Saint Martha is a traditional Catholic devotion that seeks the aid and intercession of Saint Martha, the patron saint of homemakers, cooks, and servants. Through prayer and devotion, Catholics seek Saint Martha’s aid in overcoming difficulties and providing for their families.
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