Novena in preparation for the Feast of our Lady of Mercy
September 24th
(Say the prayer daily beginning on September 15th)

Merciful God, on the feast of our Lady of Mercy in 1827 you manifested your love for your people through the opening of the House of Mercy on Baggot Street,Dublin. As we prepare for this feast, we ask that you show us your love once again. May we freely respond to your call to serve the needy of our time, by collaborating with others in the Works of Mercy; may we learn from them how to be more merciful. Through our sponsored works, may we model mercy and justice and promote systemic change according to these ideals. May we witness to mercy by reverencing the dignity of each person and creating a spirit of gracious welcome wherever we live and serve. May those you are calling to the membership of Mercy Associates respond with gladness and generosity. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen

Another Prayer for the Novena God of mercy, lover of those who are poor, pour out your Spirit on all creation. You sent Jesus to us that we might know the depths of your love and mercy May we who have received mercy be mercy for others Animated by Catherine McAuley's passion to serve your suffering people, we have committed ourselves, as Mercy Associates, to follow her example and embrace the Mercy way of life. As we prepare to celebrate the feast of Mary, the Mother of Mercy we ask you to continue to give us hands to heal and soothe and ears to hear those who call out for your justice. Let our hearts be filled with compassion for the stranger and the outcast. May we be sisters and brothers to each other and to all we meet. May we proclaim in our lives what we profess with our lips. We ask this in the name of Jesus and through the intercession of Mary, our Mother of Mercy. Amen From "Praying the Spirit of Catherine McAuley", page 24. Adapted)

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