St. Mary Magdalene Novena Day 8

The moment of recognition...

Reading
Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him and I will take him away."

Jesus said to her, "Mary!" 
She turned and said to him, "Rabbouni!" (which means "Teacher).

Wondering
How did Jesus approach Mary? At what point did Mary recognize her Lord?

Contemplating
One of our longest pieces in the account of Mary on that first Easter morning... Read it through several times and allow any significant words or phrases to sink into your soul. Why are they important to you? Make a note of them and prepare to use them to feed into your mind and spirit.
or...
Spend a few minutes building the scene in whatever way you find most helpful.  If as a film director - enjoy the scene unfolding... if in imagination - simply enjoy!

Reflecting
Many people have moments of recognizing something that holds promise and builds on the many good things that have been happening.
Pray for them - for the moment of grace which may affect the rest of their lives.

Prayer
Mary of Magdala,
your moment of recognition echoes down the centuries
as we learn to recognize our Lord in Word and Communion.
Pray for those experiencing such a moment of recognizing
something founded on the rich legacy of faith
and love of countless millions of believers around the world.
Pray too for those who contributed to its development.
Guide us all through your story
to the hope of resurrection.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory be...

St. Anne Novena, Day Five

Great Saint Anne, how far I am from resembling you. I so easily give way to impatience and discouragement; and so easily give up praying when God does not at once answer my request. Prayer is the key to all heavenly treasures and I cannot pray, because my weak faith and lack of confidence fail me at the slightest delay. O my powerful protectress, come to my aid, listen to my petition… (State your intention here.)
Make my confidence and fervor, supported by the promise of Jesus Christ, increase as the trial to which God in His goodness subjects me is prolonged, that I may obtain like you more than I can venture to ask for. In the future I will remember that I am made for heaven and not for earth; for eternity and not for time; that consequently I must ask, above all, the salvation of my soul which is assured to all who pray properly and who persevere in prayer.
Amen.
Pray for us, Saint Anne!
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

St. Mary Magdalene Novena Day 7

Not knowing what is to come...

ReadingThey said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.

Wondering
Is Mary comforted by the words of the angels - or further confused? She turns and sees Jesus but does not yet recognize him... why not?

Contemplating
We are reaching the climax of the story - but are not there yet... Read the passage a few times and see what ideas or thoughts begin to emerge.
Make a note of your thoughts - jot them down – and, if you are using the Novena in a group, prepare to receive the insights of others.
or...
Spend a few minutes building the scene in whatever way you have found has worked for you. What fears might be within Mary at this point - and what hope against hope?

Reflecting
We who know the story know what's coming and have a feeling of anticipation - but Mary does not. We ourselves sometimes wonder: what will be asked of me? Will I like what I see and hear?
Pray for a willingness to wait to see what God is to reveal...

Prayer
Mary of Magdala,
still sorrowful,
even you could not at first recognise your Lord.
Guide us all through your story
to the hope of resurrection.
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory be...

St. Anne Novena, Day Four

Glorious Saint Anne, I kneel in confidence at your feet, for you also have tasted the bitterness and sorrow of life. My need, the cause of my request, is… (State your intention here.)
Good Saint Anne, you who did suffer much during the twenty years that preceded your glorious maternity, I beseech you, by all your sufferings and humiliations, to grant my prayer.
I pray to you, through your love for your glorious spouse Saint Joachim, through your love for your immaculate child, through the joy you did feel at the moment of her happy birth, not to refuse me. Bless me, bless my family and all who are dear to me, so that some day we may all be with you in the glory of heaven, for all eternity.
Amen.
Pray for us, Saint Anne!
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.