Novena to St. Antonius of Florence

  Posted on May 1, 2020  by admin  No comments

(Please recite this novena for 9 consecutive days)

Eternal God, you blessed Saint Antoninus with a marvelous gift of counsel. By the help of his prayers, while we walk in the darkness of this life, may we learn from the light of Christ all that we ought to do. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen.

Let us pray

O Antoninus, Archbishop of Florence, in God’s heaven you shine with a two-fold crown of Bishop and Doctor. Illumine our way through this life and make our hearts invincible to temptations. You who were called the “saint of good advice,” guide us through the confusion of our thoughts and the rebellion of our will.The poor called you “father,” and in you found protection and help, physical bread for their bodies and spiritual bread for their souls. 

As the daily cares of this earthly life become increasingly burdensome, we turn to you who wisely pointed out the demands of social justice in the midst of difficult economic circumstances. Obtain for us from God the freedom to serve him alone, to live in fraternal love, and to use the goods of the earth to seek the treasures of the life to come.Amen(Source: Translated into English by Doug Sousa.)

We give thanks to our Risen Jesus for the sublime gifts bestowed by Him on thee, O Antoninus! When He confided a portion of his Flock to thy care, He enriched thee with the qualities of a Shepherd according to His own heart. He knew that He could trust to thy love; He therefore gave thee charge over His Lambs. The age in which thou livedst, was one of great disorder, and one that prepared the way for the scandals of the following Century; and yet thou wast one of the brightest lights the Church has ever had.

Florence still cherishes thy memory, as the man of God and the father of thy country; aid her by thy prayers. The preachers of heresy have entered within her walls; watch over the field whereon thine own hands sowed the good seed; let not the cockle take root there. Thou wast the defender of the Holy See; raise up in unhappy Italy, imitators of thy zeal and learning. Thou hadst the happiness of witnessing, under the grand cupola of thy Cathedral,
the reunion of the Greek Church with Rome; thou hadst a share in bringing about this solemn reconciliation, which, alas! was to be of short duration.

Pray, O holy Pontiff, for the descendants of them that were faithless to the promise sealed on the very Altar, whereon thy hands so often offered up the Sacrifice of unity and peace.Disciple of the great Dominic, inheritor of his burning zeal, protect the holy order which he founded, and of which thou art so bright an ornament. Show that thou still lovest it. Give it increase, and procure for its children the holiness that once worked such loveliness and fruit in the Church.

Holy Pontiff, be mindful o5f the Faithful, who implore thine intercession at this period of the Year.Thy eloquent lips announced the Pasch, so many years, to the people of Florence, and urged them to share in the Resurrection of our Divine Head. The same Pasch, the immortal Pasch,
has shone once more upon us. We are still celebrating it; oh! pray that its fruits may be lasting in us, and that our Risen Jesus, Who has given us Life,
may, by His grace, preserve it in our souls for all eternity.

Hymn

Jesu, the world’s Redeemer, hear; Thy Bishop’s fadeless crown, draw near:
Accept with gentlest love today The prayers and praises that we pay. The meek Confessor of Thy name Today attained a glorious fame: Whose yearly feast, in solemn state, Thy faithful people celebrate.The world and all its boasted good, As vain and passing, he eschewed; And therefore with angelic bands, In endless joy forever stands.Grant then that we, most gracious God,
May follow in the steps he trod: And, at his prayer, thy servants free From stain of all iniquity.To thee, O Christ, our loving King, All glory, praise, and thanks we bring: All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete.Amen.

Whoever imagines himself without defect has an excess of pride. God alone is perfect.Often read spiritual books; then, like a sheep, ruminate the food thou hast taken, by meditation and a desire to practise the holy doctrine found therein.

[Mention your need(s) here…]St Antoninus, Pray for us. (3 times)