A Vocation Freely Received

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God of life and mercy, you called St. Alphonsa within the Syro-Malabar Church and formed her among the Franciscan Clarist sisters. As I begin this novena, receive the intention I carry. Through her intercession, give me courage without glorifying pain, freedom to answer your call, humility to seek care, and faithful love in every circumstance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

You didn't choose me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

Jesus chooses; vocation is a gift, never coercion. While facing intense pressure toward marriage, young Alphonsa resorted to gravely harming herself in an effort to protect her calling. That injury was not a holy solution and should never be copied. The good within her story is her longing to answer God freely and the eventual recognition of that freedom.

Lord Jesus, guard every person whose freedom or safety is threatened. Through the prayers of St. Alphonsa, give courage to seek trusted people, pastoral counsel, medical or mental-health care, and emergency help when needed. Guide families to respect each vocation, and teach me to follow you without harming myself or controlling another. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

St. Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception, daughter of Kerala and sister in the Syro-Malabar Church, carry my intention before God. Pray for all who live with illness, grief, coercion, trauma, or uncertainty, and for those who care for them. Help me receive grace, choose life, seek wise support, serve with tenderness, and remain hopeful in Christ. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.