Love in Hidden Work

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.

And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Poor health limited the classroom teaching of St. Alphonsa, yet she continued serving through catechesis, assisting others, correspondence, and the daily duties of religious community. A restricted life is not a useless life. Worth cannot be measured by output, stamina, or public notice. When love shapes what is possible today, even a small task can become a real gift without demanding more than we can safely give.

Lord Christ, receive the work I can honestly offer today. Through the intercession of St. Alphonsa, release me from comparison and from shame about my limits. Give me care in small duties, willingness to rest when needed, and gratitude for help. May my labor honor people rather than use them, and may hidden love bear fruit. 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.