Care That Binds Wounds

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.

came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

The Samaritan does not praise the wounded man's pain; he interrupts it with concrete care. Alphonsa both needed care and served others when she was able. Christian compassion likewise joins prayer to responsible action. We listen, obtain consent, use available skill, and connect people with qualified help. Accompaniment respects the sufferer's decisions instead of turning vulnerability into someone else's spiritual lesson.

Merciful God, teach me to notice wounds without exploiting them. Through the intercession of St. Alphonsa, strengthen everyone who provides ethical and skilled care. Give me humility to ask what is needed, respect another person's consent, and summon expert help when a situation exceeds me. Make my prayer a doorway to responsible compassion. 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.