Light in the Darkness

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

O God, you formed St. Maximilian Kolbe in the school of the Gospel and filled him with love for Mary and for every person in need. As I begin this novena, teach me to give myself without counting the cost. Through his intercession, strengthen my faith, free me from fear, and make my life a gift of charity. 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.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it.

A concentration camp was built to strip people of name, dignity, and hope. Within that darkness, Maximilian kept recognizing persons rather than numbers and choosing love rather than the camp's logic of contempt. Christian hope does not deny the depth of evil. It bears witness that evil cannot make the light of Christ stop shining.

Christ our light, shine wherever hatred tries to erase human dignity. Through the prayers of St. Maximilian, keep my heart from becoming numb to cruelty or prejudice. Give consolation to those who endure dehumanizing treatment, strengthen those who defend them, and show me the concrete act of courage and kindness that is mine to offer. 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. Maximilian Kolbe, Franciscan priest and martyr of charity, you placed your gifts at the service of the Gospel and your life at the service of a neighbor. Pray that I may belong wholly to Christ, love Mary with a faithful heart, and recognize the dignity of every person. Carry my intention before God, and help me choose courageous love in the duties of each day. Amen.

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