For the Life of a Brother

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.

I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.

Maximilian's sacrifice did not repeat Christ's saving death; it bore witness to it. Because Jesus first laid down his life for us, a disciple can freely spend life for a brother or sister. Most self-gift will never be dramatic. It appears in time given, burdens shared, forgiveness offered, and another person's needs taken seriously.

Lord Jesus, your Cross is the source of every true act of self-giving love. Through St. Maximilian's prayers, free me from treating my time and comfort as possessions to defend. Show me whose burden I can share today, and give me the generosity to serve without seeking praise or control over the outcome. 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.