Blessed Michael McGivney, Father to the Young, pray for us.
“Ah, Lord GOD!” I said, “I do not know how to speak. I am too young!” But the LORD answered me, Do not say, “l am too young.” To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you. (Jer 1:6-8)
Intention
For Ukrainian youth and their future, that the Lord may fill their hearts with courage and solidarity to stand together in overcoming evil with good and bearing one another’s burdens.
Reflection
Young people during the war have grown up faster. This stage of life is a time of open hearts, dreams for the future and hope amid the most difficult trials. Yet in Ukraine today, many of them witness more funerals than weddings. But their will to live and their hope for God’s support help them look to the future with confidence.
They need our prayers that they will be filled with courage and perseverance, that they will entrust their worries, fears and sufferings to the Lord. We long for their young lives to thrive, kindled with the flame of solidarity, despite so much resistance from opposing winds.
May Ukraine’s youth honor the lives of those who have died with the choices they make each day the choice to continue to live in freedom and responsibility, to rebuild a civilization of love. May the Lord grant his faithful the grace to pray for the conversion of all people, including the perpetrators of evil, so that our hearts may reflect the Gospel and be steadfast in charity.
We pray that the Lord richly blesses all young people and preserves their dreams. And we look forward to a future that embodies their ideals.
Petitions
May the Lord fill the hearts of young people with faith and the courage to live in solidarity with one another. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
That young people take responsibility for building a better life here on earth. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
Daily Prayers
A Prayer for Peace in Ukraine
O Lord God of powers and God of our salvation, O God who alone works wonders: look down with mercy and compassion on your humble servants, and out of love for mankind listen and have mercy on us and on the land of Ukraine.
Visit your mercies and compassions upon your humble servants, those who protect Ukraine and her much-suffering people, and hear us who fall down before your deep compassion.
For you are the health, victory and salvation of them who put their hope in you, and unto you do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
Our Father …
Hail Mary …
Glory be …
(“A prayer for Peace in Ukraine” is adapted from the Byzantine Iiturgical tradition, “Prayer Service Sung in Times of War,” in “Trebnyk, Book of Needs.”)
This novena is shared with the permission of the Knights of Columbus. Visit KOFC.ORG/UKRAINE for more information about the Knights’ humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
