Novena Ninth Day
Native peoples and settlers kept Junipero's saintly memory alive after his death. Streams of visitors have paid their respects at his Mission Carmel grave, including Pope John Paul II on September 17th, 1987. The Canonization Cause of Junipero Serra was introduced to the Vatican in 1935, and on may 9, 1985 he was elevated to the rank of Venerable, that is, having led a life of heroic virtue and thereby worthy of veneration. To move to the next step of beatification and the title Blessed, a miracle must have taken place through Venerable Junipero Serra's intercession before God.In 1960, when Sister Mary Boniface Dyrda, O.S.F. was near death she prayed the novena to Venerable Junipero Serra. Sister Mary Boniface was a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help for 58 years and died in January, 2000.
After praying to Servant of God Junipero Serra and reciting the novena, she was miraculously cured of lupus disease. In her words, "When I was taken to the hospital to die, our chaplain suggested that we make a novena in honor of Father Serra. There was quite a sudden change. I was able to sit up in bed. I experienced a steady improvement and after another week I was dismissed. Thanks be to God and to Father Serra!"
This cure was unanimously verified by the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and accepted by His Holiness as a miracle in 1987. Pope John Paul II proclaimed Fray Junipero Serra Blessed at S. Peter's Basilica on Sunday September 25, 1988. In order that Blessed Junipero Serra be proclaimed a saint, another miracle must be obtained through his intercession. The efforts to bring him recognition as a canonized saint have been singularly blessed. Some of the causes we might pray for today include: a cure for cancer or AIDS, unity among nations, for the health of the Church through an increase in vocations, and you own personal intentions.
Meditation
Blessed Junipero Serra, you served God with humble confidence on earth and because "whoever humbles himself shall be exalted" (Matthew 23:12), you now enjoy His beatific vision. We thank God for raising you to the rank of Blessed so that more people will drawn near and imitate you, seek your powerful help, and in doing so, humble themselves, that they may one day be exalted with you in eternal glory.
Prayer For Our Holy Father
God, Our Father, we ask You to look with mercy and love on the Supreme Shepherd You have chosen for us. Give him health and strength to guide and govern Your holy people. May he, through word and example, direct, sustain and encourage the people in his care, so that with them he may share everlasting life. Lord Jesus, hear our prayer through the intercession of Blessed Junipero Serra. Amen.
Novena Prayer
O God, in Your ineffable mercy, You chose Blessed Junipero Serra as a means of gathering many peoples of the Americas into Your Church. Grant that through his intercession our hearts may be united in You in ever greater love, so that at all times and in all places we may show forth the image of Your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Litany of Blessed Junipero Serra
God, the Father of Heaven,God, the Son, Redeemer of the World,
God, the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, One God,
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Mother of the Church,
Queen of the Angels, Pray for us. Patroness of the Americas,
Blessed Junipero Serra,
Who opens my eyes and heart to the challenges of today,
Prophet and penitent who saw the suffering Christ in the poor,
Protector, lover, defender of the Indians and our faith,
Admirer of all creation, the sea, the sky, and all the earth,
Model of priestly service and saintly son of St. Francis,
Beloved of God and of all those in need,
Peacemaker in the face of violence,
Teacher of perseverance and trust in prayer,
Apostolic missionary, Pastor, and Patron of the Californias,
Pathfinder for those seeking true direction in their lives,
Patron of all Serrans,
God's fearless leader,
Who keeps my gratitude fresh each day,
Who accepts both success and suffering as gift,
Who bore his physical and emotional pain in imitation of the Crucified,
Who spoke the truth openly and courageously against power and injustice,
Whose charity and humility endured a lifetime,
Who proclaimed the Gospel, fed the hungry, and clothed the naked,
Who was always faithful, zealous and loyal,
Who was close to the sick and dying,
Who is guide to my feet in following Christ,
Who told us "Always go forward and never turn back,"
O Christ, may your compassion shine forth from the depths of our hearts and embrace all we meet,
You who fills the emptiness in our life with your presence,
Tender-hearted and merciful God,
Christ hear us.
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.
Prayers
Recite the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father.
O Lord Jesus Christ,
reward the apostolic zeal
of Your Seraphic son, Blessed Junipero Serra,
who leaving home and fatherland,
labored for the salvation of souls
in Spain, Mexico and California.
By Your Most Holy name
may he be raised to the full honors of the altar.
Through the intercession of Blessed Serra,
look with favor on my special prayers
which have no earthly answer.
This we pray through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
