Sunday 30 August 2009

Novena: prayer for the conversion of sinners

This image shows a confessional in the Cathedral Church of St Pierre in Lisieux, where Thérèse made her first confession. This week the Diocesan Novena prays for the grace of conversion for all who have turned from God.

Intention for this week: the conversion of sinners
In early September 1887 Thérèse read an account of the execution of a murderer by the name of Pranzini. She already knew of this man and had spent much time praying that he might repent of his crime before his death. He had shown no sign of remorse until – moments before his execution - he asked for a crucifix and kissed it. Thérèse took this as a sign that her prayers had been answered, and rejoiced that a soul had been saved. In today’s first reading at Mass we hear of the value of God’s Law, and in the Gospel reading Jesus criticises those whose hearts are far from God, even when they pay Him lip service. This week let us pray for the conversion of those who have turned from God, and ask that each of us may sincerely try to follow God’s will.

Intercession:
Let us pray for conversion - that all of us, especially those who are far from God, may return to Him with the help of the prayers of St Thérèse.