# Day Five of the Novena: Saint John Neumann
*2008-10-29*

> Bill Young continues the five‑day novena to three American saints for the Life, focusing on Saint John Neumann, the tireless bishop of Philadelphia, and offers a prayer for life and the Church.

## Introducing Saint John Neumann

Saint John Neumann came to the United States in the mid‑19th century as a priest to serve the growing Catholic population of New York, New Jersey, and later Pennsylvania. He ministered in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore before being appointed bishop of Philadelphia in 1852. Known for his devotion to education and his tireless love for the faithful, he died in 1860 while on a pastoral visit.

## Our Prayer for Saint John Neumann

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

Saint John Neumann, loyal son, faithful priest, and tireless bishop, you worked to support and defend life in all its wonder. Intercede for the Church you loved with all your heart, that we may be faithful witnesses to the Gospel of Life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

## Prayer for Our Nation and the Church

Lord, pray for the leaders of our country, the tireless servants of the Cross, and for those who model self‑sacrifice in the face of suffering. Help us not to count the cost when proclaiming the Gospel of life, faithful unto death. Guide our fathers, that they may be true to the faith of our Father.

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.

## Traditional Prayers

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.

*May Saint John Neumann inspire us to defend and cherish every human life with the same zeal he showed for his flock.*