# May 20 – Day Five of the Novena to Our Lady Help of Christians
*2015-05-19*

> Bill Young leads the fifth day of the novena to Our Lady Help of Christians, praying for the recovery of Dwayne, honoring St. Bernardine of Siena, and reflecting on the wedding at Cana.

## Opening Prayer and Intentions

Good morning, this is Bill Young. We continue our novena to Our Lady Help of Christians, asking for the intercession of Mary for the Church and for a special intention: the speedy recovery of Dwayne. We also remember his family and friends in prayer. Today is the feast of St. Bernardine of Siena, whose prayers we invoke as well. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

## Novena Prayer to Mary

Mary, beloved Mother, who showed your precious patronage in the triumph of Pope Pius VII, extend your holy mantle over Holy Mother Church, especially over her august head, against the assaults of many enemies. Deliver her from temporal suffering and assist her always that she may securely steer the banquet of Peter in truth and overcome the proud waves attempting to sink it. Amen.

## Traditional Prayers

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. 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.

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, abandoned children of Eve; to you we lift our sighs, mourning in the valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile, show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O loving, sweet Virgin Mary, pray for us that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

## Scripture Reflection: The Wedding at Cana

In John 2:1‑11 we hear of the marriage in Cana, where Jesus and his disciples were invited. When the wine ran out, Mary interceded, saying to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Jesus performed His first miracle, turning water into wine, showing the power of obedience to Mary’s prompt. As John 2:5 reminds us, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Luke 1:28 reminds us of the blessedness of those who hear God’s word and keep it.

## Prayer for Protection and Healing

O Mary, virgin and powerful defender of the Church, you are the wonderful Help of Christians. You have triumphed over heresies and protected the faithful in times of sorrow, conflict, and need. Defend us from our enemies, and at the hour of our death welcome us into paradise. Amen.

We ask again for Dwayne’s healing, that he may be strengthened and restored, and for his family to receive encouragement and peace.

*May Mary’s mantle continue to shield the Church and bring healing to those in need.*