# Introducing the Novena to the Merciful Love
*2015-12-31*

> Bill Young introduces the novena to the Merciful Love, written by Venerable Mother Speranza, and shares her life story and the opening prayers of the devotion.

## Who Was Mother Speranza?

The Holy Spirit gives charisms and extraordinary gifts continuously to men and women so that they may do good for humanity. One such person was Venerable Mother Speranza of Jesus. She was born in the province of Satrinesia, Spain, on September 30, 1893. At age 22 she entered the Sisters of Charity, leaving the congregation in 1930 when the Lord called her to found a new religious family.

Mother Speranza possessed a deep, intimate knowledge of God’s mercy that came not from books but from her relationship with Jesus, whom she called “the Good Jesus.” She came to understand God not as a distant, angry father but as a loving Father who forgives, forgets offenses, and welcomes the prodigal son with a feast. In 1930, obeying God’s will, she founded the Handmaids of Merciful Love in Madrid, later adding a secular branch. Together they served the most vulnerable: homeless children, abandoned elders, the handicapped, the sick, and anyone in need.

During the Second World War she went to Rome to aid the wounded and the persecuted, feeding hundreds of starving people. In 1951 she established the Children of Merciful Love, a congregation meant to foster fraternity with priests touched by God’s mercy. Later she created a unique union allowing diocesan priests to become members of her family while remaining attached to their dioceses. In 1955 construction began on the Sanctuary of the Merciful Love in Calaventia, Italy, which soon became a spiritual centre for proclaiming God’s love. Mother Speranza died there on February 8, 1983, at the age of 90.

## Opening Prayer of the Novena

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

O God, come to my aid; Lord, make haste to help me.

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.

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.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

## Prayer of Petition

My Jesus, my sorrow is great because I have offended You many times. Yet, with the heart of a Father, You have forgiven me. You invite me to ask, and You will receive. I turn to You, merciful Love, that You may grant me the grace to transform my life, to bear witness to my faith with works, and to be set afire by Your love.

Lord, may Your infinite love adopt us as Your children, that we may love one another as brothers and sisters. Help us to call You Father, to obey and venerate You, and to trust that we will obtain all that we ask according to Your will.

My Jesus, I ask for Your clemency toward Your poor creatures. Forgive my sins, even though I feel unworthy, and grant the desires of my heart if they lead to Your glory and the good of my soul. I place myself in Your hands; do with me as You please.

Prayer: Jesus, be to me a father, guardian, and guide on my pilgrimage, that nothing may disturb me and I may not stray from the path that leads to You and to Your Mother, who cared for You with great tenderness. Teach me to fulfill my duties, to follow the commandments, and to love You as a child loves a parent.

Our Father… (the Our Father is then recited again in full).

Hail Mary… (the Hail Mary is then recited again in full).

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

*Mother Speranza’s life reminds us that God’s mercy is always ready to welcome us back and transform us.*