# Third Day of the Novena to the Infant of Prague
*2016-01-06*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. André Bessette and leads the third day of the Novena to the Infant of Prague, offering prayers of trust, mercy, and personal petition.

## Feast of St. André Bessette

Good evening, this is Bill Young. Today is Wednesday, January 6th, the feast day of St. André Bessette. Brother André lived a simple life in Montreal, Canada, and was known for his deep devotion to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. Though he suffered from chronic illness, he served as a doorkeeper at the Notre‑Dame Basilica and became beloved for his humility and charity. Over a million people attended his funeral in 1937, and he was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI.

## Opening Prayer

We begin in the name of the Father, and of His Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, come to my aid; make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

## Third Day of the Novena

Holy Child Jesus, as I contemplate your face and the sweet smile that appears there, I am filled with lively trust. I place all my hopes in your goodness. May your gracious smile rise upon me and upon all my loved ones, that we may exalt your infinite mercy.
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; 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 sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

## Personal Petition

O Jesus, for your divine infancy grant me the grace I ask. If it is in your plan for my good, look not at my unworthiness but at my faith, and pour out your infinite mercy upon me. The sweet thought of Jesus brings joy to the heart; his presence is sweeter than honey. No song or word can fully express the joy of finding the Lord. May we always love Jesus, the source of all happiness, now and forever. Amen.

## Closing Prayer

O God, who sent your Only Son to be the Savior of humanity, grant that we may enjoy in heaven the vision of the One whose name we venerate on earth, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless you all.

*May the Infant of Prague fill our hearts with trust, mercy, and the joy of finding Jesus.*