# Fifth Day of the Novena to the Infant of Prague
*2016-01-08*

> Bill Young reflects on St. Angela of Foligno and leads the fifth‑day prayer of the Novena to the Infant of Prague, asking for humility, love of the poor, and deeper union with Christ.

## St. Angela of Foligno

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today is Friday, January 8, the feast of St. Angela of Foligno. Angela began as a typical wife and mother, focused on wealth and status. In her mid‑forties she experienced a profound conversion, turning away from materialism and dedicating herself to prayer and the poor. I pray that we, too, may detach from money and fame and seek only the glory of God in serving those in need.

## Fifth‑Day Prayer of the Novena

We continue with the fifth day of our Novena to the Infant of Prague. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

O God, come to our aid; Lord, make haste to help us. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, so it is now and ever shall be.

I contemplate you, O sweetest Redeemer, clothed in the purple mantle, your royal uniform. Your blood, which you shed for me, calls me to respond to your sacrifice. May I never refuse the graces you offer, that I might suffer with you and for you, and follow you into heaven. Hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done; 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.

## 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.

## Personal Petition

Lord, grant me the graces I ask: that I may not seek wealth but remain humble, helping the poor and drawing all nearer to Christ, following the example of St. Angela. May my unworthiness be covered by your infinite mercy, and may the sweet fruit of Jesus bring joy to my heart, sweeter than honey. May those who repent find your merciful love, and may we always glorify you now and forever. Amen.

## Closing Prayer

O God, who appointed your only Son as 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.

*May we, like St. Angela, turn from worldly ambition to a humble love for the poor, trusting in Christ’s mercy.*