# Novena to the Infant of Prague – Ninth Day
*2016-01-17*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Anthony of Egypt, prays for the intercession of St. Anthony and St. Paul the Hermit, and continues the novena to the Infant of Prague.

## Feast of St. Anthony of Egypt

Good morning, this is Bill Young. Today is Sunday, January 17th, the feast day of St. Anthony of Egypt. St. Anthony shares a spiritual kinship with St. Paul the Hermit, whose feast we celebrated a few days ago. Tradition says that St. Paul lived on bread delivered by birds for sixty years. When St. Anthony visited him, the birds brought twice as much bread for the two holy men. We ask their intercession for the solitude and prayerfulness we desire in our lives.

## Opening Prayer and Invocation

We begin in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Almighty 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.

Little King, thank you for the blessings poured out from your right hand. Bless my soul, my body, and my needs, that they may be satisfied. Hear my vows, and may I bless your holy name each day.

## The Our Father and Hail Mary

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, my loving Mother, pray for sinners, especially at the hour of our death. Amen.

## Prayer to the Infant of Prague

Oh Jesus, through your divine infancy, grant me the grace I ask of you. Bless the health of all listeners, especially Susan Fox, that God may answer her prayers and give her strength. May your infinite mercy cover my unworthiness, and may the sweet thought of Jesus fill my heart with joy, sweeter than honey. Nothing can compare to the delight of knowing you, Son of God.

Jesus, source of mercy for those who repent, you are good to all who seek you. No tongue can describe the joy of finding the Lord. May we always glorify you now and forever. Amen.

## Closing Prayer

Lord God, who sent your Son to be the Savior of humanity, grant us the joy of heaven and the vision of the One we venerate on earth. Through Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.

God bless you all, and have a great Sunday.

*May the intercession of St. Anthony, St. Paul, and the Infant of Prague deepen our solitude, prayer, and trust in God's mercy.*