# Novena Prayer to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta – Day Three
*2016-08-27*

> Bill Young leads the third day of the novena to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, reflecting on the thirst of Christ and praying for earthquake victims in Italy and for families.

## Opening and Context

Good morning, this is Bill Young and welcome to the Prayer at Lunch podcast. Today is Sunday, August 28, and we continue our novena to Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Yesterday we honored St. Monica, whose struggles included a prodigal son and an abusive husband. We asked for her intercession that our own sons might return to the Church, just as her son became a priest, a bishop, and a saint.

## Approaching the Canonization

Today is the third day of the novena, and we are drawing close to the anticipated canonization of Mother Teresa. In about a week, she will be declared Saint Teresa of Calcutta. I pray, God willing, to be in St. Peter’s Square when that celebration takes place.

## Prayer for Earthquake Victims in Italy

We remember the recent earthquakes in central Italy. The Pope’s firemen rescued a little boy who lost his parents and sister. Let us pray that God grants him and the other rescued children love, strength, and the consolation of His presence, and that the families who survived receive healing.

## Novena Prayer – “I Thirst”

The theme for today is “Hear Him say to you, ‘I thirst.’” Let us contemplate that Christ thirsts for us to come forward and satisfy His thirst. May we receive the grace to understand Jesus’ cry of thirst.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the cross to become a living flame within you, and so you became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the heart of Jesus the grace to pray for the victims and survivors of the earthquake outside Rome, especially the little boy rescued by the Pope’s firemen, and for all those who have died. May they know the love and strength of our Lord.

Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life may radiate His light and love to others. Amen.

## Closing Invocations

Immaculate Heart of Mary, cause of our joy, pray for me. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me. St. Monica, pray for me. St. Augustine of Hippo, pray for me. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

*May we respond to Christ’s thirst by letting His love flow through us to all in need.*