# Prodigal Son reflection and novena to the Holy Trinity
*2017-01-10*

> Bill Young reflects on the parable of the prodigal son, honors Blessed William Carter, and leads a novena of prayers to the Holy Trinity, especially for his wayward son.

## The Parable of the Prodigal Son

We hear the familiar story from Luke 15:11‑15. The younger son asks for his inheritance, squanders it in reckless living, and returns home humbled and hungry. His father welcomes him with open arms, just as our Heavenly Father forgives every sinner who repents. The parable reminds us of the joy in heaven when a lost soul is restored, echoing the earlier stories of the lost sheep and the lost coin.

## Remembering Blessed William Carter

Today is the feast of Blessed William Carter (c. 1548 – January 11, 1584). Carter was a Catholic printer in mid‑16th‑century England, risking his life to publish forbidden Catholic works during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Though not as well‑known as St. Thomas More, his courageous witness deserves our prayers for the Church and for our own families.

## Novena to the Holy Trinity

We begin the novena with the Trinitarian invocation:

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

Eternal Father, thank you for creating us in your love. Have mercy on us through the infinite love of Jesus Christ.

Eternal Son, thank you for redeeming us with your precious blood. Grant us the merits of your sacrifice.

Eternal Holy Spirit, thank you for adopting us by your divine grace. Help us grow in holiness through your love.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

## Personal Petition for My Son

Father, I come before you a poor and powerless creature, recognizing my weakness and your infinite power. I ask that my son, who has strayed, may return to you, just as the prodigal son did, and that the saints may rejoice at his conversion. 

Son, I acknowledge my ignorance and plead for your mercy on my son, that he may be turned to you.

Holy Spirit, I confess my ingratitude and beg your assistance that my son may come back to the Lord.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

## Prayer for Our Leaders

We also lift up the newly elected President and his administration. May the President, the Vice‑President, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and all cabinet members be guided by God’s will and serve the common good.

*May every prodigal heart find its way home to Christ.*