# Novena to the child Mary and the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist
*2017-08-29*

> Bill Young leads the first day of a novena to the child Mary and reflects on the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist while praying for flood victims in Houston, Texas.

## Prayers for Houston

Today is Tuesday, August 29. We are continuing our prayers and dedication to our brothers and sisters in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding flooded areas. We ask that God help those who need rest and stability. It has been heartening to see brothers helping brothers and sisters helping sisters, with those who had boats going around to help those still stranded in their houses. We keep them in our prayers.

## The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

Today is also the feast day of the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. St. John came before Jesus Christ and is considered the greatest of all prophets. He was martyred for our Lord Jesus, and we ask for his intercession today to help and guide those in need, just as he guided those who came before the Lord.

## Novena to the Child Mary

We are beginning a novena to the Child Mary, which runs from August 29 through September 7. A partial indulgence is granted once a day for those who recite this novena with devotion.

Holy Child of the Royal House of David, Queen of angels, mother of grace and love, I greet you with all the love of my heart. Grant that I may love the Lord with generous fulfillment all the days of my life, and grant me fervent devotion towards you, who are the firstborn of divine love. 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.

O heavenly Child, who was born beautiful and immaculate like a white dove, my soul exults before you, a true prodigy of God, wisdom, and goodness. O creature, chaste and pure, help me to live according to the heavenly virtues of purity at all costs, regardless of whatever sacrifice may be asked of me. 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.

Hail gracious and holy Child, spiritual paradise of the light, in whom the true tree of life, the Savior of the world, was planted on the day of the Incarnation. As you love me so much, help me to flee from the poisoned fruits of vanity and pleasures of this world and to detest them. Inspire my soul with thoughts, sentiments, and virtues of your divine Son, which are the fruits of immortal life. 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.

Hail, oh memorable little Child, closed garden that creatures cannot enter, open only to the heavenly spouse who delights in resting among the flowers of the great virtues. O Lily Paradise, marvelous example of humble and hidden life, grant that the heavenly spouse may always find the door of my heart open to the loving visits of your graces and inspirations. 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.

O Holy Child, mysterious dawn, happy door of Heaven, my soul trusts and hopes in you. How lukewarm am I in my service of God; how great is my danger of being lost? All-powerful advocate, graciously stretch out your hands from your little cradle. Straighten me out and sustain me in the journey of life. Grant that I may devote myself to the service of the Lord with fervor and constancy until my death, and thus attain the eternal crown. 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.

*Through the intercession of the Child Mary and St. John the Baptist, we seek purity of heart and strength for those suffering through natural disasters.*