A Total Self-Gift

From the St. Gerard Majella Novena

Sacred Scripture: Luke 9:23

Meditation for Day 3

After being turned away by the Franciscans and a failed attempt at the hermit's life, Gerard was at last received into the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer in 1749. To the usual religious vows he added one of his own: always to do that which seemed to him more perfect.

Ask Saint Gerard for the courage to give yourself fully to God's will, holding nothing back.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Psalm 139:13-14

You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.

This psalm of the child knit together in the womb (New American Bible) may be prayed as the daily closing of the novena.