For the unity and renewal of the Church

From the Novena to St. Anthony of Padua

Sacred Scripture: John 17:21

Meditation for Day 9

On the final day of the novena, St. Anthony's intercession expands outward to embrace the whole Church: our Holy Father, our bishops, our priests, and our Religious Orders, that through their pious zeal and apostolic labours all may be united in faith and give greater glory to God. Our Lord's own prayer at the Last Supper was that his followers might be one, even as he and the Father are one. We close this novena by entrusting our personal intention once more to Anthony, and joining it to his great love for the Church he served until his last breath.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Closing Prayer

O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, your confessor, be a source of joy to your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Saint Anthony, pray for us!