Secular Franciscans Praying for India

The Secular Franciscans of the United States are instituting a “perpetual” novena for at least one year on behalf of the suffering people both home and abroad especially for those in Orissa, India. This is modeled after last years prayers for Darfur. Every day for the next year, members of the SFO will be praying the novena prayer. For this to happen, 5 Regional fraternities are assigned to cover each month. To make sure we cover the entire month, there will be four to five “waves” of the novena, each starting on Sunday. People are assigned to these waves by Region. This "wave" of prayers will increase solidarity with our brothers and sisters in India. It will also increase our own awareness of the situation at the individual, fraternity, regional and national level.

The perpetual novena recognizes the crisis that is taking place in Orissa India. This is the sight of violence, destruction of homes and churches and the death of Christians by fanatical Hindus. It is clear that those perpetuating this violence do not represent the majority of Hindus or the multi-cultural nation. The violence however threatens the very existence of one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Prayer and action is needed.

Novena Prayer of Intercession

Merciful Father, Prince of Peace, Spirit of Wisdom and Compassion, please look with mercy upon our suffering brothers and sisters here at home and around the world, [particularly in Orissa]. We humbly pray:

For those who have been subjected to violence, and their families, we ask for healing, consolation, and relief of further suffering.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

For those who have done violence, we ask for healing, forgiveness, and the grace of conversion.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

For those in authority throughout the world, we ask wisdom, creativity, compassion and courage in addressing these situations.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

Lord Jesus, Your Sacred Heart burns for love of all your people. Please place in our hearts that same love and inspire us to have the courage, wisdom and ingenuity to take what measures we can personally to relieve the suffering of our brothers and sisters. We pray this in the Name of Jesus, our Lord, through the intercession of the sorrowful and immaculate Heart of Mary.

Memorare: Remember oh most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee, oh Virgin of Virgins, my mother. To thee to I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. Oh mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen


Attacks haunt displaced Christians in east India