Novena to Saint Sebastian, Martyr Day 7 Jan. 17
Novena to Saint Sebastian, Martyr Day 7 Jan. 17
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The Greatness and Beauty of a Life by Faith
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For a second time Sebastian was fastened to the trunk of the tree; for a second time, the executioners did their bloody work on the soldier-martyr. Aside from humiliations heaped upon the scion of a noble family and high ranking officer the torture was indescribable. With crude clubs they beat him, till pieces of flesh fell from the body. Then they shot him again with arrows. With astounding humility and patience Sebastian suffered this inhuman treatment, praying all the while for his torturers and for the victory of the cause of Christ. That Christ may live in the hearts of men, he offered Him his life. The Lord accepted the holocaust; He took the precious life of His martyr to make him live and reign forever with Him in heavenly glory.
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Application:
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When a prospective Christian is presented for Holy Baptism, the priest asks him: “What dost thou ask of the church of God?” Answer: “Faith.” He continues questioning: “What does faith bestow upon thee?” Answer: “Life everlasting” i.e. Everlasting life through faith, or through a life on earth based on the principles that faith teaches us. The earthly life is but a dark shadow of the true life to follow; it is the price to be paid to gain the other life, the greater, the fuller life, the life without the alloy of earthly tress and scum, but of purest joy and happiness. That happiness for which you are made, for which you crave with the last fiber of your heart. Do not make the mistake of so many who run after the shadow, which they can not catch, when staking all their chances on the trump-card of earthly happiness. So “make use of the things of this world,” advises St. Paul, “as to pass through them unimpeded on your way to heaven.” That’s the reason why a good Christian’s life is an unbloody martyrdom, a continuous dying to oneself, that Christ may live in him. “Do you believe in Jesus Christ?” That was another question by the priest before he proceeded to baptize you. Do you believe that Jesus Christ wishes to repeat His life in you, He is the great meaning of it? Live with Christ henceforth, He and you like one. To be poor like HIM, mortified and crucified like Him. That’s the beauty and greatness of the life of a Christian: HE and YOU living together and walking together on the Via Crucis towards the gates of heaven.
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Prayer:
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Holy Patron, St. Sebastian, for centuries thou livest with Christ in heavenly bliss and yet it is like starting only life in heaven. I rejoice in Thy unending glory and happiness. Compassionately look down upon me, thy miserable client, who must pass thru the excruciating years of trial in a world of temptations and allurements. When I look back upon my life I am confused by the many infidelities, my frequent failures, my breaking of baptismal vows and shameless forsaking of Christ, my Saviour. Holy Martyr, obtain pardon for my sins against my Christian vocation; for having lived carelessly, neglectfully even in my most essential obligations; having denied Christ to live in me, refused to be crucified with Him. Save me, good St. Sebastian from eternal death in hell and by Thy powerful intercession help me so to order my life that I may be found worthy of sharing with thee the unending joys of heaven. Amen.
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Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Litany of St. Sebastian.
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Litany of St. Sebastian
Lord, have mercy on us!
Lord, have mercy on us!
Christ, have mercy on us!
Christ, have mercy on us!
Lord, have mercy on us!
Lord, have mercy on us!
Christ hear us!
Christ, graciously hear us!
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us!
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us!
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us!
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us!
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After each invocation, recite: Pray for us.
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Holy Mary, Queen of Martyrs.
Saint Sebastian.
Invincible Martyr.
Knight, noble by birth and fame.
Glorious warrior and martyr of Christ.
Patron and mirror of Christian soldiers.
Despiser of the world.
Conqueror of Satan.
Comfort of the dying.
Consoler of the afflicted.
Announcer of the word of God.
Protector and Patron of countries and cities.
Saint Sebastian, perfect in virtue and wisdom.
St. Sebastian, lover of God and men.
St. Sebastian, might in word and work.
St. Sebastian, who didst strengthen the Christians in torments and death.
St. Sebastian, who didst fortify those wavering in their faith.
St. Sebastian, who didst encourage the doubting to persevere to the end.
St. Sebastian, who, in flamed with love of God, didst despise the pains inflicted by the tyrant.
St. Sebastian, surrounded by celestial light.
St. Sebastian, instructed by the holy Angels.
St. Sebastian, giving speech to the dumb.
St. Sebastian, who for defending the truth was wounded by arrows.
St. Sebastian, who was put to death with clubs.
St. Sebastian, who was crowned with eternal glory.
St. Sebastian, great intercessor for us with God.
St. Sebastian, endowed with power from God to avert pestilence and all contagious diseases.
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Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Spare us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Graciously hear us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Have mercy on us, O Lord!
Christ, hear us!
Christ, graciously hear us!
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Let us pray:
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Mercifully look on our weakness, O almighty God. Since the weight of our own evil deeds bears us down, may the glorious intercession of Thy blessed martyr Sebastian be our protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth as one God, for ever and ever. Amen.