Session 7

Novena Prayer in Honor of St. Catherine of Siena

Heavenly Father, your glory is in your saints. We praise your glory in the life of the admirable St. Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor of the Church. Her whole life was a noble sacrifice inspired by an ardent love of Jesus, your unblemished Lamb. In troubled times she strenuously upheld the rights of His beloved spouse, The Church. Father, honour her merits and hear her prayers for each of us, and for our whole parish family dedicated to her. Help us to pass unscathed through the corruption of this world, and to remain unshakably faithful to the church in word, deed, and example. Help us always to see in the Vicar of Christ an anchor in the storms of life, and a beacon of light to the harbour of your Love, in this dark night of your times and men's souls. Grant also to each of us our special petition . . . (pause to pray for your own intentions). We ask this through Jesus, your Son, in the bond of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

St. Catherine of Siena, Pray for us.

QUESTIONS FOR UNDERSTANDING

  1. John Henry Newman’s knowledge of Scripture and his study of the writings of the early Church Fathers led him to accept Catholicism as the fullness of Christianity. How do Catholic teachings incorporate both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Traditions? (CCC 78-82, 104-05, 133-34, 141)
  2. How did Newman define the Church, based on his reading of the Church Fathers? What does this say about the importance of Baptism? (Mark 16:15-16; Matt 28:19-20; CCC 977, 855, 1271)
  3. Newman was intrigued by the Greek Fathers and their views on the Incarnation and the “divinization of the Christian.”How is the “divinization of the Christian” to be understood? (John 17:3, 20-23; 2 Pet 1:3-4; 1 John 3:1-2; CCC 460)
  4. What does “conversion” mean? Does it happen at one point in time or is ita continual process? Where do we see evidence of Newman’s conversion during his life? (Acts 2:38; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 4:20-24; CCC 1427-28)
  5. The debate about faith and reason that Newman addressed again and again still continues today. Relying on Newman’s insights, how would you explain that faith and reason are not just compatible but mutually supportive? Give examples of human reason in support of Christian faith. (CCC 154-156, 159)

QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION

  1. When have you experienced conversion in your own life? What’s a personal example of when you consciously subverted your own will to better conform to God’s will in your life?
  2. Newman understood well both Catholic and Protestant positions. How can learning about his life and his teachings inspire us to work for greater ecumenism?

Lead, Kindly Light

Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th'encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on!

The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead Thou me on!

Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene; one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou shouldst lead me on;

I loved to choose and see my path; but now Lead Thou me on!

I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on.

O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till the night is gone,

And with the morn those angel faces smile,

Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!

Meantime, along the narrow rugged path, Thyself hast trod,

Lead, Saviour, lead me home in childlike faith, Home to my God.

To rest forever after earthly strife in the calm light of everlasting life.

- Cardinal John Henry Newman

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