Monday, August 15, 2016

The 54-Day Novena for Our Nation Starts Today

“There is no doubt that our beloved nation is in one of the worst crises which it has ever experienced..."
(Cardinal Burke, in his endorsement of this novena)

Our country needs prayer! Please join in praying the 54-Day Rosary Novena for Our Nation. It begins on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, and concludes on October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The 54-day novena is actually a group of six novenas: it involves praying a daily Rosary of petition for 27 days, followed by
praying a daily Rosary of thanksgiving for the next 27 days--prayed in faith, hope, and trust in her loving, effective intercession with our Lord.


On EWTN's News Nightly (8/13), 0ne of the organizers of this Novena for the Nation indicated that they didn't plan or even realize that the final and 54th day would be October 7. But it's so perfect; heaven had to have arranged it. The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary was originally called the Feast of Our Lady of Victory, and was instituted to commemorate her powerful intercession and the miraculous victory God granted at her request in the Battle of Lepanto. 

The Ottoman Empire had gradually been taking over more and more lands. When in 1571 they gathered a huge fleet and were threatening to take over Europe, Pope Pius V rallied what forces he could and urged all his children to pray the Rosary fervently and frequently. Against all odds, the Turkish force--which greatly outnumbered that under Don John of Austria--was soundly defeated. The Ottoman fleet, which had numbered nearly 300 ships, was reduced to just 13, and never threatened Christian Europe again.

The Lord demonstrated that day His loving care and what a difference we can make with this simple, humble prayer to His humble, loving Mother. Padre Pio used to say, "Bring me my weapon"--meaning the Rosary. It is a powerful, powerful prayer.  

The 54-day Rosary novena is also highly esteemed and has a great track record.

Not too sure about the Rosary?  Consider reading more about it. You can check out an essay I posted earlier on this blog: "Bring Me My Weapon"

Too daunting to commit to praying five decades every day? Do fewer. Pray just one a day if that is more doable for you.

Already doing a daily Rosary? Consider doing something extra, such as an additional decade. (I'm going to try to call my mom, who has Alzheimer's, and pray a decade with her each day.) There are also "2-minute reflections" available for those who sign up at https://www.novenaforournation.com/daily-reflections/.

Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!

P.S. If you see this after Aug. 15, go ahead and join in anyway. You can keep praying beyond Oct. 7 and finish the 54 days.