Join a Novena Leading to the Elections

 

As we enter the final months of 2024, our minds turn toward the upcoming state and national elections, especially the U.S. presidential election. There is a great deal of rhetoric in the news, with some going so far as to opine that this is “the most important election” of our lifetimes, though that phrase has been bandied about before. Beyond the hype and hyperbole is the singular truth that, as faithful Catholics, we owe a duty to pray for our country, its leaders, and the formation of laws and policies that uphold the law of God and the rights of the Catholic Church.

This is why I am inviting you to join a special novena to the Sacred Heart for the upcoming elections and the good of the United States. These prayers will begin on the feast of the Most Holy Rosary—October 7, 2024—and end on Election Day, November 5, 2024. For this novena, I ask you to recite the Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus with the accompanying requests added below. Moreover, to the extent practicable, you may prayerfully consider additional sacrifices you wish to make during this time of supplication, including almsgiving and fasting.

These are perilous times, both in the Church and society. While Catholics of good will may have reasonable disagreements on a broad spectrum of issues and the means to address them, we cannot betray the timeless truths handed down to us by God through His Church nor the dictates of natural law. Every election, from the picking of local judges to selecting the next state senator, to deciding who will hold the presidency, offers an opportunity for Catholics to help steer society along the course of justice. 

Please join me in praying that wisdom and discernment prevail at the ballot box this November and that our country finds favor with Our Lord through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Yours in Christ,

Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

I. O my Jesus, Thou hast said: 'Truly I say to you, ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you.' Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of the welfare and protection of our country.

Our Father. Hail Mary Glory Be.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee 

II. O my Jesus, Thou hast said: 'Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. ' Behold, in Thy name, I ask the Father for the grace of the promotion of true liberty and peace. 

Our Father. Hail Mary Glory Be.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.

III. O my Jesus, Thou hast said: 'Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away. ' Encouraged by Thine infallible words I now ask for the grace of uprooting the social and moral evils plaguing our country.

Our Father. Hail Mary Glory Be.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of Thee, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Thy tender Mother and ours. 

Say the Hail, Holy Queen and add: St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.