Day 2 — Humble of heart

Meditation

Saint Benedict fled from praise and honors. When the monks of a nearby monastery asked him to be their abbot, he accepted, but they, finding his discipline too strict, tried to poison him. Benedict made the sign of the cross over the poisoned cup and it shattered. He returned to his cave, preferring humility to power.

Prayer of the Day

O glorious Saint Benedict, humble of heart, who knew how to disdain the praises of men! Obtain for me humility, you who loved God above all things and surrendered your heart to him without reserve. Saint Benedict, pray for us.

Preparatory Prayer (for all days)

We greet you with filial affection, O glorious Father Saint Benedict, worker of wonders, cooperator with Christ in the work of salvation of souls. O Patriarch of monks! Look down from heaven upon the vineyard planted by your hand. Protect in a special way all who place themselves under your patronage. Pray for the sick, the tempted, the afflicted, the poor, and for us who are devoted to you. Obtain for us all a peaceful and holy death like yours. Now, obtain for us the special grace we ask in this novena.

Final Prayer

O glorious Saint Benedict, who from heaven are a loving father to us your devotees! Your great power before God is recognized today more than ever thanks to the medal honored with your name. Pray for all who come to you. Obtain for us from the Lord all the graces necessary during this life and especially the grace for which we make this novena. Saint Benedict, pray for us.

(One Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be).