Day 6 — Patience in persecutions

Meditation

Saint Benedict was the target of persecutions. The priest Florentius, moved by envy, tried to kill him and corrupt his monks. Benedict, far from seeking revenge, prayed for him and withdrew. His patience and sweetness teach us to forgive offenses and to respond to evil with good.

Prayer of the Day

O glorious Saint Benedict, who was the target of persecutions and kept the peace of your soul through gentleness and patience! Obtain for me the gift of patience and the grace to forgive offenses, weeping for the blindness of those who persecute us. 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).