Day 7 — Zeal for souls

Meditation

Saint Benedict, animated by burning zeal, assisted his neighbor in all needs: he instructed the ignorant, helped the poor, healed the sick, raised the dead, freed captives from the demon, comforted the afflicted, and converted sinners. His love of neighbor was the reflection of his love of God.

Prayer of the Day

O glorious Saint Benedict, who animated by burning zeal assisted your neighbor in his needs, healed the sick, raised the dead, and converted sinners! Obtain for me the grace to love my neighbor and to perform works of mercy for him. 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).