Meditations by St. Alphonsus Liguori C.Ss.R., Founder of the Redemptorists

St. Alphonsus wrote a number of novenas for use during the seasons of Advent and Christmas. His intention was that we should use the meditations written for each day of the novena as a form of spiritual reading or as quiet periods of meditative prayer to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ on Christmas. The goal is to guide us in using our religious imaginations so that we may have a meaningful and deeply personal appreciation of the mystery of the Incarnation.

You are invited to pray the following Chaplet to begin your meditation and reflect on the daily meditations with the affections and prayers.

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Chaplet

(from Christmas Novena, Liguori Publications)

O Jesus, who was born in a cave and laid upon straw in a manger, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, who was presented and offered by Mary in the Temple, and who was also sacrificed for us on the cross, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, who was persecuted by Herod and forced to flee into Egypt, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, who lived in Egypt for seven years, poor, unknown, and despised, have mercy on us.

O Jesus who returned to your own country to one day be crucified between two thieves, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, who at age twelve remained in the Temple to debate with the doctors, and after three days was found by your mother, Mary, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, who lived hidden from the world for so many years in the workshop at Nazareth, serving Mary and Joseph, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, who went about preaching and teaching the way of salvation for three years before your passion and death, have mercy on us

O Jesus, who died on a cross for love of us, have mercy on us.

Our Father……. Hail Mary….. Glory Be…..

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