July 2: Novena to St Benedict

Carolingian fresco, Malles Venosta

July 11 is the second feast in the calendar of St Benedict, this time for the translation of his relics.  Though included in the Benedictine 1962 calendar, it doesn't make it into the Roman 1962 calendar.  But it is the main feast of St Benedict in the Ordinary Form, and is a solemnity in Europe.

Accordingly, start your novena today.  Here is the official prayer to use each day until July 10, the eve of the feast:

"O glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of all virtues, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me, humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thy loving heart to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in all the dangers which daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin.

Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy toward those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, in the confident hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore (mention your intentions here), if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul.

Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen."