Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour for those affected by changes in Blackfen

I anticipate that the majority of my readers are already aware of the recent changes that have taken place at Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen.

I am aware that other bloggers who have been directly affected by this have maintained a dignified silence, and I, too, do not wish to become involved in discussion of the matter in the blogosphere at this time.

May I, however, suggest making a Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (or Perpetual Help), for those who are bearing crosses as a result of the changes. I suggest Our Lady under this title, as there are undoubtedly those who are seeking comfort, help and guidance at this time, and also because the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour was apparently originally in the Church of San Mattaeo (my patron) in Rome, and it would seem apt as I am beginning this Novena on his feast.

There appear to be various Novena prayers to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour - the follow, which I suggest, as it seems very apt, is taken from those used at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help at Baclaren in the Philippines, and further prayers can be found on their website .

Novena Prayer

Dear Mother of Perpetual Help from the cross Jesus gave you to us for our Mother. You are the kindness, the most loving of all mothers. Look tenderly on us your children as we now ask you to help us in all our needs especially this one…

(Pause to recall your petitions - I will leave readers to use their own words here)

While you were on earth, dear Mother you willingly shared in the sufferings of your Son. Strengthened by your faith and confidence in the fatherly love of God you accepted the mysterious designs of His Will. We too have our crosses and trials. Sometimes they almost crush us to the ground. Dearest Mother, share with us your abundant faith and confidence in God. Make us aware that God never ceases to love us; that He answers all our prayers in the way that is best for us. Strengthen our hearts to carry the cross in the footsteps of your Divine Son. Help us to realize that he who shares the cross of Christ will certainly share His resurrection. Dearest Mother, as we worry about our own problems let us not forget the needs of others. You always love others so much; help us to do the same. While praying for our own intentions and for all the intentions of all here present at this Novena we earnestly ask you, our Mother, to help us comfort the sick and the dying give hope to the poor and unemployed, heal the broken-hearted lighten the burden of the oppressed, teach justice to their oppressors and bring back to God all those who have offended Him. Dearest Mother, help us to avoid sin which separates us from our heavenly Father and from one another. Full of trust in you, we place ourselves under the mantle of your maternal protection and confidently hope for your powerful help.

Amen.