This booklet is a property of the Holy Trinity Parish Youth Ministry, Pansol, Calamba City.

Do not take out of the church premises.

Texts from Liturgy Guide School Year 2006-2007. Prepared by Campus Ministry--Office
of the Pastoral Affairs, Don Bosco Technical Institute Makati, High School Department.
Copyright © 2006.

Lay-out and cover design by Darryl P. Reyes. Illustration on front cover by Mary Grace
Mejia and Joyce Sutcliff Mejia. Illustration at the back cover from public domain: https://
ar.kisspng.com/kisspng-7s9vez/
Novena to Saint John Bosco
Father and Teacher of the Youth
 Novena to Saint John Bosco
Father and Teacher of the Youth
Opening Hymn Saint John Bosco, Our Loving Father
STAND
Text without music: STAND

S aint John Bosco, our Loving Father, now we lift to thee our voices.
As we gather around thine altar, far and wide the world rejoices.
O Don Bosco, we’re thy dearest whose protection are imploring
for in heaven thou remainest an apostle ‘midst the adoring.
Don Bosco, thy children on many a shore
shall love and revere thee till time be no more.
Don Bosco, thy children on many a shore
shall love and revere thee till time be no more.

Penitential Rite

Leader.

I n the name of the Father, 

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All. Amen. KNEEL

Leader.

B rothers and sisters, we are gathered before the statue of Saint John Bosco to hon-
or him and beg for his intercession. Wounded children as we are because of our
own frailty and sinfulness, we beg for God’s loving forgiveness and healing.

All. Heavenly Father, you sent Jesus Christ, your Only-Begotten Son to redeem us
by his death and resurrection. We have offened you many times, and you always
have the genuine mercy to forgive us. As we ask for the forgiveness of our sins, may
the people whom we have hurt physically, emotionally, or mentally, find in their
hearts to forgive us, to be worthy of your forgiveness.

Reading of Petitions and Thanksgiving SIT

Intentions for the novena may be read at this point. If this would not be done, the novena proceeds to the prayer
below, then to the daily prayers.

S aint John Bosco, friend of souls, to you I recommend the salvation of my soul.
Your heart was always full of love for all human needs. Therefore I pray, implore for
me from God his grace which is so near to my heart.

State your intentions here.

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Prayers for Everyday KNEEL

First Day (January 22): Love for Christ in the Blessed Sacrement

S aint John Bosco, who loved Christ in the Blessed Sacrament so deeply and spread
that love to so many, help me to understand this mystery of God’s love for me, that
I too may find, in frequent attendance at Mass and Holy Communion and in visits to
the Blessed Sacrament, comfort and strength throughout my life and at the hour of
my death.

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will
be done on earth as it is in Heaven. | Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us
our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into tempta-
tion, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and bless-
ed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. | Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, | as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Second Day (January 23): Devotion to Our Lady

S aint John Bosco, you had so enduring a love for Our Lady, Help of Christians,
ever your Mother and Guide. Help me to share this deep and lasting love for Mary.
May I experience her powerful help and protection through my life and have her at my
side at the hour of my death.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father.

Third Day (January 24): Loyalty to the Church and the Pope

S aint John Bosco, you had a deep love for the Church and an unswerving loyalty
to the Pope. Help me to be a faithful member of the Catholic Church, proud of my
faith and ever loyal and obedient to the Holy Father, the Vicar of Christ, and to the
bishops and priests who share his authority.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father.

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Fourth Day (January 25): For the Young

S aint John Bosco, you had a generous and practical love for the young. For so
many of them you were a father and guide, working for them with heroic sacrifice.
Young people are especially dear to our Saviour. Help us, too, to work with a holy and
generous love and to see in each one of them the person of the young Christ growing
up in Nazareth.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father.

Fifth Day (January 26): For Salesian Priests, Brothers and Sisters

S aint John Bosco, you founded the Salesian Society and the Daughters of Mary
Help of Christians to continue your work for youth. I pray that all these priests,
brothers, and sisters may be filled with your spirit, your zeal, your love and joy, and so
inspire other young people to follow them.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father.

Sixth Day (January 27): For Salesian Cooperators

S aint John Bosco, in order to deepen Faith and Charity in the world and spread
your work for youth, you started a third family, the Salesian Cooperators. May they
be strong, fervent, apostolic Christians, supporting your work and spreading a love of
Christ in their homes and among young people.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father.

Seventh Day (January 28): For Missionaries

S aint John Bosco, your zeal for the salvation of young people could not be kept
within narrow frontiers. You sent your Salesian sons and daughters to the ends of
the earth. From Heaven, intercede for all Missionaries, that their work may be blessed.
Obtain for me a zeal like yours, that in working with generosity and enthusiasm for the
salvation of others, I may save my soul.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father.

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Eight Day (January 29): For Purity

S aint John Bosco, by God’s grace you preserved within yourself an overwhelming
love for purity and preached it by word and example. You led Dominic Savio to ho-
liness while he was still a schoolboy. Obtain for me the grace to be pure of heart and so
through my own way of life to let others see the joy of the life in friendship with Christ.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father.

Ninth Day (January 30): For Family, Friends and those in Need

S aint John Bosco, you had a heart full of compassion when you saw people suffer-
ing or in need. Obtain for me, for my family, and loved ones, the blessing of Mary
Help of Christians and all the graces we need. Pray especially that our families may be
united in peace and harmony in this life and be gathered together with you in the joy
of praising God for ever in Heaven.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father.

Litany in Honor of Saint John Bosco KNEEL

Lord, have mercy on us. ­—Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us. ­—Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. ­—Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. —Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father in Heaven, —have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the World, —have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, —have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, —have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Help of Christians, —pray for us.

Saint John Bosco, Father and Teacher of the Youth, *pray for us.
Saint John Bosco, Champion of the Eucharist, *
Saint John Bosco, Servant Leader, *
Saint John Bosco, defender of laborers, *
Saint John Bosco, obedient to the plan of God, *
Saint John Bosco, obedient to the authority of the Church, *
Saint John Bosco, promoter of unity in times of division, *
Saint John Bosco, with great faith, *
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Saint John Bosco, with passion for the least, the last, and the lost, *
Saint John Bosco, educator of faith and morals, *
Saint John Bosco, a role model, *
Saint John Bosco, seeing God as the ultimate purpose, *
Saint John Bosco, consoler of the poor and the ordinary, *
Saint John Bosco, champion of vocations, *
Saint John Bosco, friend of the youth, *

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, —spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, —graciously us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, —have mercy on us.

Leader. Saint John Bosco, pray for us.

All. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Concluding Prayer STAND

Leader.
Let us pray.

O God, who raised up the Priest Saint John Bosco

as a father and teacher of the young,
grant, we pray,
that, aflame with the same fire of love,
we may seek out souls and serve you alone.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

All. Amen.

Leader. Mary, Help of Christians,

All. Pray for us.

Leader.

I n the name of the Father, 

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All. Amen.
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Novena to Mary,
Help of Christians
 Novena to Mary, Help of Christians

D on Bosco was the greatest propagator of the devotion to Mary, Help of Christians. To all who asked him
for help, he always suggested recourse to the Madonna by a special novena. Many extraordinary favors
were granted to those who followed Don Bosco’s advice.
1. Recite each day, for nine days, three times in honor of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, the Our Fa-
ther, Hail Mary, Glory to the Father and the ejaculation O Sacrament most holy, O sacrament
divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. Then recite three times in honor
of our Lady the Hail Holy Queen with the ejaculation, Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.
2. Approach the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist during the Novena.
3. Make an offering towards the Don Bosco’s work of Charity in accordance with your means.

Introductory Rite STAND

Leader.

I n the name of the Father, 

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All. Amen.

The Memorare is prayed together by all everyday.

R emember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who
fled to your protection, implored your help, and sought your intercession, was left
unaided. Inspired with this confidence I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother!
To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word
Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Daily Prayers KNEEL

First Day (May 15)

O Holy Mary, powerful help of Christians, I turn to you with faith. In your mercy,
hear the prayers of this poor sinner who implores your help to avoid sin and all
its occasions.

(Recite three times) Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father. O Sacrament most holy.
(Recite once) Hail Holy Queen.

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Second Day (May 16)

O Holy Mary, Mother of goodness and mercy, with your visible aid you have often
delivered Christians from the attacks of their enemies. Defend my soul, I pray,
from the assaults of the devil, the world and the flesh so that I may be victorious over
the enemies of my soul.

(Recite three times) Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father. O Sacrament most holy.
(Recite once) Hail Holy Queen.

Third Day (May 17)

O Mary, most powerful Queen, you alone triumphed over the many heresies which
sought to tear away many of your children from the bosom of the Church. Help
me, I pray, to hold on firmly to my faith and to keep myself free from the snares and
poison of so many perverse doctrines.

(Recite three times) Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father. O Sacrament most holy.
(Recite once) Hail Holy Queen.

Fourth Day (May 18)

O Mary, my sweetest Mother, the Queen of Martyrs, do infuse into my heart the
strength to persevere that, overcoming all human respect, I may be able to live my
religion and show myself, on every occasion, a devout child of yours.

(Recite three times) Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father. O Sacrament most holy.
(Recite once) Hail Holy Queen.

Fifth Day (May 19)

D ear Mother Mary, in the triumph of Pope Pius VII, you showed your powerful
patronage. Protect the whole Church and especially her supreme head on earth,
the Holy Father. Defend him always from the attacks of his many enemies, deliver him
so that he may safely steer to port the boat of Saint Peter, and triumph over the proud
billows which strive to submerge it.

(Recite three times) Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father. O Sacrament most holy.
(Recite once) Hail Holy Queen.

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Sixth Day (May 20)

O Mary, Queen of the Apostles, take under your powerful protection the bishops,
priest and all the children of the Catholic Church. Obtain for them the spirit of
union, of perfect obedience to the Holy Father, and of fervent zeal for the salvation of
men. I beg of you especially to extend your loving patronage to missionaries, that they
may be able to bring all the races of the earth to the true faith in Jesus Christ, so that
there may be one flock under one Shepherd.

(Recite three times) Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father. O Sacrament most holy.
(Recite once) Hail Holy Queen.

Seventh Day (May 21)

O Mary, gracious and merciful Mother, by your efficacious intercession, you have
saved Christians from plagues and other bodily scourges. Help me and deliver
me from the disease of impiety and irreligion which creeps into my soul in many ways
to turn me away from the Church and the practices of religion. I implore you; watch
over the good that they may persevere, strengthen the weak and call poor sinners to
repentance, that truth and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ may triumph here on earth, so
that your glory and the number of the elect may be increased in Heaven.

(Recite three times) Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory to the Father.
(Recite once) Hail Holy Queen.

Eighth Day (May 22)

O Mary, Pillar of the Church and Help of Christians, I ask you to keep me firm in
my holy faith and to preserve in me the liberty of a child of God. With the help of
your grace, I promise obedience to the Holy Father, and to the bishops in communion
with him, desiring only to live and to die in the bosom of the Catholic Faith, where
only I can hope with certainty to attain eternal salvation.

(Recite three times) Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father. O Sacrament most holy.
(Recite once) Hail Holy Queen.

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Ninth Day (May 23)

M ost kind Mother, in every age you wished to be the help of Christians. Assist
me with your invincible aid in life, and especially at the hour of my death, so
that after having loved and praised you on earth, I may deserve to come and sing your
mercies forever in Heaven.

(Recite three times) Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory to the Father. O Sacrament most holy.
(Recite once) Hail Holy Queen.

Concluding Prayer STAND

Leader. Graciously allow me to praise you, O Holy Virgin.

All. Grant me strength against your enemies.

Let us pray.

O Almighty and Merciful God, you have given the Blessed Virgin Mary to all
Christians as their everlasting Protectress, graciously grant now, that, strength-
ened by Her aid and striving onward in life, I may be victorious over the wicked one
in the hour of my death. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Say three times:

Leader. Mary Help of Christians,
All. Pray for us.

Leader.

I n the name of the Father, 

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All. Amen.

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 Various Prayers
INVOCATION TO OUR LADY
Composed by Saint John Bosco

O Mary, powerful Virgin, great and illustrious rampart of the Church, wonderful
Help of Christian, terrible as an army drawn up in battle array; you alone over-
come every error in the world; in anxieties, in struggles, in every difficulty defend us
from the enemy and at the hour of our death receive our souls into paradise. Amen.

ENTRUSTMENT TO MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS

M ost Holy Immaculate Virgin, Help of Christians, Mother of the Church, we

place ourselves under your motherly protection. We promise to be faithful to
our Christian vocation and to work for the greater glory of God and the salvation of
our souls. With faith in your intercession, we pray for the Church, for our family and
friends, for the youth, especially those most in need. You are our Mother and Teacher,
show us how to imitate your virtues, especially your union with God, your purity, your
humility and simplicity, your goodness and total giving of self for others.

ENTRUSTMENT OF THE HOME TO OUR LADY OF CHRISTIANS

Every twenty-fourth day of the month

M ost holy Virgin Mary, appointed by God to be the Help of Christians, we

choose you as the Mother and Protectress of our home. We ask you to favor us
with your powerful protection. Preserve our home from every danger; from fire, flood,
lightning, storm, earthquake, thieves, vandals, and from every other danger. Bless us,
protect us, defend us, keep as your own, all the people who dwell in this home. Protect
them from all accidents and misfortunes, but above all obtain for them the most im-
portant grace of avoiding sin. Mary Help of Christians, pray for all those who live in
this home which is entrusted to you for all time. Amen.

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 PRAYER TO SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Every last day of the month

O Saint John Bosco, Father and Teacher of the Youth, who labored so much for
the salvation of souls, be our guide in seeking the good of our souls and the salva-
tion of our neighbor. Help us to be mindful of all our actions and to practice daily our
faith. Teach us to love Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, Mary Help of Christians, and
our Holy Father, the Pope. And obtain for us the grace of living and dying as friends of
God so that we may all be gathered together with you in heaven. Amen.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOHN BOSCO TO OBTAIN FAVORS

O Saint John Bosco, full of confidence, I have recourse to your aid. Be my inter-
cessor before the Throne of God. Obtain for me the grace of never falling into
mortal sin and of persevering in good works even until death. Furthermore, I beseech
you to obtain for me from God the grace of which I so greatly stand in need (mention
your intentions here); but if this would redound to the detriment of my soul, beg for me
perfect resignation to the Divine Will. Amen.

PRAYER TO SAINT DOMINIC SAVIO

O Saint Dominic Savio, you who learned at the school of Saint John Bosco to pass
in holiness all the days of your youth. Help us to imitate you in love for Jesus,
your devotion to Mary, and your zeal for souls. Pray that we, too, by resolving to die
rather than sin, may obtain our eternal salvation. Amen.

PRAYER TO BLESSED LAURA VICUÑA

O Blessed Laura Vicuña, little ower of purity, model of youth, lovely child of
Our Lady, you who followed Christ to the point of heroism, hear our confident
prayer. Obtain for us the graces we need. Help us, especially teenagers, to love and
serve God with joy. Accompany us on our journey to holiness. Amen.

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