The Ash Novena

Well, here we go again.  Another Icelandic volcano has decided to heap woe on Europe.  Flights to and from Scotland have been grounded, Ryanair is up in arms saying the IAA is being too strict: are we in for a repeat of last year? 

I was just thinking, apart from last year and today, I do not remember disruptions to flights from Icelandic volcanoes - was it the case that there were no eruptions - but I would imagine there would have been.  Or is is a case, as Ryanair suggests, aviation authorities are being too strict - health and safety gone mad.  Though, to be honest with you, when it comes to flying, I have no problem with a lunatic caution - it eases the nerves to know that not even a smidgen of risk is taken.

So we're back to the dynamic duo, St Januarius and St Agatha, the patrons of volcanoes and volcanic eruptions.  In the good old Catholic tradition we can to pray to the Saints for assistance.  With one eye on our pilgrimage to Fatima in a few weeks, I am offering you a little prayer to the two martyrs for help in this time of volcanic eruptions (came to me during my Holy Hour this morning).  Call it the Ash Novena, spread it wherever you want, so all may be safe, our travel plans may go ahead, but in all things that we may accept the will of God and grow in the virtues  of abandonment and patience.

Novena to St Januarius and St Agatha

Patrons of Volcanoes

(Ash Novena!)

Blessed Martyrs, Januarius and Agatha,

you who offered your lives in witness to Christ,

into your hands we entrust all who are in danger.

Take into your special care those threatened by volcanoes

and the hazards of the natural world,

that the Lord may preserve them,

their homes and their livelihoods.

Guide all who travel and those who seek refuge,

may they find shelter in the Heart of Christ

and in the charity of their brothers and sisters in faith.

O holy Saints Januarius and Agatha,

courageous bishop and devoted virgin and bride of Christ,

commend us to the intercession of the Mother of God

so that we, like her,

may abandon ourselves to the will of the Father,

for the sake of the Son

with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Amen