Novena to St Genesius Day 1

Called to be Prophets

The theme of this year's novena is "Called to be Prophets", leading us to reflect on the role of the Christian, the artist and the Christian artist as prophets in the modern world. Art prides itself on its call to stand apart from the world, from authority, from mores and norms, to explore and critique the world and society. In this standing apart it forms a fraternal connection with Christianity, though it is doubtful that many in the arts would see or accept this connection. The Christian is one who is not to accept the world as it is, he or she, as a disciple of Christ, offers something new, something different, the very Word of God, his redeeming work, through their daily lives. The faithful, believing Christian, the "intentional disciple" is a true artist, truly creative, truly human, in that they become a new and vital personality in the midst of the world, and this is a prophetic action. Genesius, standing on stage, converted, offering to the Emperor Diocletian the chance to embrace Christ, represents this prophetic call. May we see in him an inspiration, an example and an intercessor to help us respond to this call, one offered to us on the day of our baptism.

NOVENA PRAYERS

Prayer to St Genesius

Holy St Genesius,

martyr for Christ,

by the grace of the Holy Spirit

through your acting 

you came to discover

the truth of the Christian faith.

In your first profession of that faith

you were baptized through the shedding 

of your blood,

offering your life for the praise and glory

of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Pray for those who dedicate their lives

to the theatrical and cinematic arts.

Like you may they find the presence

of the Lord in their work 

and generously open their hearts

to his teaching,

living it in the midst of the challenges 

and demands of their calling.

In this novena, I remember most especially…., commending him/her to your care.

Let us pray: 

Eternal Father, in your love you call all men and women to come to know you and to share in your divine life. Through the intercession of your martyr, Genesius, who responded so generously to the grace of conversion, grant that the same grace may be given to those who as yet do not know you, and may be renewed in those who do. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for healing through the intercession of St Genesius

Lord Jesus,

you took pity on the blind Bartimaeus

and healed him;

you raised Lazarus from the dead

and freed Mary Magdalen from seven

devils to count her among your disciples.

You made the blind see, the deaf hear,

the dumb speak, the lame walk,

you cleansed lepers and cast out demons.

You preached the Good News to the poor 

and bless those who are faithful to you.

Through the intercession of your 

faithful martyr, Genesius, 

grant your healing and consolation to the sick. 

Give them the strength to carry their Cross 

in union with you.

(We remember in particular _________.)

Help us to remain faithful to you in health 

and in suffering, conformed to your Cross; 

open our hearts to your will 

so your grace may transform our lives.