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A Life of Generous LoveCELEBRATE THE MINISTRY OF ST. JOHN NEUMANN
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St. John NeumannFeast day: January 5
J
ohn Neumann was born in Prachatice in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) on March 28, 1811. He studied theology in the seminary of Budweis. Zealous for the missionary life and to lead souls to Christ, he decided to leave his homeland to dedicate himself to the European immigrants in America, who were deprived of spiritual support.
Neumann was ordained a priest by the bishop of New York in June 1836 and gave himself to the pastoral care of people in the vast area around Niagara Falls.
Wanting to live in a religious community that corresponded more to his missionary vocation, in January 1842 he entered the Redemptorists. A tireless missionary, Neumann busied himself with the German immigrants, first in Baltimore, then in Pittsburgh.
Having filled the role of vice-provincial superior of the Redemptorists from 1846-49, he became the parish priest of St. Alphonsus Church in Baltimore. In 1852, at the age of 41, he was named bishop of Philadelphia.
Neumann had a strong effect on the religious life of the United States by founding Catholic schools and promoting devotion to the Eucharist. He founded a new religious institute—the Third Order of Saint Francis of Glen Riddle. The School Sisters of Notre Dame likewise regard Neumann as their secondary founder, their “Father in America.” In just seven years, he built 89 churches, as well as several hospitals and orphanages. As a bishop, Neumann was untiring in visiting his vast diocese.
On January 5, 1860, at the age of 48, he died suddenly of a heart attack on a Philadelphia street. Neumann was beatified during the Second Vatican Council on October 13, 1963, and was canonized on June 19, 1977. In the homily on Neumann’s canonization, Pope Paul VI summarized the activity of the new saint: “He was close to the sick, he loved to be with the poor, he was a friend of sinners, and now he is the glory of all emigrants.”
St. John Neumann is invoked as a patron of sick children and of immigrants.
Prayers to St. John Neumann
God of the Journey, through the intercession of St. John Neumann, patron of immigrants, we pray for those who leave their homelands longing for freedom and new opportunities.
May they recognize you as their traveling companion and find a welcome awaiting them.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
O Jesus, who on earth commanded and practiced a hidden life, grant that in these our days of pride and outward display, the example of your servant John Neumann may lead us to follow your humble ways.
Grant, O Lord, that like your holy bishop we may do all our work with the pure intention of pleasing you and let not our deeds be done to win the favor of others but to give glory to our Father in heaven.
We thank you that our fellow citizen and devoted missionary bishop is recognized among the saints of your Church in heaven, and we beseech you, O Lord, to glorify him on earth by granting the favors we ask through his intercession. Amen.
The National Shrine of Saint John Neumann is in Philadelphia.
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A Novena to St. John Neumann
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St. John Neumann, obtain for me a solid faith in all the teachings of the Catholic Church, along with the light to know the emptiness of earthly possessions, along with the seriousness of my sins. Obtain for me also the special favor which I ask through your intercession with God.
Pray the following after each day’s novena prayer:
Lord, in these days of pride and display, the humble ways of your servant, Bishop Neumann, inspire us to imitate your own divine example. Teach us to be like your servant, the holy bishop, intent on pleasing you first and on performing good deeds free from the desire to be seen and glorified by others. That his holy example may continue to influence others, grant the favors we ask through his intercession.
Conclude with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be.
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St. John Neumann, obtain for me from the Father, through the merits of Jesus Christ, the intercession of the Virgin Mary, and your own prayers, the pardon of my sins, final persevering in faith, and the gift of paradise. Obtain for me also the special favor which I now ask through your intercession with God.
Pray the following after each day’s novena prayer:
Lord, in these days of pride and display, the humble ways of your servant, Bishop Neumann, inspire us to imitate your own divine example. Teach us to be like your servant, the holy bishop, intent on pleasing you first and on performing good deeds free from the desire to be seen and glorified by others. That his holy example may continue to influence others, grant the favors we ask through his intercession.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be
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St. John Neumann, obtain for me a deep love of God that will detach me from the love of created things and from myself, to love him above all things and to seek his glory. Obtain for me also the special favor which I now ask through your intercession with God.
Pray the following after each day’s novena prayer:
Lord, in these days of pride and display, the humble ways of your servant, Bishop Neumann, inspire us to imitate your own divine example. Teach us to be like your servant, the holy bishop, intent on pleasing you first and on performing good deeds free from the desire to be seen and glorified by others. That his holy example may continue to influence others, grant the favors we ask through his intercession.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be
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St. John Neumann, obtain for me a perfecting accepting of the will of God that I may accept in peace the events of daily life and even death itself. Obtain for me also the special favor which I now ask through your intercession with God.
Pray the following after each day’s novena prayer:
Lord, in these days of pride and display, the humble ways of your servant, Bishop Neumann, inspire us to imitate your own divine example. Teach us to be like your servant, the holy bishop, intent on pleasing you first and on performing good deeds free from the desire to be seen and glorified by others. That his holy example may continue to influence others, grant the favors we ask through his intercession.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be
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St. John Neumann, obtain for me a deep sorrow for my sins, that I may ever grieve over the displeasure I have given my God. Obtain for me also the special favor which I now ask through your intercession with God.
Pray the following after each day’s novena prayer:
Lord, in these days of pride and display, the humble ways of your servant, Bishop Neumann, inspire us to imitate your own divine example. Teach us to be like your servant, the holy bishop, intent on pleasing you first and on performing good deeds free from the desire to be seen and glorified by others. That his holy example may continue to influence others, grant the favors we ask through his intercession.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be
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St. John Neumann, obtain for me a true love for my neighbor that will urge me to do good even for those who have offended me. Obtain for me also the special favor which I now ask through your intercession with God.
Pray the following after each day’s novena prayer:
Lord, in these days of pride and display, the humble ways of your servant, Bishop Neumann, inspire us to imitate your own divine example. Teach us to be like your servant, the holy bishop, intent on pleasing you first and on performing good deeds free from the desire to be seen and glorified by others. That his holy example may continue to influence others, grant the favors we ask through his intercession.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be
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St. John Neumann, obtain for me the virtue of chastity and the help needed to resist temptations by invoking the holy names of Jesus and Mary. Obtain for me also the special favor which I now ask through your intercession with God.
Pray the following after each day’s novena prayer:
Lord, in these days of pride and display, the humble ways of your servant, Bishop Neumann, inspire us to imitate your own divine example. Teach us to be like your servant, the holy bishop, intent on pleasing you first and on performing good deeds free from the desire to be seen and glorified by others. That his holy example may continue to influence others, grant the favors we ask through his intercession.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be
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St. John Neumann, obtain for me a strong devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ, to the Blessed Sacrament, and to my Mother, Mary. Obtain for me also the special favor which I now ask through your intercession with God.
Pray the following after each day’s novena prayer:
Lord, in these days of pride and display, the humble ways of your servant, Bishop Neumann, inspire us to imitate your own divine example. Teach us to be like your servant, the holy bishop, intent on pleasing you first and on performing good deeds free from the desire to be seen and glorified by others. That his holy example may continue to influence others, grant the favors we ask through his intercession.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be
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St. John Neumann, obtain for me above all the grace to persevere in faith and trust in God, especially in times of temptation and at the hour of death. Obtain for me also the special favor which I now ask through your intercession with God.
Pray the following after each day’s novena prayer:
Lord, in these days of pride and display, the humble ways of your servant, Bishop Neumann, inspire us to imitate your own divine example. Teach us to be like your servant, the holy bishop, intent on pleasing you first and on performing good deeds free from the desire to be seen and glorified by others. That his holy example may continue to influence others, grant the favors we ask through his intercession.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be
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