Repeat the following Novena prayers every day for 9 consecutive days.

PRAYER # 1

Faithful and devoted Virgin St Mary of the Cross,
you have said, ‘Never see a need
without doing something about it’; have pity on me.
You know the multitude and diversity of my needs.
Graciously hear me and deign to obtain from God
a favourable hearing for this my request

(Mention your request here...).

I am firmly convinced that through your merits
united with the merits of the death
and passion of Jesus your spouse,
I shall obtain what I ask of you:
and in the joy of my heart
I will bless God who is admirable in His saints.

Amen.

PRAYER # 2

Ever generous God,
you inspired Saint Mary MacKillop
to live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and constant in bringing hope and encouragement
to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.
With confidence in your generous providence
and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop,
we ask that you grant our request

[Mention your request here...].

We ask that our faith and hope
be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit
so that we too, like Saint Mary MacKillop,
may live with courage, trust and openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ.

Amen.

IN MEMORY OF THE WRITINGS OF MARY MACKILLOP

IF I COULD TELL THE LOVE OF GOD
[from Mary's retreat notes.]

If I could tell the love of God
I’d sing of one my heart enjoys,
of one who whispers, warm and calm,
of one whose tender touch persists.

If I could tell the love of God
I’d sing of beauty barely seen,
of shadow gums and stringy bark,
of tracks and water hard to find.

If I could tell the love of God
I’d sing of women seen as fools
because, in Joseph’s hidden way,
they crossed an empty land with trust.

If I could tell the love of God
I’d sing of women working hard,
receiving bits of broken bread,
and poor enough to serve the poor.

If I could tell the love of God
I’d sing of Christ who chose the Cross.
His wisdom brings the might down.
His strength uplifts the stable’s child.

If I could tell the love of God
I’d sing of Christ who chose the Cross.
His justice mends a broken world,
His mercy turns the grave around.