Beloved,
Peace of Christ. Kindly see excerpt of letter from Archbishop Kenneth Richards requesting a Novena for Repentance and Healing for Jamaica along with the with specific days of prayer.
Blessings,
Fr. Howard
Novena of Mercy
Repentance and Healing for Jamaica
This is indeed a time for more than routine prayer. This is time for intentional prayer by way of our Catholic practice through a Novena for the Repentance, Safety and Well-being of Jamaica.
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Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, using the Chaplet in Song available on YouTube. (You can sing along with the Chaplet or follow with your rosaries).
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Use as a guide the Examination of Conscience and Praying the Repentance prayer: Psalm 51 and prayer for the Nation.
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Close with The Lord’s Prayer and your favourite worship song(s) to the Lord our God.
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Make arrangement to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
We are asking persons/families to dedicate time every day of the Novena to express contrition to our God, showing that we are sorry for sins we have committed individually or as a Nation. Hence, nurture an intentional attitude to forgive others and to seek forgiveness from those we have offended.
We pray this special Novena prayer, each day for nine days, Sunday October 4 -12, 2020.
Yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Kenneth D. Richards, D.D.
Archbishop of Kingston
DAY 1
Examination of Conscience
Have I...
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Harboured anger for God, blamed God for my failings?
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Disobeyed the commandments of God, the Church, and refused to accept what God has revealed as true?
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Neglected to nourish and protect my faith, despaired about my salvation or the forgiveness of my sins?
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Presumed God's mercy? Deliberately commit a sin in expectation of forgiveness, or ask forgiveness without interior conversion to practise virtue, hide a serious sin or told a lie in Confession?
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Loved someone or something more than God (money, power, illicit sex, ambition, etc)?
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Engaged in superstitious practices? (Incl. horoscopes, fortune tellers, obeah or occult practices, séances, ouija board, worship of Satan, etc.)
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Used the name of God in cursing or blasphemy, used vulgar, suggestive or obscene speech?
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Failed to keep vows, promises, or resolutions that I have made to God, committed perjury, lie under oath?
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Watched television or movies, or listened to music that treated God, the Church, the Saints, or sacred things irreverently?
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Psalm 51 and Repentance for Jamaica
“ Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Have mercy on Jamaica Lord God, as a people we have sinned in so many ways and done evil in your sight. I repent Lord God for our Nation and seek your mercy and forgiveness
I repent, O God for the many sins of our nation, sins I may have contributed to, knowingly or unknowingly. Touch the hearts of the people of Jamaica, in particular our leaders in every sphere of life that they may repent also and seek your face.
In the days and weeks ahead, bring to mind any forgotten sin that as a nation we may repent and ask your forgiveness.
Forgive us Lord for failing to stand up for righteousness in this Nation.
We humbly seek thy Mercy oh God, In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
DAY 2
Examination of Conscience
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Life and Dignity of the Human Person
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Do I respect the life and dignity of other human persons from conception through natural death?
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Do I recognize the face of Jesus Christ reflected in other persons whatever their race, class, age, or abilities?
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Do I work to protect the dignity of others when it is being threatened?
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Am I committed to protecting human life and to ensuring that other persons are able to live in dignity?
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Psalm 51 and Repentance for Jamaica
“ Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Have mercy on Jamaica Lord God, as a people we have sinned in so many ways and done evil in your sight. I repent Lord God for our Nation and seek your mercy and forgiveness
I repent, O God for the many sins of our nation, sins I may have contributed to, knowingly or unknowingly. Touch the hearts of the people of Jamaica, in particular our leaders in every sphere of life that they may repent also and seek your face.
In the days and weeks ahead, bring to mind any forgotten sin that as a nation we may repent and ask your forgiveness.
Forgive us Lord for failing to stand up for righteousness in this Nation.
We humbly seek thy Mercy oh God, In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
DAY 3
Examination of Conscience
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Call to Family, Community, and Participation
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Do I try to make positive contributions in my family and in my community?
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Are my beliefs, attitudes, and choices such that they strengthen or undermine relationship in my family?
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Am I aware of problems facing my local community and involved in efforts to find solutions? Do I stay informed and make my voice heard when needed?
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Do I support the efforts to assist poor persons and work for change in their neighbourhoods and communities? Do my attitudes and interactions empower or undermine others?
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Psalm 51 and Repentance for Jamaica
“ Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Have mercy on Jamaica Lord God, as a people we have sinned in so many ways and done evil in your sight. I repent Lord God for our Nation and seek your mercy and forgiveness
I repent, O God for the many sins of our nation, sins I may have contributed to, knowingly or unknowingly. Touch the hearts of the people of Jamaica, in particular our leaders in every sphere of life that they may repent also and seek your face.
In the days and weeks ahead, bring to mind any forgotten sin that as a nation we may repent and ask your forgiveness.
Forgive us Lord for failing to stand up for righteousness in this Nation.
We humbly seek thy Mercy oh God, In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
DAY4
Examination of Conscience
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Rights and Responsibilities
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Do I recognize and respect the economic, social, political, and cultural rights of others?
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Do I live in material comfort and excess while remaining insensitive to the needs of others whose rights are unfulfilled?
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Do I take seriously my responsibility to ensure that the rights of persons in need are realized?
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Do I urge those in power to implement programs and policies that give priority to the human dignity and rights of all, especially the vulnerable?
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Psalm 51 and Repentance for Jamaica
“ Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Have mercy on Jamaica Lord God, as a people we have sinned in so many ways and done evil in your sight. I repent Lord God for our Nation and seek your mercy and forgiveness
I repent, O God for the many sins of our nation, sins I may have contributed to, knowingly or unknowingly. Touch the hearts of the people of Jamaica, in particular our leaders in every sphere of life that they may repent also and seek your face.
In the days and weeks ahead, bring to mind any forgotten sin that as a nation we may repent and ask your forgiveness.
Forgive us Lord for failing to stand up for righteousness in this Nation.
We humbly seek thy Mercy oh God, In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
DAY 5
Examination of Conscience
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Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
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Do I give special attention to the needs of the poor and vulnerable in my community and in the world?
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Am I disproportionately concerned for my own good at the expense of others?
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Do I engage in service and advocacy work that protects the dignity of poor and vulnerable persons?
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Psalm 51 and Repentance for Jamaica
“ Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Have mercy on Jamaica Lord God, as a people we have sinned in so many ways and done evil in your sight. I repent Lord God for our Nation and seek your mercy and forgiveness
I repent, O God for the many sins of our nation, sins I may have contributed to, knowingly or unknowingly. Touch the hearts of the people of Jamaica, in particular our leaders in every sphere of life that they may repent also and seek your face.
In the days and weeks ahead, bring to mind any forgotten sin that as a nation we may repent and ask your forgiveness.
Forgive us Lord for failing to stand up for righteousness in this Nation.
We humbly seek thy Mercy oh God, In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
DAY 6
Examination of Conscience
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The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
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As an owner and employer, do I treat workers fairly?
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As a worker, do I give my employer a fair day’s work for my wages? Do I treat all workers with whom I interact with respect, no matter their position or class?
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Do I support the rights of all workers to adequate wages, health insurance, vacation and sick leave? Do I affirm their right to form or join unions or worker associations?
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Do my purchasing choices take into account the hands involved in the production of what I buy? When possible, do I buy products produced by workers whose rights and dignity were respected?
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Psalm 51 and Repentance for Jamaica
“ Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Have mercy on Jamaica Lord God, as a people we have sinned in so many ways and done evil in your sight. I repent Lord God for our Nation and seek your mercy and forgiveness
I repent, O God for the many sins of our nation, sins I may have contributed to, knowingly or unknowingly. Touch the hearts of the people of Jamaica, in particular our leaders in every sphere of life that they may repent also and seek your face.
In the days and weeks ahead, bring to mind any forgotten sin that as a nation we may repent and ask your forgiveness.
Forgive us Lord for failing to stand up for righteousness in this Nation.
We humbly seek thy Mercy oh God, In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
DAY 7
Examination of Conscience
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Solidarity
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Does the way I spend my time reflect a genuine concern for others?
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Is solidarity incorporated into my prayer and spirituality? Do I lift up vulnerable people throughout the world in my prayer, or is it reserved for only my personal concerns?
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Am I attentive only to my local neighbours, forget those in other places?
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Do I see all members of the human family as my brothers and sisters?
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Do I belittle others in my speech?
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Psalm 51 and Repentance for Jamaica
“ Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Have mercy on Jamaica Lord God, as a people we have sinned in so many ways and done evil in your sight. I repent Lord God for our Nation and seek your mercy and forgiveness
I repent, O God for the many sins of our nation, sins I may have contributed to, knowingly or unknowingly. Touch the hearts of the people of Jamaica, in particular our leaders in every sphere of life that they may repent also and seek your face.
In the days and weeks ahead, bring to mind any forgotten sin that as a nation we may repent and ask your forgiveness.
Forgive us Lord for failing to stand up for righteousness in this Nation.
We humbly seek thy Mercy oh God, In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
DAY 8
Examination of Conscience
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Care for God’s Creation
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Do I live out my responsibility to care for God’s creation?
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Do I see my care for creation as connected to my concern for poor persons, who are most at risk from environmental problems?
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Do I litter? Live wastefully? Use energy too freely? Are there ways I could reduce consumption in my life?
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Are there ways I could change my daily practices and those of my family, school, workplace, or community to better conserve the earth’s resources for future generations?
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Psalm 51 and Repentance for Jamaica
“ Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Have mercy on Jamaica Lord God, as a people we have sinned in so many ways and done evil in your sight. I repent Lord God for our Nation and seek your mercy and forgiveness
I repent, O God for the many sins of our nation, sins I may have contributed to, knowingly or unknowingly. Touch the hearts of the people of Jamaica, in particular our leaders in every sphere of life that they may repent also and seek your face.
In the days and weeks ahead, bring to mind any forgotten sin that as a nation we may repent and ask your forgiveness.
Forgive us Lord for failing to stand up for righteousness in this Nation.
We humbly seek thy Mercy oh God, In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
DAY 9
Examination of Conscience
Christ’s Two Commandments
How well do we love God and others? Do we love as Christ calls us to? In the Gospel of Matthew, Christ gives us Two Commandments: “He said to him, You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments” (Mt 22:37-40).
Not sure what love is? St. Paul describes it for us in his Letter to the Corinthians. Is this how you love God and others? “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick- tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails” (1 Cor 13:4-8). I am the LORD your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.
Psalm 51 and Repentance for Jamaica
“ Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Have mercy on Jamaica Lord God, as a people we have sinned in so many ways and done evil in your sight. I repent Lord God for our Nation and seek your mercy and forgiveness
I repent, O God for the many sins of our nation, sins I may have contributed to, knowingly or unknowingly. Touch the hearts of the people of Jamaica, in particular our leaders in every sphere of life that they may repent also and seek your face.
In the days and weeks ahead, bring to mind any forgotten sin that as a nation we may repent and ask your forgiveness.
Forgive us Lord for failing to stand up for righteousness in this Nation.
We humbly seek thy Mercy oh God, In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
God bless you!
