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Pope Francis says that joy must be the characteristic of our Christian faith. "If I do not have the joy of my faith," he says, "I cannot bear witness and others will say: 'But if faith is so sad, it is better not to have it.'"
At the same time, the pope acknowledges, “the journey of joy is not a walk in the park. It takes work to always be joyful."
The foundation of that work should be asking God for the gift of joy! In fact, that's the most important part of our work for joy, since Jesus prays "that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete."
Amanda Zurface, a canon lawyer and Catholic writer and speaker, has a Novena for Joy with the inspiration of St. Philip Neri (patron saint on joy), the Archangel Raphael (also known for his joy) and Our Lady, Cause of Our Joy.
The brief novena appeals especially to women, but is also suitable for men.
Each day's prayer begins with a quote from a saint on joy, and then a prayer for a specific joy-related fruit. It ends with the Word of God in the Psalms.
Zurface will send each day's prayer to your inbox, so you don't forget to pray it on any of the nine days!
Sign up here.
Our Lady, Cause of our Joy, pray for us!
