On March 14, 2023, the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart will celebrate the 180th Birth Anniversary of our Founder Fr. Leo John Dehon. As usual, a nine-day Novena Prayer precedes the proper celebration. Please feel invited to join us in our spiritual preparation for this event. You could use the following prayers:

Day 1: March 5th

Loving God, we thank you for the gift of Fr. Leo Dehon, who dedicated his life to serving you and your people. As we prepare to celebrate his birth anniversary, we ask you to grant us the grace to follow his example of selfless service and love. May we be inspired by his devotion to your Sacred Heart and his tireless efforts to build a more just and compassionate world.

Day 2: March 6th

Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless all those who have been touched by Fr. Leo Dehon’s life and ministry. May his legacy continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to live out our faith with courage and compassion. Help us to recognize the divine spark within each person we meet and to respond to their needs with generosity and kindness.

Day 3: March 7th

O God, we pray for all those who are suffering today, especially those who are struggling with poverty, oppression, and injustice. We ask you to give us the strength and courage to stand with them, to speak out on their behalf, and to work for a world where all people can live with dignity and hope. May Fr. Leo Dehon’s example of solidarity with the marginalized inspire us to become true agents of social change.

Day 4: March 8th

God of compassion, we thank you for the gift of Fr. Leo Dehon’s deep spiritual wisdom and insight. May his writings and teachings continue to enlighten us and help us to deepen our relationship with you. Help us to grow in our understanding of the love and mercy that you offer us, and to respond to that love with greater faith, hope, and charity.

Day 5: March 9th

Loving God, we ask you to bless all those who are working to promote peace and reconciliation in our world. We pray for an end to violence and conflict, and for the healing of all those who have been wounded by war and division. May Fr. Leo Dehon’s commitment to social justice and peace inspire us to become agents of reconciliation and instruments of your peace.

Day 6: March 10th

Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide us as we discern our vocation and mission in life. We pray for the grace to discover the unique gifts and talents that you have given us, and to use them in service to your kingdom. May Fr. Leo Dehon’s example of discernment and commitment inspire us to seek always to do your will and to live our lives with purpose and meaning.

Day 7: March 11th

Loving God, we ask you to bless all those who are working to promote the common good and to build a more just and equitable society. We pray for an end to all forms of discrimination and oppression, and for the empowerment of all those who are marginalized and excluded. May Fr. Leo Dehon’s vision of a society based on solidarity and human dignity inspires us to work tirelessly for the realization of that vision.

Day 8: March 12th

God of mercy and love, we ask you to bless us as we celebrate Fr. Leo Dehon’s birth anniversary. May his life and ministry continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to follow in his footsteps and to live our lives in service to your kingdom. Help us to deepen our devotion to your Sacred Heart and to be transformed by your love and mercy. May we always be open to your will and to the promptings of your Holy Spirit, and may we be faithful witnesses to your love and compassion in the world.

Day 9: March 13th

Fr. Leo Dehon, we ask you to intercede for us as we pray for the grace to live as true disciples of Jesus Christ. Help us to be faithful to our baptismal calling, to deepen our relationship with God, and to follow Jesus with courage and generosity. May your example of holiness and devotion to the Sacred Heart inspire us to become saints for the world, and to work tirelessly for the transformation of society according to God’s will.

To be said every day after the prayer for each day:

Loving God, we entrust to your mercy all our prayers and intentions, through the intercession of Fr. Leo Dehon. May his birth anniversary be a source of grace and blessing for all those who honor him and seek his intercession. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Venerable Fr. Leo John Dehon, pray for us.