The Catholic Defender: Novena to Blessed Michael Mcgivney, Day 8 – A Legacy of Love

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has ful- lled the law. (Rom 13:8)
Intention: For the mission of the Knights of Columbus.
Virtue: Love of God and neighbor
Father McGivney had a genius for turning neighbors into friends and friends into brothers.
He set the example by serving as a Good Samaritan, stopping to assist, binding up wounds, and caring for the temporal and spiritual welfare of those who had fallen along the wayside of society.
In this, he lived out the true meaning of charity — of love: to will the true good of another. Love is a dying to self so that the other may more fully live. Jesus Christ, who is love himself, has told us, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” ( Jn 15:13).
And he showed us the authentic face of love on the cross. By forming the Knights of Columbus, Father McGivney was leading men not only to do something but to be someone — a better person ready to live according to the challenges of love.
He knew the full meaning of love and he gave men and their families a way — through charity, unity and fraternity — to live that fullness of the Gospel in their own place and time, in their own homes, parishes and communities.
We are invited to follow his example, to live out his legacy, to be Catholics who love God above all things and our neighbors as ourselves, as we strive each day to build up the kingdom of God for the good of all.
Petitions
For Knights in local councils, that their love of God and devotion to Father McGivney will help to build up their parishes and communities.
Grant our prayer, Lord, through the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney.
For families that suffer from discord or misunderstanding, that they may experience God’s healing, and work toward unity of heart, mind and spirit.
Grant our prayer, Lord, through the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney.
Commentaires