itted to Thy beatific vision in heaven. Amen.

Litany and Prayers (located on the first day of the novena).

FOURTH DAY

The Virtue of Hope

Preparatory Prayer (located at the start of the novena).

MEDITATION

"HOPE confoundeth not" (_Rom._ v. 6). According to the commentators
these words of Holy Scripture are to be understood in the sense that our
works must be in conformity with that which is the object of our hope;
that is, we must live in such a manner that we really merit the reward
of heaven.

We sin against hope also by presumption in God's mercy, by despair, and
by over-confidence in our own righteousness. According to Holy Scripture
we can not, of our own efficacy, perform a good act, but can do all in
Him that strengthens us.

All these truths are exemplified in the lives of the Holy Helpers. Their
hope was based on the firm foundation of faith, and consequently, like
it, firm, constant, and unwavering.

PRACTICE

LIKE the Holy Helpers, hope to obtain from God all things necessary to
salvation, for "the Lord is good to them that hope in Him, to the soul
that seeketh Him" (_Lam._ iii. 25). Live so that He can fulfil His
promises. Place no obstacle to His bounty and might by a sinful life.

_Prayer_

ETERNAL God of love and mercy, I thank Thee for all the benefits Thou
hast conferred upon me, and hope to obtain, through the intercession of
the Holy Helpers, all the graces necessary for my salvation. Through
Christ our Lord. Amen.

Litany and Prayers (located on the first day of the novena).

FIFTH DAY

The Love of God

Preparatory Prayer (located at the start of the novena).

MEDITATION

THE love of God which inflamed the Holy Helpers showed forth in their
whole life, and particularly at their death. We, too, ought to be
inflamed with such love, for without it faith, wisdom, the gift of
tongues, and good works in general, avail nothing; for the love of God
must inspire them all. "And we know that to them that love God, all
things work together unto good" (_Rom._ viii. 28). Such, and such alone,
will receive the crown of life. Did not God love us first? To redeem us
from sin and eternal death He spared not His only begotten, divine Son.
All goods of life and fortune are gifts of His love, evidences of His
infinite love. And we find it difficult to return this love? How
ungrateful not to love God with your whole heart!

PRACTICE

IMITATE the Holy Helpers in their ardent love of