er own, is not provoked to
anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with
the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, endureth all
things, and never falleth away" (1 _Cor._ xiii. 4-8). Amen.

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

SEVENTH DAY

Human Respect

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

MEDITATION

BY THE conscientious fulfilment of the duties of their state of life the
Holy Helpers show us that the will of God alone was the motive of all
their actions. Human respect, regard for the opinion of others, did not
influence them.

The cowardly fear, "What will people say?" was the ruin of many a soul.
The enemy of mankind is ever intent upon preventing us from doing good
through human respect. He insinuates that virtue and piety are out of
date and ridiculed. From human respect many a person boasts of that
which ought to make him blush; he thinks it discreditable to be less
remiss in his religious obligations than others. Ought the opinion and
ridicule of the world influence us to prevent our pleasing God? St. Paul
says: "If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ"
(_Gal._ i. 10). Our Lord Himself tells us, "He that shall deny Me before
men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven" (_Matt._ x.
33).

PRACTICE

OUR Lord says: "So let your light shine before men, that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (_Matt._ v.
16). Do not stray from the path of duty on account of human respect; do
not let yourself be influenced by the judgments of the world.

_Prayer_

MERCIFUL God, who gavest the Holy Helpers the grace to fulfil Thy will
regardless of human respect; grant that we may obtain through their
intercession and merits the courage to despise the opinion of men, and
ever serve Thee with a fearless heart. Amen.

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

EIGHTH DAY

Prayer

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

MEDITATION

THE Holy Helpers, well knowing the efficacy of prayer, assiduously
devoted themselves to it. From it they drew that wonderful strength
which sustained them in their combat for the Faith.

Prayer is the elevation of the mind to God, intercourse with Him by acts
of adoration, praise, thanksgiving, and petition. St. Chrysostom says of
prayer: "Without prayer it is impossible to lead a good life;