for no one
can practise virtue except he humbly implores God for it, who alone can
give him the necessary strength. Who ceases to love and practise prayer,
no longer possesses the gifts of the Spirit. But he that perseveres in
the service of God, and deems it an irreparable loss to miss constant
prayer, possesses every virtue and is a friend of God."

PRACTICE

OFFER yourself at the beginning of each day to God, and thereby you will
belong to Him throughout its whole course. Renew your consecration to
Him frequently during the day by short acts of virtue and especially by
a good intention, thus rendering all your work a prayer, and you will
attain perfection.

_Prayer_

O GOD, I implore Thee through the merits and intercession of the Holy
Helpers, to grant me the spirit of prayer, that following their example
I may walk in Thy presence and ever enjoy the consolation of intercourse
with Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

NINTH DAY

Perseverance

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

MEDITATION

A VICTORIOUS death was the reward of the Holy Helpers' perseverance in
the service of God. During this novena you have, no doubt, formed many
good resolutions, exclaiming with the Royal Prophet, "And I said, now I
have begun" (_Ps._ lxxvi. 11). But it happens that many, despite their
good will, become remiss in the pursuit of virtue. Satan is assiduously
trying to accomplish their ruin, representing to them and exaggerating
the difficulties to be encountered on the path of virtue. They hesitate,
falter, and finally turn back. This is the most unfortunate happening
that can occur. Of the condition of such a one Our Lord Himself says:
"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through places
without water, seeking rest; and not finding, he saith: 'I will return
into my house whence I came out.' And when he is come, he findeth it
swept and garnished. Then he goeth and taketh with him seven spirits
more wicked than himself, and entering in they dwell there. And the last
state of that man becometh worse than the first" (_Luke_ xi. 24-26). Are
these words not a sufficient warning to encourage us to persevere in our
good resolves?

[Image: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven.]

PRACTICE

IN concluding this novena, survey again the depth of that
incomprehensible eternity which is awaiting you. Contemplate in s