July 29, 2008, 7:00 AM at St. Patrick Church, Columbus, Ohio, there will be a Mass offered for the intentions of the Apostolate of Hannah’s Tears, each of your intentions will also be remembered on this day. If you are unable to attend the Mass in Columbus, please consider going to a Church in your local area to be in communion with the intentions of this ministry and for those whom we serve.
This is also a day to remember Saint Martha, who devoted her life to loving service to Our Lord. I believe her life of faithfulness and service is something each of us can ponder as we learn to accept God’s holy will in each of our lives.
St. Martha
Virgin (First Century)
Martha was the sister of Mary of Bethany. We know only what we read about her in the Gospels of Luke and John. Whatever is said about her early life comes to us from apocryphal writings which usually are no more than the work of somebody’s imagination. We know that she busied herself preparing a meal for Jesus and his disciples, then went to Jesus to complain that Mary did nothing while she had to do all the housework. It was at that time Jesus reminder her that Mary had chosen “the best part”.
We see her again when, at the tomb of her brother Lazarus, she pronounces those profound words of faith which have come into our funeral liturgy: “I know He will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her: “I am the resurrection and the life: whoever believes in me, though he should die, will come to life;…Do you believe this?” “Yes Lord”, she replied, “I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God; he who is to come into the world.”
NOVENA TO SAINT MARTHA
O glorious Saint Martha,
I have recourse to your protection and aid,
And as proof of my affection and faith
I promise faithfully to complete this novena.
Comfort me in my difficulties
And intercede for my family
With your intimate friend, our Savior,
That we may always hold God in our hearts
And be provided for in our necessities.
I beg your supplications
Especially in behalf of the favor
I ask of you in this novena.
[State your intention(s) here…]
I ask you, Saint Martha,
By your intercession to help me
In overcoming all my difficulties
And to teach me to become great
In the Kingdom of Heaven
By becoming as humble as you
In this world.
Amen.
This novena may be said each Tuesday in devotion to St. Martha. May Our Lord bless and keep you today and always, as we all work in humble service to the Father. I want each of you to know that this ministry is not about one particualar parish or one group of people, this ministry has been built for all of you that need to know that we are here for you within the Church to hear the cry of your heart. Remember in this ministry we become like Simon of Cyrene, which means he who hears. You are not alone in your cross Jesus and Our Lady are with you and we are here to encourage you. If any of you are new to this site, please feel free to email us anytime to let us know of your prayer requests that we might place them on the altar and lift them to the Lord.
God Bless,
Hannah’s Tears
