Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Helen Catholic Church
Prayers
Our Sunday and weekly prayer services are geared to worshippers of all ages. Coming together as a community strengthens and guides us in our daily life. For those who wish to join us, Saint Helen's is always waiting with open hearts.
Prayer for the Synod on Synodality
Prayer for a Council in the Parish
Saint Helen's Parish Prayer
God, our Father, pour out
your spirit upon us,
Give us a new experience of
your power and mercy,
Make us faithful to your
word.
Let your love grow in our
parish, so that people will
see you alive in us and see
the glory of your kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus,
your loving Son, our
Saviour. Amen.
Prayer for the Synod on Synodality
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer for a Council in the Parish
Dear Heavenly Father
in all that we do for the Parish, dear Lord,
help us to work with just one accord.
To help one another for the good of the
Church.
To find the true path, Lord, help us to
search.
Enlighten us, Father, and give us the will
To finish the work that is left for us still.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Our Lady Help of Christians (pray for us!)
Saint Helen (pray for us!)
Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles into Your Church.
Snr Sto Niño
The Holy Child Jesus of Cebu, Philippines
Novena to Snr Sto Niño
HOLY GOD, WE PRAISE THY NAME
SING: (Standing)
Holy God, we praise Thy Name, Lord of all! We bow before Thee;
All on earth Thy scepter claim, All in heaven above adore Thee;
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.
Hark! The loud celestial hymn, Angel's choirs above are raising;
Cherubim and Seraphim In unceasing chorus praising,
Fill the heavens with sweet accord, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord!
Fill the heavens with sweet accord, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord!
In the name of the Father...
ACT OF CONTRITION
(To be recited daily)
Oh, my Dear Jesus! You are our King and our God, because of Your love for us You came down from heaven born of the Virgin Mary. My heart weeps, for in spite of Your goodness we have committed many sins. Forgive us, Oh Jesus, for our sin of ingratitude in return for Your goodness. Strengthen our will to resist temptation and sin. With your grace we will be able to fulfill our promises and share with Your glory in heaven.
Oh, Holy Child Jesus, Who is ever good and loving, we kneel before You our true God.
With humility we implore You to give us Your mercy and grant us all the favors we ask of You in this novena, so that we will enjoy the blessings of heaven. AMEN.
◦ Pray three Our Fathers, three Hail Mary, and Glory be ...
◦ Now ask Señor Santo Niño to hear your prayers and grant your petitions during this novena (Pause for a moment)
SUPPLICATIONS TO SANTO NIÑO
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
In every need let us come to you with humble trust, Santo Niño, help us.
In all our doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Santo Niño, help us.
In hours of loneliness, weariness and trials, Santo Niño, help us.
In the failure of our plans and hopes, Santo Niño, help us.
In disappointments, troubles and sorrows, Santo Niño, help us.
When others fail us, and your grace alone can assist us, Santo Niño, help us.
When we throw ourselves on Your tender love as our only Refuge, Santo Niño, help us.
When our heart is cast down by failure, Santo Niño, help us.
When we are ill, and our head and hands cannot work and we are lonely, Santo Niño, help us.
When we feel impatient, and our cross irritates us, Santo Niño, help us.
Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls and shortcomings of every kind. Santo Niño, help us.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world; Spare us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world; Graciously hear us, O Jesus
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world; Have mercy upon us, O Jesus.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
V/. Praised be the name of the Lord.
R/. Now and forever.
LET US PRAY
Oh, sweet and merciful Jesus! Señor Santo Niño, the source of all goodness, we kneel before Your sacred Image, imploring Your Divine aid for universal peace and brotherhood among all men. Enlighten the unbelievers and the heathens so that they will believe you as their true God. Restore the faith of those who have wandered away from you, bring them back to Your fold with repentance in their hearts.
Grant also to faithful departed in Purgatory the remission of all their sins so that they will rest in peace forever. Finally, nourish and strengthen our faith in You so that we will serve You faithfully on earth. AMEN.
Batobalani Sa Gugma
Bato balani sa gugma,
sa daan tawo palangga.
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA
Dinhi sa syudad sa Sugbo
ang matahum mong larawan
sa unang mga misyonero
sa usang balay hipalgan.
Kanila ikaw nagpakita
gikan da sa imong gugma.
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA
Giludhan ikaw gisimba
niadtong mga kaparian.
Sa tanan nga katawhan
sa mga punoan nila
kay sa pagtan-aw kanimo
kristyano sila nahimo.
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA
Ang simbahan gipatindog
niadtong mga tawhana
aron ang larawan nimo
dunay usang puloy-anan,
ug didto gihangyo nila
nga kaloy-an nimo sila.
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA
Nangayo kami kanimo
nga ang matahom mong larawan
sa sulod sa kalag namo
makahimog puloy-anan
kay sa tanang kinahanglan
ikaw ang among dalangpan.
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA
Refrain
The lodestone of love,
to which the ancient people (was) dearest 3X
[Chorus]
On us, may you have mercy,
(on those) that to you fervidly implore 2X
[I]
Here in the city of Cebu,
your beautiful image
To the first missionaries,
can be found in one abode
to them, you had manifested yourself
just through (the power of) your love
[Repeat Chorus]
[II]
You had been genuflected-before-by and worshipped
by those masses of priests
by the entire populace
***by their leaders
Because upon sight of you,
Christians, had they become
[Repeat Chorus]
[III]
The church had been erected
by those people
so that your image
might have one (true) home
and (in) there they had supplicated (you)
for you to have mercy on them
[Repeat Chorus]
[IV]
We entreat you
for your beautiful image
within/inside our souls
to (be able to) make its home
For everything (we) need,
you are our refuge
[Repeat Chorus]
OFFERING OF CHILDREN TO THE HOLY CHILD JESUS OF CEBU
O Sweet Jesus, Most Holy King of Kings, who in thy great love for us, humbled Thyself to be conceived and born like us, to show humility in Thy Godly person, in the stable with the animals, in the little town of Bethlehem, Thou were obedient, wise and good to Thy Father, St. Joseph and Holy Mother Mary, Thou callest us to Thee, to be with Thee in Kingdom in Heaven;
Thou hast given us strength on our Faith to love, we come before Thy Sacred Image to offer our body and spirit, our purity and innocence.
O, Most Holy Child Jesus, we love Thee eternally; look down upon us who have come to adore Thee. Be our Guardian Angel and Protector from evil and Preserver of our innocence and purity.
We implore Thee, Jesus, to protect the Holy Church and Holy See and spread the faith throughout the world; bless Thine children who kneel before Thy Holy Image asking infallible promises and hoping from Thee everything.
AMEN.
PRAYER TO SEÑOR SANTO NIÑO OF CEBU
(FOR ALL THOSE WHO TRAVEL BY AIR, SEA AND LAND)
O, Señor Santo Niño! Because thou art the Way, the Truth and the Life of all men I beseech Thee to protect me from sickness, accidents and calamities on earth and at sea. Lead me to follow the righteous path of goodness for my salvation and happiness; don't abandon me in my sorrows, but instead have pity on me, Sweet Jesus, till death. AMEN.
*Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be...
THE DIVINE PRAISES
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be this Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be his Most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary Most Holy.
Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse, Blessed be God in His Angels and in his Saints.
Petition
FIRST DAY
Oh, ever-wise Jesus, who, in your wisdom, had sent zealous missionaries to our humble shores to preach the Gospel to our forefathers so that they would see the light and embrace the Catholic faith, we humbly ask you to give us a living faith so that we may always please you in all that we do. We ask you this in your Holy name. AMEN.
Petition
SECOND DAY
Oh, most-loving Jesus, who has shown your love to us by dying for us on the Cross and by giving yourself to us in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, we beseech you to share with us Your love so that we may always love You with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our strength, and also so that we may always love our neighbors as ourselves. This we ask you in Your Holy Name. AMEN.
Petition
FIFTH DAY
Oh, merciful Jesus! You have said that "There will be more rejoicing in heaven for one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just who don't need repentance", we beseech you to grant us the grace of repentance so that we may repent of our sins and live for you alone. This we ask you in Your Holy Name. AMEN.
Petition
SEVENTH DAY
Oh, most merciful Jesus, You had been always obedient to your heavenly Father even unto death; we beseech you to grant us the grace of being always docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so that we will always glorify your Father in heaven. This we ask you in Your Holy Name. AMEN.
Petition
NINTH DAY
Oh, merciful Jesus! You said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life,” We beseech you to guide us in our way to heaven so that we may be able to surmount all the difficulties and obstacles we will encounter in this deceptive world.
Grant to us also the virtue of hope so that we will always thirst for the heavenly things and for your glory. This we ask you in Your Holy Name. AMEN.
Perpetual Novena to Snr Sto Niño
HOLY GOD, WE PRAISE THY NAME
SING: (Standing)
Holy God, we praise Your Name,
Lord of all! We bow before You;
All on earth Your scepter claim,
All in heaven above adore You;
Infinite Your vast domain,
Everlasting is Your reign.
Hark! The loud celestial hymn,
Angel's choirs above are raising;
Cherubim and Seraphim
In unceasing chorus praising,
Fill the heavens with sweet accord,
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord!
Fill the heavens with sweet accord,
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord!
In the name of the Father +and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer to Sto Niño
O Señor Santo Nino, * You are our king and our God. * We worship You. * You are our
strong Defender, * we turn to you.
You are the patron of Cebu, the Philippines,* we come to you; You have
made extraordinary wonders * through Your Miraculous Image * in these chosen islands, *
remember us. * Look down at this poor soul * that comes to you for help. * Lead us with Your
wisdom; * discipline us with Your truth; * console us with Your tenderness, * protect us with Your
Might.
We consecrate today * our thoughts of You, * only with You * shall they be occupied; *
our words, * only of You shall they speak; * our sufferings, that we may endure them * for Your
sake. * We beg You Senor Santo Nino, * illumine our understanding, * kindle our will, * cleanse
our body, * sanctify our soul. * We wish what You wish, * because You wish, * as You wish, * as
long as You wish.
Grant us, Senor Santo Niño * that we may feel love toward you, * be strict toward
ourselves, * be zealous toward our fellowmen, * and rightly despise * the things of the world. *
Help us to overcome sensuality * with strict discipline, * avariciousness with generosity, * anger
with gentleness, * indolence with zealous industry. * Make us wise in counsel, * courageous in
danger, * patient in adversity, * humble in prosperity.
Teach us, * dear Santo Niño, * how worthless is the world, * how sublime is heaven, *
how brief is time, * how long is eternity. * Grant us, lastly, that we may remember you, * adore
you, * love you * and serve you * here on earth * that we may be happy with you * forever and
ever in heaven.
Amen.
Recite three times Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father in honor of Santo Niño
SUPPLICATIONS TO SANTO NIÑO
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
In every need let us come to you with humble trust,
R. Santo Nino, help us.
In our all doubts, perplexities and temptations,
R. Santo Nino, help us.
In hours of loneliness, weariness and trials,
R. Santo Nino, help us.
In the failure of our plans and hopes,
R. Santo Nino, help us.
In disappointments, troubles and sorrows,
R. Santo Nino, help us.
When others fail us, and Your Grace alone can assist us,
R. Santo Nino, help us.
When we throw ourselves on your tender love as our only refuge,
R. Santo Nino, help us.
When our heart is cast down by failure,
R. Santo Nino, help us.
When we are ill and our head and hands cannot work and we are lonely,
R. Santo Nino, help us.
When we feel impatient and our cross irritates us.
R. Santo Nino, help us.
Always, always, in spite of weaknesses, falls, and shortcomings of every kind,
R. Santo Nino, help us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world:
Spare us. O Jesus.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world:
Graciously hear us, O Jesus
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world:
have mercy upon us, O Jesus.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, Graciously hear us.
LET US PRAY
O Santo Niño, * who has said, * “ask and you shall receive; * seek and you shall find; * knock and it shall be opened unto you,” * Give we beseech you, * to us who ask * the gift of Your divine love, * that we may love You * with our whole heart, * in word and work, * and never cease * from showing forth your praise.
Make us, O Lord, * to have a perpetual fear and love of Your Holy Name, * for You never fail to govern them * whom you do solidly establish * in Your love; * through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Indulgence of 7 years, No. 144).
Batobalani Sa Gugma
Bato balani sa gugma,
sa daan tawo palangga.
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA
Dinhi sa syudad sa Sugbo
ang matahum mong larawan
sa unang mga misyonero
sa usang balay hipalgan.
Kanila ikaw nagpakita
gikan da sa imong gugma.
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA
Giludhan ikaw gisimba
niadtong mga kaparian.
Sa tanan nga katawhan
sa mga punoan nila
kay sa pagtan-aw kanimo
kristyano sila nahimo.
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA
Ang simbahan gipatindog
niadtong mga tawhana
aron ang larawan nimo
dunay usang puloy-anan,
ug didto gihangyo nila
nga kaloy-an nimo sila.
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA
Nangayo kami kanimo
nga ang matahom mong larawan
sa sulod sa kalag namo
makahimog puloy-anan
kay sa tanang kinahanglan
ikaw ang among dalangpan.
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA
CONCLUDING PRAYER
O miraculous Santo Nino! * prostrate before your sacred Image, * we beseech You * to cast a merciful look * on our troubled hearts. * Let Your tender love, * so inclined to pity, * be softened at our prayers, * and grant us that grace * for which we ardently implore You. * Take from us * all unbearable affliction and despair. For your sacred infancy’s sake * hear our prayers * and send us consolation and aid * that we may praise You, * with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Præstet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.
Genitori, Genitoque
Laus et jubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio:
Procedenti ab utroque
compar sit laudatio
V.? Panem de Coelo praestitisti eis.
R/. Omne delectamentum in se habentem.
THE DIVINE PRAISES
Blessed be God.
Blessed be his Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be His Most Precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy.
Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the Name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste Spouse.
Blessed be God in His angels and in His Saints
SING: (Kneeling)
O Sacrament Most Holy
O Sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving
Be every moment Thine,
Be every moment Thine.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Our Lady Help of Christians
Novena of Prayers
15-24 May
Novena for Our Lady Help of Christians
Opening Prayer for Each Day:
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, and sought your intercession, was left unaided, inspired with this confidence I fly unto you; O Virgin of virgins, my Mother! To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful, O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Meditation
Novena for Our Lady Help of Christians
Petition:
We bring before you our special intentions (pause to mention your requests). As you helped the Church triumph over its enemies in the past, help us overcome the challenges we face today. Guide us to your Son Jesus, strengthen our faith, and protect the Church from all dangers. Be for us the help we need in our spiritual and temporal necessities.
Prayer of Supplication:
Most loving Mother, your help has never failed those who sought your intercession. Grant us the grace to persevere in faith, grow in hope, and burn with charity. Help the weak, comfort the afflicted, convert sinners, and inspire many holy vocations to serve the Church. May your title "Help of Christians" continue to be honoured throughout the world, drawing all people to the love of your Son Jesus. Amen.
Litany to Mary Help of Christians
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Mother most powerful, pray for us.
Mother of divine assistance, pray for us.
Refuge in times of trouble, pray for us.
Protector of the Church, pray for us.
Defense of the Christian people, pray for us.
Victory in spiritual battles, pray for us.
Shield of faith against error, pray for us.
Guardian of the Pope and clergy, pray for us.
Strength of missionaries, pray for us.
Hope of Christian families, pray for us.
Comfort of the persecuted, pray for us.
Light in darkness, pray for us.
Aid in our necessities, pray for us.
Help of the sick and suffering, pray for us.
Consoler of the afflicted, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Guide of youth, pray for us.
Advocate of the faithful, pray for us.
Queen of peace, pray for us.
Support of the dying, pray for us.
Star of the morning, pray for us.
Pillar of the Church, pray for us.
Mother of good counsel, pray for us.
Champion of Christian unity, pray for us.
Defender against evil, pray for us.
Helper in daily struggles, pray for us.
Source of divine comfort, pray for us.
Protector of families, pray for us.
Guardian of the innocent, pray for us.
Strength of the weak, pray for us.
Hope of the hopeless, pray for us.
Queen of all saints, pray for us.
Mary, Mother of vocations, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O Holy Help of Christians,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
O Mary, powerful Virgin, great and illustrious rampart of the Church, wonderful Help of
Christian, terrible as an army drawn up in battle array; you alone overcome every error in the world; in anxieties, in struggles, in every difficulty defend us from the enemy and at the hour of our death receive our souls into paradise. Amen.
(BY ST. JOHN BOSCO)
Day One
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, we come before you with hearts full of trust and devotion. As Mother of Divine Grace, you continually intercede for us before the throne of your Divine Son. We remember how throughout history, you have shown your powerful protection over the Church and all faithful Christians. Today, we begin this novena seeking your maternal assistance, confident that you will hear our prayers just as you have helped countless others who have turned to you in their need.
Prayer Intention: Today we pray for the grace to deepen our faith and trust in your maternal intercession.
Day Two
Blessed Mother, Help of Christians, you who stood at the foot of the Cross and became our spiritual Mother, we turn to you today as our refuge. Your compassionate heart understands our struggles and weaknesses. Like a loving mother, you never turn away from your children, even when we stray from the path of righteousness. We ask you to wrap us in your mantle of protection and guide us back to your Son Jesus whenever we falter.
Prayer Intention: Today we pray for the conversion of sinners and the strength to resist temptation.
Day Three
O Mary, Help of Christians, you who shared in the sufferings of your Son, understand the pain and trials we face in our daily lives. As you consoled the apostles after Jesus' ascension, console us in our moments of difficulty. Your presence brings comfort to the afflicted and hope to the discouraged. We place our burdens in your capable hands, trusting in your maternal care to help us carry our crosses.
Prayer Intention: Today we pray for all those who are suffering physically, mentally, or spiritually.
Day Four
Powerful Virgin, Help of Christians, in times of conflict and division, you stand as our Queen of Peace. Throughout history, you have helped the Church triumph over adversity, as witnessed at the Battle of Lepanto and in countless other moments of crisis. We seek your intercession for peace in our world, our communities, and our hearts.
Prayer Intention: Today we pray for peace in our world and unity in the Church.
Day Five
Mother of Good Counsel and Help of Christians, you who preserved all things in your heart, teach us to be attentive to God's word. Guide us in making wise decisions that align with God's will. As you guided the servants at Cana to "do whatever He tells you," help us to discern and follow your Son's voice in our lives.
Prayer Intention: Today we pray for wisdom and discernment in our daily decisions.
Day Six
Compassionate Mother and Help of Christians, you who bring comfort to the suffering, we entrust to your care all who are sick in body or spirit. Your presence at the foot of the Cross shows us how to remain faithful in times of suffering. Extend your healing touch to those in need of physical, emotional, or spiritual healing.
Prayer Intention: Today we pray for the sick and those who care for them.
Day Seven
Most powerful Virgin and Help of Christians, your title speaks of your constant assistance to those who call upon you. As you helped Saint John Bosco in his mission to the young, help us in our various vocations and duties. We trust in your powerful intercession before your Son's throne, knowing that you never abandon those who seek your aid.
Prayer Intention: Today we pray for strength and guidance in our personal vocations.
Day Eight
Blessed Mother and Help of Christians, you who were assumed body and soul into heaven, show us the way to eternal life. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on heavenly things while faithfully fulfilling our earthly responsibilities. Guide us through the challenges of this life toward our eternal home.
Prayer Intention: Today we pray for the grace of final perseverance.
Day Nine
Most Holy Virgin and Help of Christians, on this final day of our novena, we honour you as Queen of the Most Holy Rosary. Through this powerful prayer, you have brought countless graces to your children. As we prepare to celebrate your feast, we ask you to strengthen our devotion to you and to Jesus through the holy rosary.
Prayer Intention: Today we pray for a deeper devotion to you and your Son Jesus.