An Ally of the Enemy

Novena to Blessed Carlo Acutis Day 5

St. Josemaría wrote, “Sadness sinks into our heart. On these occasions, we need to remember that sadness is an ally of the enemy, and doesn’t bring us closer to God but rather distances us from Him.”

Of course, anyone who knows what an active, and talkative, child Amelia was before all this is going to naturally be sad about her disease.

But that doesn’t mean we give in to sadness. We can still find joy in the present, and hold out hope for the future.

Opening Prayer

Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we thank you for all the grace and favors with which you enriched the soul of the Blessed Carlo Acutis during his 15 years on this earth. Through the merits of this Angel of Youth, grant us the grace which we earnestly seek, that Amelia be cured of her metachromatic leukodystrophy.

Meditation

“Sadness is looking at ourselves; happiness is looking towards God.”

Blessed Carlo Acutis, you who have never looked away from your great love, Jesus, give us the grace also to live with His happiness in this world. Amen.

Pray five Our Fathers, five Hail Marys, and five Glory Bes to give thanks to God for the grace granted to Carlo in the 15 years of his earthly life.

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, Father of Mercy, raise your servant Blessed Carlo Acutis to the glory of the altars, so that through him you will be even more glorified. Give us the honor of counting him among the saints, for he lived in Your Will in all things. And through his merit, give us the grace that we so ardently desire.

Amen.