Birmingham: Novena for Canonisation of Bl Dominic Barberi

Blessed Dominic Barberi

Wednesday 18 August 2021 marks the beginning of Birmngham Diocese's Novena to pray for the Canonisation of Blessed Dominic Barberi. The Novena of Prayer lasts for nine days and concludes on his feast day on Thursday 26 August.

The annual Novena of Prayer for the Cause of Blessed Dominic Barberi is a moment to pause and to appreciate the work of this holy Passionist in our Archdiocese and to pray for his Canonisation.

Blessed Dominic arrived in the Archdiocese in February 1842. He spent the next seven years based at Aston Hall in Staffordshire, from where he celebrated Mass, preached Missions, heard confessions, and received many people into the Catholic Church, the most famous being St John Henry Newman in October 1845.

Blessed Dominic had a well known reputation for sanctity and holiness of life. He is also remembered for his love for the poor, and those in need of prayer and help.

In our Archdiocese his memory is held in special regard and each year we pray a Novena of Prayer asking God to grant a miracle of healing through the intercession of Blessed Dominic, which could further his cause for Canonisation.

Please pray the Novena during the nine days from August 18 until August 26. It can be prayed in the parish or at home.

Archbishop Bernard Longley writes: "As we continue to give thanks for the Canonisation of St John Henry Newman, I am delighted to share with you the novena prayer for the Canonisation of Blessed Dominic Barberi. Cardinal Newman recognised and wrote about the holiness of Blessed Dominic and the impact that this had on his own life and in particular in connection with his reception into full communion with the Catholic Church. As we prepare to celebrate the feast of Blessed Dominic on 26 August, please use the novena prayer daily from the 18 August, either privately or with others, as we continue to seek a miracle of healing through the intercession of Blessed Dominic so that he may be recognised as a saint. We can continue to be grateful for the legacy of faith which we have received in the Archdiocese on the foundation of Blessed Dominic's ministry and witness."

Novena Prayer for the Canonisation of Blessed Dominic Barberi

O God, who so lovingly raised Blessed Dominic

to the heights of holiness, learning and apostolic zeal

and made him a powerful minister of your mercy,

listen to our humble request.

We pray that you will in your goodness,

grant a miracle through the intercession of Blessed Dominic,

so that the Church may further honour him on earth

and that many more people will come to know

and invoke the help of this faithful servant of the Church.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Mary, Mother of Holy Hope, Pray for Us.

Saint John Henry Newman, Pray for Us.

Blessed Dominic Barberi, Pray for Us.