Some months back I found a dogeared xerox of a St. Jude novena in a prayer book at our church. I took it home, left it on our desk, and thought about whether to make it. I really had to think hard whether I wanted to turn to St. Jude, he is a really big gun in our church (Roman Catholic). patron saint of lost and hopeless causes. So I looked deep inside and dug and dug. Yes, I do want our marriage to work. We're in counseling, I'm working on myself alone, and so I made 81 copies and have started the process.<P>6 more days to go. I had to take our S to church, but didn't want him to know about our problems (he's only 11 and it's my job to protect him) so I made up a white lie. I said "We're praying for Cousin Freddy who has cancer and we want him to get better". Now I really love Freddy and I do pray for him, but the Novena is for our marriage. I knew whatever I told our S he would repeat to his dad. <P>Should I tell my H the novena is for us? He laughed last winter when I lit the St. Jude candle on the dining room table. He said something to the effect that "Is this for our Son to do well in his exams?" <P>The sad part is, I almost don't care anymore. I just want to be let alone. St. Jude is a last ditch desperation measure, after I've done all I could on my own. <P>If anyone wants a copy of the novena, I will post it.<P>

Yes I have a strong faith too. My aunt told me about praying the rosary and I really never did, but decided to start and I did..<BR>Well when I started praying the rosary H and OW broke up....conciendence, I don't think so...I also have a prayer candle....<BR>I'm not sure all of this will help my marriage, but I know it's helping ME....to deal with whatever I must....<BR>I still want my marrige and would really appreciate your prayer or e-mail it to me if you perfer.<BR>Tyra

Dear Bellevue<P>Can you please type a copy of the Novena to St Jude. I will type one of my favourite unfailing prayers for you below.<P>HOLY SPIRIT<P>You who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideals. You who gives me the Devine Gift to forgive and forget all that is done to me.<P>I want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be seperated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in all your perpetual glory.<P>This prayer should be said three days consequtively and your request will be granted no matter how difficult. The prayer should then be published. <P>I have had success in the past with this prayer.<P>FET

Dear Tyra,<P>Something's wrong with our word processinig program so I'll retype below rather than cut and paste. I have seen no difference with the novena and tomorrow's the last day and I am going to re-do it starting Monday. This time with mass every morning. <P>The best thing that has happened about this novena so far is that every time I leave church I feel peaceful, like I've handed the problem over to God. <P>ST JUDE PRAY FOR US<P>Oh most holy apostle Saint Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of difficult causes, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, who am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that he brings visible and speedy help where it is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly [____________________________________________](make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O blessed Saint Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.<P>Amen.<P>Novena prayer must be said 6 times each day for nine consecutive days, leaving nine copies in church each day. Prayer will be answered on or before the ninth day and has never been known to fail.<P>NOVENA PRAYER<P>MAY THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS BE ADORED AND LOVED IN ALL THE TABERNACLES UNTIL THE END OF TIME. AMEN.<P>BLESSED BE THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS.<BR>BLESSED BE THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY,<BR>BLESSED BE SAINT JUDE THADDEUS, IN ALL THE WORLD AND FOR ALL ETERNITY.<BR>AMEN.<P>Say this prayer, followed by the Our Father and the Hail Mary.<P>--- Make 81 copies and leave nine copies in church for each consecutive nine days. You will receive your intention before the nine days are over, no matter how impossible it may seem.<P>The Our Father<BR>Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.<P>The Hail Mary<BR>Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.<P>Tyra, good luck. I couldn't find your e-mail address on the profile, so here is the novena.<BR> <p>[This message has been edited by Bellevue (edited September 02, 2000).]

Dear Forevertrue,<P>I just checked out your story under your profile. Terrible people in your H's family. Really knocks the wind out of you, don't it?<P>Thank you for your prayer. I did post the St. Jude Novena in my reply to Tyra. <P>The Boards help keep me sane. (at least I think I'm sane. Others might doubt it.)<P>

Dear Tyra,<P>I posted today under the heading "Bogus St. Jude Novena" but wanted to contact you right away. Apparently what I was copying and praying and doing is not considered a good novena. My friend said it is "superstition" and compared it to a chain letter. I asked her to recommend a good St. Jude Novena and she said to talk to my parish priest.<P>(This is a friend who has a job working for the Catholic church and knows what she's talking about.) <P>Sorry for the bum steer.<P><P>------------------<BR>Belle, Domestic Goddess

Dear FET,<P>Please see my post entitled "Bogus St. Jude Novena". Also my post to Tyra. I've been alerted that the one I typed and posted is not good after all. Sorry to have misled you.<P>If I get a bona fide St. Jude novena from our priest, I'll copy and post it.<P><P>------------------<BR>Belle, Domestic Goddess