Day five of Novena to Bl. Fr. Sopočko

Fifth Day

Page 15 of of Fr. Sopočko‘s 4th Manuscript: “When a storm-tossed ship loses its mast and helm, and is driven, by mountainous waves, towards rocks which threaten it with destruction, the sailors, in a last desperate attempt to save it, let down the anchor, to hold it fast. In the spiritual life, our anchor is trust in God’s help; and this trust is aroused in us when we come to understand something of God’s infinite mercy. This is why an anchor is the symbol of trust. The soul, like a ship in a storm, may lose everything that was once its strength, beauty and value; the mast of faith may be broken, the helm of love swept away, the whole cargo of good deeds at the mercy of the waves, and total shipwreck may seem inevitable. But the soul is not lost, if it holds fast by the anchor of trust in God’s omnipotent mercy."

"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.