Novena of Grace

Today begins the Novena of Grace to St. Francis Xavier.

I don’t remember when I first discovered St. Francis Xavier. I was very young and not yet confirmed. My parents had gotten me a collection of saints books written by the Daughters of St. Paul. I loved every one of them- they were great books. I don’t remember the title of the one about St. Francis Xavier, but I do remember that from the first moment I read his story I was enthralled and inspired. When it came time to choose my Confirmation saint I knew exactly who I wanted. St. Francis Xavier.

At the same time I was having a hard time in my life. I had terrible teeth. I mean awful. On the bottom, each tooth had its own row. On top it was similar, plus those teeth jutted out. My overbite was so huge I could clamp my top and bottom teeth together and still stick out my tongue. I got made fun at school and in my neighborhood at home. My parents tried to get me braces but the cost was just too high.

I was confirmed on the Feast of Christ the King- November 21, 1994. In one of the cards I received at the celebration afterward there was a holy card with a picture of St. Francis Xavier preaching to pagans on the front and the Novena of Grace on the back. How timely! A few days later on November 25 I began the novena. My intention was, of course, for braces. I said the whole novena, promised to name my first born son after him if he answered my prayer, then went on with my life. I knew I would get what I asked for- it said so on the holy card.  “All those who implore my help daily for nine consecutive days, from the 4th to the 12th of March included [or Nov 25 to Dec 3], and worthily receive the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist on one of the nine days, will experience my protection and may hope with entire assurance to obtain from God any grace they ask for the good of their souls and the glory of God.” At the time I didn’t understand everything in that sentence. I just knew it said I would get what I asked for.

Three months later my parents came home from their hour of adoration very excited to give me some news. One of our parish priests had joined them and asked if they’d ever thought about getting me braces. They told him their story- that they’d tried but had no way to come up with the money. “Well,” Father answered, “A parishioner who is an orthodontist has come forward and volunteered to give your daughter braces for free.” My parents couldn’t believe it. Braces just falling out of the sky like that!

“Aren’t you shocked?” they asked me. They were slightly annoyed by my lack of surprise. I told them why I wasn’t surprised. I had said the Novena of Grace so of course I was getting free braces. That surprised them even more since I had never told them.

In spite of my lack of surprise, I was SO glad and grateful for what I received. I pray for that orthodontist every day. God bless him! I gave my first son the middle name of Francisco (St. Francis Xavier was Spanish, after all!) in keeping with my promise. I do imagine him laughing a little at my 12 year old romantic notions. Or, who knows, maybe the offer of a namesake really was what moved him to aid my cause!

St. Francis Xavier, pray for us!

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