St Martha
Feast Day 29

Patron of Those Who Quietly Serve

In the Marian Mantle Group St. Martha is known as the "Saint of Silent Strength." Her example inspires us to quietly and silently pray for those we love, especially those who are far from the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. We believe that through quiet persistence in prayer and work, and unconditional love for our prodigal Catholics, we are putting forth the best effort we can to bring them back to Jesus and His Church. If it be God's will we pray that an answer to our prayer will arrive swiftly. If it does not we ask for the grace to continue in prayer for as long as it takes, even if the answer does not come while we are still on this Earth.

Who was Saint Martha?

We who are often so busy we have difficulty finding time to pray, have our own patron saint. St. Luke writes that Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus and friend of Jesus, was so busy doing for others that she didn't stop even when the Lord was in her home. (Someone had to cook the food.) Jesus tells her that listening to Him is the most important thing she can do. (Luke 10: 38-42)

Apparently, Martha took his words to heart because the next time she appears in the Bible, is after her brother has died. She runs to meet Jesus before he reaches her town and declares her belief in Him and His power. "I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you. Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God." (John 11:22, 27)

St John records the last mention of Martha with two simple words. When Jesus joins Martha and her siblings for dinner, John says Lazarus sits with Jesus at the table. Mary, in a dramatic gesture, anoints Jesus' feet with oil and dries them with her hair. And Martha? "Martha served." (Jn 12:2)

As we exercise our "silent strength" and persevere in prayer for our prodigal Catholics, let us remember St. Martha who, with a firm belief in the power of Jesus and an unfailing trust in His mercy, quietly did what was needed for the welfare of others. St, Martha, pray for us.♥

Novena To Saint Martha

St. Martha I resort to your protection and help. In my faith I offer this light which I burn each Tuesday. O kind and gentle Martha who had our Saviour as a guest in your home, take my petition to the foot of His Throne and intercede for me in my distress. Good and gentle Martha, I place my trust in you.

(Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Marys, and 3 Glory Be's. For 9 consecutive Tuesday's.)

Say this prayer and Light a candle and let it burn out - do not blow it out. This generous Saint promises to grant all petitions. You should promise to make a copy of this novena and leave it in church to spread devotion to this Saint.