Say the word, “prayer”, and several things may come to mind: 

 

• Prayers throughout the Mass 

• Rote prayers (known by heart) 

• The Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet 

• Spontaneous prayers said throughout the day or at events 

• Grace before meals 

 

These are all efficacious and can draw one’s heart to God. However, are you aware of opportunities where you may gift prayer to people, or for yourself for a particular intention? 

 

Devotion and sacrifice. These are the hallmarks of the gift of prayer. It’s a gift for eternity. 

 

 

Enrollment in Novenas of Masses 

 

A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer for a particular intention. Novenas can be prayed by you for yourself or others. They can also be prayed by others for you and/or your intentions. 

 

Loved ones included in novenas may be living or deceased. As Catholics, we show love for humanity by praying for the purification of souls so they are spotless before standing in the presence of God. 

 

Enrollments are made by submitting a request to a religious institution or organization. These include Catholic churches, Shrines, and religious orders. 

 

Examples of novenas include: 

 

• Seasonal. These include Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and especially All Souls Day to remember loved ones. 

 

• Commemoration of special occasions or intentions. The Divine Mercy Shrine and Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, among many others, offer enrollments for many occasions. These include Get Well and Patriotic themes as well as Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Marriage, Thank You, Birthday, Anniversary, Graduation, Retirement, Sympathy, and more. 

 

• In honor of particular saints: St. Anthony, St. Jude, St. Peregrine, Saint Pio, St. Monica, and St. Theresa the Little Flower. 

 

• Specific Church feasts. These may also relate to the mission of a religious organization, like the Most Pure Heart of St. Joseph and Our Lady of the Snows. 

 

• Perpetual Enrollments, like those prayed by the Priests of the Sacred Heart and Barnabite Fathers at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine are prayed annually, or even throughout the year. There are also particular enrollments for Mothers, Fathers, and Family Perpetual Enrollment available. 

 

It is customary to send either a free will offering or a predetermined donation. By doing so you are not paying for prayers and spiritual favors. Rather, you are supporting those religious orders, apostolates, or organizations to defray costs and maintain their spiritual work. 

 

“It is more blessed to give than to receive,” (Acts 20:35) 

 

 

Spiritual Bouquets 

 

Sometimes less well-known, a spiritual bouquet is made of prayers, acts of devotion and/or sacrifice that have already been completed or will be offered for a recipient. 

 

Spiritual bouquets can be given by an individual or a group for particular intentions. Examples are to support priests or those in religious life in their vocations, or for a child transitioning to college, or for someone with a new job. They can also express thanks, joy, support, or sorrow. 

 

Here is a lovely article about St. Therese of Lisieux (also known as St. Theresa the Little Flower) and her spiritual bouquets. 

 

What is a spiritual bouquet “made of”? Below are some ideas of what can be offered for someone and their intentions. Choosing one or a few is acceptable since it is a gift: 

 

• Decades of the rosary 

• Chaplets 

• Novenas 

• Litanies 

• Stations of the Cross 

• Remembrance at Mass 

• Holy Communions 

• Holy Hours 

• Acts of Penance/Sacrifices 

• Fasting 

• Memorares 

• Candle lit at Church 

• Guardian Angel or St. Michael prayers 

 

If you search online for “Catholic spiritual bouquet”, you will find cards to order or download and print. Some are free while others can be purchased. Some are quite simple, others may be elegant with pictures of Jesus or Mary or long-stemmed flowers, adding visual beauty to the prayers. 

 

When you give a spiritual bouquet, you will find that daily irritations can be transformed into prayer. And sacrifices, while sometimes difficult or unpleasant, can be a source of joy. 

 

 

Elevate Your Prayers 

 

Sometimes there are people around us who are struggling and we don’t know how to help. The gift of prayer and spiritual offerings is something that everyone can do, no matter what age or life circumstances. 

 

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