The Novena to the Sacred Heart was originally produced through a collaboration between Pray As You Go and Jesuits in Britain. It reflects Fr Simon's deep devotion to the Sacred Heart, a prayer practice that remained close to his heart throughout his life.
Fr Simon, who died earlier this year, made a significant contribution to Pray As You Go over many years through his writing, his distinctive voice and his encouragement of the team behind the daily prayer service.
Pray As You Go describes Fr Simon as a longstanding friend of the ministry and gives thanks for his life of service, his love of God and his care for others. The team says that anyone who met Fr Simon was touched by the kindness of God and expresses the hope that those praying the novena will encounter that same kindness, particularly through the introduction, which was written and voiced by Fr Simon himself.
As people prepare for the Feast of the Sacred Heart on Friday 12 June, they are encouraged to pray the novena alone, with family members, in parish groups or among friends and neighbours.
The nine-day prayer journey invites participants to reflect on God's love through Scripture, meditation and prayer. Those taking part are encouraged to pray at their own pace, listening carefully to each day's Scripture passage and meditation, pausing when something speaks to them.
The novena is available on the Pray As You Go app via the Discover page and can also be accessed online here.
You can watch a short video tribute to Fr Simon here:
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