Praying with Saint John XXIII

In 1947, while making a retreat at Clamart near Paris, John XXIII wrote in his diary: 'This is the end of my third year as Nuncio in France. The sense of my unworthiness keeps me good company; it renders constant my trust in God. The fact that I live in continual obedience gives me courage and dispels all my fears.'" - Day 2 "The message of our Saviour Jesus was glad tidings and it would be a total mistake to imagine Christianity as something gloomy or sad. No, Christianity is joy, in harmony and peace with God, oneself, and one's neighbour" (December 18, 1958). - Day 5 This novena, motivated by the life of "Good Pope John," invites us to ask God's help to acquire some of those qualities that he possessed in exemplary fashion and that remain necessary to a Christian life worthy of the name.