“A novena intention is like the jewel placed in the setting of a ring. The setting is how you carry that jewel, the ring is how you wear it. And so, like a cherished ring or brooch that you wear, your novena intention goes wherever you do. But like the ring or brooch, you don’t necessarily have to think about it all the time.
“A prayer petition is a gesture, an intention. It’s not supposed to be a lot of work. The ‘work’ of a novena is the rosary that you pray each day and share amongst your friends. It’s light work. It is meant to be light. Leave the heavy lifting to Me.
“If you look at the statues of Me holding My infant, sometimes I rest Him on My knee, sometimes on My hip, and often in the crook of My arm near the shoulder. But I don’t squeeze Him, confine Him, smother Him, or torture Him.
“I am the setting, and He is the jewel.
I am the ring, and He is the diamond.
I am the brooch, He is the ruby.
“Carry your intention like I carry my baby – lovingly, attentively, but not anxiously.
“Learn to hold your intentions lightly, even when you are praying hard. This makes it easier for Me to work.”
BELOW: Standing Virgin and Child, by Niclaus Gerhaert von Leyden (North Netherlandish, active Strasbourg, ca. 1462–died 1473 Vienna)
Date: ca. 1470