Pray to the Fourteen Efficacious Holy Helpers in Times of Adversity and Difficulties
The left wing of the Glottertal Altarpiece; Germany; 15th century; devotion of the 14 Holy Helper (left to right): Saints George, Cyriacus, Erasmus of Formiae, Blaise, Acacius, Giles, Vitus
A GROUP OF SAINTS INVOKED WITH SPECIAL CONFIDENCE because
they have proven themselves efficacious helpers in adversity
and difficulties, are known and venerated under the name
Fourteen Holy Helpers.
Devotion to these fourteen as a group spread in response to the Black Plague which devastated Europe from 1346 to 1349. Among its symptoms were the tongue turning black, a parched throat, violent headache, fever, and boils on the abdomen. It attacked without warning, robbed its victims of reason, and killed within a few hours; many died without the last Sacraments. Brigands roamed the roads, people suspected of contagion were attacked, animals died, people starved, whole villages vanished into the grave, social order and family ties broke down, and the disease appeared incurable.
Devotion to these fourteen as a group spread in response to the Black Plague which devastated Europe from 1346 to 1349. Among its symptoms were the tongue turning black, a parched throat, violent headache, fever, and boils on the abdomen. It attacked without warning, robbed its victims of reason, and killed within a few hours; many died without the last Sacraments. Brigands roamed the roads, people suspected of contagion were attacked, animals died, people starved, whole villages vanished into the grave, social order and family ties broke down, and the disease appeared incurable.
The pious turned to Heaven, begging the intervention of the
saints, praying to be spared or cured. This group devotion
began in Germany--the Diocese of Wurzburg having been renowned
for its observance. Pope Nicholas V attached indulgences to
devotion of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in the 16th century.
Saint Christopher and Saint Giles were invoked against the plague itself.
Saint Denis was prayed to for relief from headache; Saint Blaise for ills of the throat; Saint Erasmus (Elmo), for abdominal maladies, Saint Barbara for fever, and Saint Vitus against epilepsy.
Saint Pantaleon is the patron of physicians, Saint Cyriacus was invoked against temptation on the deathbed, and Saints Christopher, Barbara, and Catherine (of Alexandria) for protection against a sudden and unprovided for death.
Saint Giles is prayed to for a good confession, and Saint Eustace as healer of family troubles. Domestic animals were also attacked by the plague, and so Saints George, Elmo, Pantaleon, and Vitus were invoked for their protection.
Saint Margaret of Antioch is the patron of safe childbirth.
The legends of the Fourteen Holy Helpers are replete with the most glorious examples of heroic firmness and invincible courage in the profession of the Faith, which ought to incite us to imitate their fidelity in the performance of the Christian and social duties.
If they, with the aid of Gods grace, achieved such victories, why should not we, by the same aid, be able to accomplish the little desired of us?
God rewarded His victorious champions with eternal bliss; the same crown is prepared for us, if we but render ourselves worthy of it.
God placed the seal of miracles on the intrepid confession of His servants; and a mind imbued with the spirit of faith sees nothing extraordinary therein, because our divine Saviour Himself said,
"Amen, amen I say to you, he that believeth in Me, the works that
I do, he also shall do, and greater than these shall he do." (Saint John 14:12)
In all the miraculous events wrought in and by the saints, there appears only the victorious omnipotent power of Jesus Christ, and the living faith in which His servants operated in virtue of this power.
http://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com
In some parts of the world an extra "helper" is added by invoking the Holy Virgin Mary as our Lady Help of Christians (Auxilium Christianorum).
In all the miraculous events wrought in and by the saints, there appears only the victorious omnipotent power of Jesus Christ, and the living faith in which His servants operated in virtue of this power.
http://catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com
In some parts of the world an extra "helper" is added by invoking the Holy Virgin Mary as our Lady Help of Christians (Auxilium Christianorum).
INVOCATION OF THE HOLY HELPERS
FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS, who served God in humility and confidence on earth and are now in the enjoyment of His beatific vision in Heaven; because thou persevered till death thou gained the crown of eternal life. Remember the dangers that surround us in this vale of tears, and intercede for us in all our needs and adversities. Amen
NOVENA TO THE HOLY HELPERS
FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS, select friends of God, I honor thee as mighty intercessors, and come with filial confidence to thee in my needs, (mention needs) for the relief of which I have undertaken to make this novena.
Fourteen Holy Helpers with their attributes in a cloud, including a kneeling woman with her child, in the chapel Adelwil in New Church, near Lucerne in Switzerland House for Dolder, CH-Beromuenster; https://www.heiligenlexikon.de
Help me by thy intercession to placate Gods wrath, which I have provoked by my sins, and aid me in amending my life and doing penance. Obtain for me the grace to serve God with a willing heart, to be resigned to His holy will, to be patient in adversity and to persevere unto the end, so that, having finished my earthly course, I may join thee in Heaven, there to praise for ever God, Who is wonderful in His Saints. Amen
PRAY THE LITANIES TO THE FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS
Pray to the Fourteen Efficacious Holy Helpers in Times of Adversity and Difficulties
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The Apostolic Blessing by His Holiness Pope Francis is bestowed (October 28, 2013)
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