STEUBENVILLE, OH—Franciscan University of Steubenville is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its founding and the end of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy with a special novena prayer and a renewal of the University’s consecration to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

The College of Steubenville opened its doors on December 10, 1946, with 258 students, most of them returning World War II veterans. The first classes were held in a downtown building and two houses.

To mark the milestone, the 70th Anniversary Novena Prayer is being recited at all campus Masses from November 11-19. On Sunday, November 20, the University community will publicly pronounce the consecration prayers at all four Masses held that day in Christ the King Chapel (see prayers below).

“The Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the same one used by the TOR Franciscans of the Sacred Heart Province, which founded and still sponsors the University. It will remind us of the essential connection of our educational apostolate with the friars,” said Father Nathan Malavolti, TOR, vice president of Pastoral Care and Evangelization. “The Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is the same one used for entrusting our nation to Our Blessed Mother, and this will prompt us to be mindful of our University’s home in this great country of ours.”

Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, the University’s fourth president, originally led the Franciscan University family in the acts of consecration to mark the University’s 50th anniversary on November 23, 1997.

In renewing the consecration, Father Malavolti encourages the entire Franciscan family, wherever they are, “to join us spiritually by making the consecration prayer privately.”

70th Anniversary Novena Prayer

To be prayed from November 11-19, 2016

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the abundance of blessings, graces, and mercies poured out on Franciscan University of Steubenville since its founding 70 years ago. As we close out this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy with this novena, we as a University family seek to re-consecrate ourselves to the Most Sacred Heart of Your Son Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mother Mary. We now beseech You, through the power of the Holy Spirit, for Your guidance, provision, and protection from all evil this day and forevermore, as we carry out the mission You have entrusted to us. We ask all this in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Consecration Prayers

To be recited on November 20, 2016, the Solemnity of Christ the King

Act of Consecration to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

O amiable Savior, wishing to make reparation for my many infidelities, and to testify to You my thanks, I consecrate myself entirely to Your Divine Heart and purpose to sin no more. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, pour out Your blessings upon our Holy Church, upon her ministers, her children, and in particular upon our Order, and also upon this our Province. Uphold the just, convert the sinners, assist the dying, free the souls in Purgatory, and extend upon all our hearts the sweet empire of Your love. Amen.

Source: Manual of Prayer – Sacred Heart Province, TOR Franciscans
Imprimatur: Most Rev. Donald Wuerl, DD
Bishop of Pittsburgh, PA
October 4, 2001

Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Patroness of the United States of America

Most Holy Trinity: Our Father in Heaven, Who chose Mary as the fairest of Your daughters; Holy Spirit, Who chose Mary as Your spouse; God the Son, Who chose Mary as Your Mother; in union with Mary, we adore Your Majesty and acknowledge Your supreme eternal dominion and authority. Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may present the country to You. Through her, we wish to thank You for the great resources of this land and for the freedom which has been its heritage. Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church in America. Grant us peace. Have mercy on our President and on all the officers of our government. Grant us a fruitful economy born of justice and charity. Have mercy on capital and industry and labor. Protect the family life of the nation. Guard the innocence of our children. Grant the precious gift of many religious vocations. Through the intercession of our Mother, have mercy on the sick, the poor, the tempted, sinners, on all who are in need. Mary, Immaculate Virgin, Our Mother, Patroness of our land, we praise You and honor You and give ourselves to You. Protect us from every harm. Pray for us, that acting always according to Your will and the Will of Your Divine Son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.

Source: Manual of Prayers – Pontifical North American College Rome
Imprimatur: Vergilio Cardinal Noe
Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica
Vicar-General for Vatican City State
October 23, 1995