ALL SAINTS: Novena for the Ascension of Our Lord

Day 1 - May 12: Joyful Preparation

For forty days, the Risen Christ appeared, His wounds radiant with glory, instructing His Apostles for the mission ahead. “I will send the Holy Spirit,” He promised (John 16:7), filling them with joy amid His nearing ascent. O soul, lift your eyes! His presence then, as now, stirs holy gladness within you. He prepares you too—for life, for eternity—inviting you to dwell in His friendship. In a world heavy with sorrow, His joy is your strength, a foretaste of heaven. O heart, embrace this gift! Let His Spirit awaken you to a life poured out for Him, trusting His nearness until your final breath.
Prayer: Jesus, help us remain close to You. We ask today for holy joy for all people! Deepen our devotion daily. Grant us grace to stay in Your friendship until death. I especially ask for [state intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Lord, hear our prayers! Amen.

Day 2 - May 13: Faith in His Promise

Jesus assured His Apostles, “I will not leave you orphans” (John 14:18), promising the Spirit after His ascent. Their hearts ached at His departure, yet He urged faith in His words. O spirit, where do you falter? His leaving was not loss but a pledge of presence beyond sight. Faith is your anchor when shadows fall, trusting the unseen hand that guides. His Apostles learned this trust—now it’s your turn. O soul, cling to His voice! Through faith, every virtue blossoms, rooting you in holiness. Let His promise steady you, no matter the cost.
Prayer: Jesus, help us remain close to You. We ask today for growth in faith for all people! Strengthen us in virtue daily. Grant us grace to be Your worthy servants, whatever the cost. I especially ask for [state intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Lord, hear our prayers! Amen.

Day 3 - May 14: Hope of Eternity

“I am with you always,” Jesus declared (Matthew 28:20), preparing His Apostles for His ascent. He unveiled the hope of heaven, a promise sealed in His rising. O heart, where do you wander? His forty days were a bridge to eternity, teaching that this life is but a step toward Him. Hope lifts you beyond despair, kindling love for the One who waits. O soul, fix your gaze upward! His words are your lifeline—trust them, and let love grow. Through His ascent, heaven beckons; live for that day.
Prayer: Jesus, help us remain close to You. We ask today for hope for all people! Deepen our love for You daily. Grant us grace to yearn for eternity with You. I especially ask for [state intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Lord, hear our prayers! Amen.

Day 4 - May 15: Anchored in Hope

Appearing for forty days, Jesus whispered, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20), readying His Apostles for His ascent. He sowed hope—the certainty of heaven’s embrace. O spirit, what dims your light? His presence then assured them, as it assures you now, that no parting severs His love. Hope is not wishful thought but a flame lit by His promise. O soul, rest in this truth! Let it stir love within, a longing for the eternal banquet. Through His rising and ascending, He calls you home—live in that hope today.
Prayer: Jesus, help us remain close to You. We ask today for hope for all people! Deepen our love for You daily. Grant us grace to yearn for eternity with You. I especially ask for [state intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Lord, hear our prayers! Amen.

Day 5 - May 16: Intimacy with Christ

Forty days of appearances wove a bond between Jesus and His Apostles, a sacred intimacy before His ascent. Their sorrow at His leaving mingled with awe at His nearness. O heart, do you seek Him? He lingered to draw them close, as He draws you now—into friendship deeper than words. This is your call: to make Him your all, to surrender every corner of your soul. O spirit, come near! His love invites you to abide, to rest in His gaze. Let this novena deepen your union with Him.
Prayer: Jesus, help us remain close to You. We ask today for deeper intimacy with You for all people! Make You our priority. Grant us grace to surrender fully to You. I especially ask for [state intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Lord, hear our prayers! Amen.

Day 6 - May 17: Awareness of Eternity

Rising triumphant, Jesus taught His Apostles of the resurrection to come, ascending to show the way. “You will rise with Me,” He implied (John 6:40), urging them to live for judgment’s day. O soul, where do you drift? His ascent is your mirror—life ends, yet begins anew in Him. Keep this end in sight, a joyful hope that steadies your steps. O heart, awaken! He calls you to serve, to unite with Him now, that eternity may be yours. Let His rising guide you to holiness today.
Prayer: Jesus, help us remain close to You. We ask today for awareness of our end for all people! Help us live as Your servants. Grant us grace to unite with You always. I especially ask for [state intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Lord, hear our prayers! Amen.

Day 7 - May 18 (Ascension Sunday): Comfort in Departure

“I must ascend to the Father,” Jesus said (John 20:17), promising the Spirit and His eternal presence. His Apostles mourned, yet He offered hope beyond tears. O spirit, what loss weighs you? His leaving was gain—His Spirit your comfort, His nearness your peace. On this feast, He lifts you from sorrow to trust, a balm for every wound. O soul, surrender your cares! His ascent assures you: you are never alone. Let His love heal you, now and always.
Prayer: Jesus, help us remain close to You. We ask today for comfort for all who mourn! Keep us near in difficulties. Grant us grace to surrender our cares daily. I especially ask for [state intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Lord, hear our prayers! Amen.

Day 8 - May 19: Mission of Friendship

Forty days with His Apostles built a bond Jesus entrusted to them: lead His Church, draw souls to Him. “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19) was His charge before ascending. O heart, who lingers in darkness? His friendship with them now flows through you—share His joy with the lost. O soul, step forth! Your life is His mission: serve, love, lead others home. Through His ascent, He empowers you—be His hands today.
Prayer: Jesus, help us remain close to You. We ask today for all to know Your joy! Help us serve You worthily. Grant us grace to devote our lives to You. I especially ask for [state intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Lord, hear our prayers! Amen.

Day 9 - May 20: Strength of the Church

After forty days of teaching, Jesus ascended, sending the Spirit to guide His Church (Acts 1:8-9). His Apostles, once faltering, became pillars of holiness, drawing souls to Him. O spirit, see His Body alive! His ascent crowned His promise: the Church stands firm. You, too, are called to build it—strong, holy, His. O soul, serve with zeal! Let His Spirit fill you, making every act a gift to Him, however hard the path.
Prayer: Jesus, help us remain close to You. We ask today for Your Church to be strong and holy! Help us serve eagerly. Grant us grace to do Your will daily, despite difficulty. I especially ask for [state intention]. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Lord, hear our prayers! Amen.

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Apr 9, 2024

Novena for the Ascension of Our Lord