Apr 9, 2024

Novena to Mary Help of Christians



Day 1 - May 15

Theme: Obedience and Humility
Prayer:
"O Mary, Thou didst readily agree to the Angel's request when he asked Thee to be the Mother of God's Son, and throughout Thy life, Thy one desire was to do the will of Thy Father in Heaven. Help me always to be obedient and humble. May I, like Thee, always have the generosity to follow Jesus, wherever He calls."

Reflection:
Mary’s "Fiat" at the Annunciation was a selfless act of trust, opening the door to Christ’s coming. Her humility as God’s "handmaid" and her obedience through every trial inspire us to let go of our own plans for His.
Scripture: "And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'" (Luke 1:38)
Application: Reflect on where you resist God’s will. Ask Mary for the grace to say "yes" today, perhaps by accepting a small inconvenience with patience.

(State your intentions here...)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…
Closing Prayer:
"Heavenly Father, place deep in our hearts the love of Mary, our help and the help of all Christians. May we fight vigorously for the faith here on earth, and may we one day praise Thy victories in Heaven. Grant this in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord. Amen."
Mary, Help of Christians: Pray for us!

Day 2 - May 16

Theme: Vocations and Evangelization
Prayer:
"O Mary, by Thy visit to Thy cousin, Saint Elizabeth, Thou joyfully spread the good news of the coming of Jesus among men. May many young people generously follow Thine example, and give their lives totally to the service of Thy Son as priests, brothers and sisters."

Reflection:
Mary’s Visitation wasn’t just a family visitβ€”it was her first act of sharing Christ, as John the Baptist leaped in Elizabeth’s womb. Her joy calls others to spread the Gospel, especially through consecrated life.
Scripture: "And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 1:41)
Application: Pray for someone discerning a vocation, or share a kind word today to reflect Mary’s joy in bringing Christ to others.

(State your intentions here...)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…
Closing Prayer: (As above)
Mary, Help of Christians: Pray for us!

Day 3 - May 17

Theme: Intercession and Perseverance
Prayer:
"O Mary, ever since the wedding feast of Cana, Thou hast always been the powerful help of all those who have asked Thine aid and protection. By Thy prayers, keep me free from all dangers and help me always to rise above my faults and failings."

Reflection:
At Cana, Mary’s quiet prompting led to Jesus’ first miracle, showing her role as intercessor. Her help continues for those who turn to her, lifting us beyond our weaknesses.
Scripture: "His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.'" (John 2:5)
Application: Identify a fault you struggle with. Ask Mary to intercede for strength to overcome it today, trusting her guidance to Jesus.

(State your intentions here...)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…
Closing Prayer: (As above)
Mary, Help of Christians: Pray for us!

Day 4 - May 18

Theme: Comfort at Death
Prayer:
"O Mary, by Thy presence at the foot of the cross, Thou comforted and strengthened Thy Son as He offered His life to the Father. Be with me at the hour of my death, and when I die lead me quickly to the joys of Thy Son's kingdom in Heaven."

Reflection:
Mary’s steadfastness at the Cross shows her as a mother who never abandons us, especially in suffering. She offers hope for a holy death and eternal life.
Scripture: "Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene." (John 19:25)
Application: Pray for someone who is dying or grieving, and entrust your own death to Mary’s care with a moment of silence.

(State your intentions here...)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…
Closing Prayer: (As above)
Mary, Help of Christians: Pray for us!

Day 5 - May 19

Theme: Openness to the Holy Spirit
Prayer:
"O Mary, by Thy presence in the upper room Thou strengthened and encouraged the apostles and disciples as they waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. May I always be open to the gifts of the Spirit, and may my faith always be deep and living."

Reflection:
Mary’s prayerful presence at Pentecost helped birth the Church. Her openness to the Spirit invites us to seek His gifts for a vibrant faith.
Scripture: "All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers." (Acts 1:14)
Application: Ask the Holy Spirit for a specific gift (e.g., wisdom, courage) today, and act on it in a small way, like offering encouragement.

(State your intentions here...)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…
Closing Prayer: (As above)
Mary, Help of Christians: Pray for us!

Day 6 - May 20

Theme: Defense of the Church
Prayer:
"O Mary, throughout Her long history, Thou hast always defended Thy Son's Church from the attacks of her enemies. Be with Her now during this present time. Help each one of us to be Her loyal subjects and to work without ceasing for that unity of peace and love for which Thy Son so fervently prayed."

Reflection:
From Lepanto to modern trials, Mary Help of Christians has shielded the Church. Her protection calls us to active loyalty and unity.
Scripture: "That they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee." (John 17:21)
Application: Pray for the Church’s challenges today, and mend a small rift in your life (e.g., forgiving someone) to reflect unity.

(State your intentions here...)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…
Closing Prayer: (As above)
Mary, Help of Christians: Pray for us!

Day 7 - May 21

Theme: Protection of the Pope
Prayer:
"O Mary, Thou hast always been the special guide and protectress of Saint Peter's successor, the Bishop of Rome. Keep our present Holy Father in Thy loving care. Defend him from all harm; and give him all those gifts he needs to be the faithful shepherd of Thy Son's flock."

Reflection:
Mary’s care for the Pope reflects her role as mother of the Church’s leaders. Her guidance ensures the flock is led well.
Scripture: "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you... but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail." (Luke 22:31-32)
Application: Offer a prayer for Pope Francis today, and support a leader in your life with a kind word or deed.

(State your intentions here...)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…
Closing Prayer: (As above)
Mary, Help of Christians: Pray for us!

Day 8 - May 22

Theme: Love for the Young
Prayer:
"O Mary, the wonderful way Thou hast helped Saint John Bosco's work to grow and spread, shows that Thou havest a great love for the young. As Thou watched over the Child Jesus at Nazareth, so now watch over all young people, especially those most in need, and help them to grow daily in love of Thy Son."

Reflection:
St. John Bosco entrusted his mission to youth to Mary Help of Christians. Her maternal care nurtures the vulnerable to Christ.
Scripture: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52)
Application: Reach out to a young personβ€”perhaps with advice or a prayerβ€”mirroring Mary’s care for Jesus.

(State your intentions here...)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…
Closing Prayer: (As above)
Mary, Help of Christians: Pray for us!

Day 9 - May 23

Theme: Courage in Suffering
Prayer:
"O Mary, Thou so often showed great courage during Thy life here on earth. Help all those who are suffering pain and persecution as they try to worship Thy Son. Obtain for me a deep love of Jesus, so that my life may always be pure, my service of others generous and loving and my death a truly happy one."

Reflection:
Mary’s courageβ€”from the flight to Egypt to the Crossβ€”sustains those in pain. She leads us to love Jesus through trials to a joyful end.
Scripture: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10)
Application: Offer a struggle to Mary today, and help someone in distress with a generous act, trusting her strength.

(State your intentions here...)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…
Closing Prayer: (As above)
Mary, Help of Christians: Pray for us!

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