NINE DAYS OF PRAYER
Novena to Our Lady of Seven Sorrows
Nine days beside the Sorrowful Mother, meditating on her sorrows and entrusting our intentions to her.
WHEN TO PRAY
Praying the Novena
A novena is nine days of prayer, following the example of the Apostles who prayed with Mary while awaiting the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14). This novena may be prayed at any time. It is especially fitting from 6 to 14 September, ending on the eve of the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows on 15 September.
PRAYER
Opening Prayer (each day)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O most holy and sorrowful Virgin Mary, who stood beneath the Cross of your Son with a heart pierced by a sword of grief, look with a Mother’s love upon me. I wish to keep you company in your sorrows and to console your Immaculate Heart. Through your intercession, obtain for me true sorrow for my sins, the grace to remain faithful to Jesus, and, if it be God’s will, the special intention of this novena: (mention your intention). Amen.
PRAYER
Each Day
Read the day’s Scripture and meditation in silence.
Pray one Our Father, seven Hail Marys and one Glory Be.
Offer a small sacrifice for the day’s intention.
PRAYER
Concluding Prayer (each day)
V. Pray for us, O most sorrowful Virgin.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Lord Jesus, we now implore, both for the present and for the hour of our death, the intercession of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Your Mother, whose holy soul was pierced at the time of Your Passion by a sword of grief. Grant us this favour, O Saviour of the world, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
THE NINE DAYS
Daily Meditations
DAY 1
The Prophecy of Simeon
Luke 2:34-35
Meditation and intention: Ask for the grace to accept God’s will with trust, even when the future is hidden.
Opening Prayer · meditation · Our Father · seven Hail Marys · Glory Be · Concluding Prayer
DAY 2
The Flight into Egypt
Matthew 2:13-15
Meditation and intention: Pray for refugees, exiles and all families in danger, and for the grace to protect the life of Jesus in our own souls.
Opening Prayer · meditation · Our Father · seven Hail Marys · Glory Be · Concluding Prayer
DAY 3
The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Luke 2:41-50
Meditation and intention: Ask for the grace never to lose Jesus through sin, and to seek Him with all our heart when He seems far away.
Opening Prayer · meditation · Our Father · seven Hail Marys · Glory Be · Concluding Prayer
DAY 4
Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary
Luke 23:26-27; Fourth Station of the Cross
Meditation and intention: Ask for the grace to carry our daily crosses with patience, and to stay close to Jesus when He suffers in others.
Opening Prayer · meditation · Our Father · seven Hail Marys · Glory Be · Concluding Prayer
DAY 5
Mary Stands at the Foot of the Cross
John 19:25-27
Meditation and intention: Ask for the grace to stand faithfully with Jesus, and to welcome Mary into our home as John did.
Opening Prayer · meditation · Our Father · seven Hail Marys · Glory Be · Concluding Prayer
DAY 6
Mary Receives the Body of Jesus
Mark 15:42-46; John 19:38-40
Meditation and intention: Pray for all who mourn, and for the grace to receive Jesus worthily in Holy Communion.
Opening Prayer · meditation · Our Father · seven Hail Marys · Glory Be · Concluding Prayer
DAY 7
Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb
John 19:41-42
Meditation and intention: Ask for the grace of persevering faith and hope in times of darkness, and for a holy death.
Opening Prayer · meditation · Our Father · seven Hail Marys · Glory Be · Concluding Prayer
DAY 8
Mary, Mother of the Church
John 19:26-27
Meditation and intention: Ask Mary to be our Mother and to gather all her children into the Church of her Son.
Opening Prayer · meditation · Our Father · seven Hail Marys · Glory Be · Concluding Prayer
DAY 9
Mary, Queen of Martyrs and Mother of Hope
Romans 8:18
Meditation and intention: Ask for unshakeable hope in the Resurrection and the grace to console Mary all our days.
Opening Prayer · meditation · Our Father · seven Hail Marys · Glory Be · Concluding Prayer
PRAYER
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
PRAYER
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
PRAYER
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
INTENTIONS
Pray for These Intentions
The conversion of sinners
Families and the grieving
The sick and the dying
The Holy Souls in Purgatory
Persecuted Christians
Your personal intention
Pray the Novena Together
Join us in praying the novena. Send us your intention and we will unite it to our prayers before Our Lady of Sorrows.
OUR MISSION