The Novena to the Sacred Heart of Mary is a nine-day devotional prayer dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary. It can be prayed to ask for particular graces, to make reparation for offences against the heart and to grow in faith. Each day, we meditate on a quality or virtue of her Sacred Heart.
Daily introduction
Each day, begin with the following invocation:
"Immaculate Heart of Mary, refuge of sinners and path to God, I come to you with trust.
In you I deposit my joys, my sorrows and my hopes.
Accept this novena as an act of love and faith.
Guide me towards your Son and obtain for me the grace I ask, if this is God's will.
Amen."
Follow this introduction with a personal or universal intention.
Day 1: Mary, Pure and Immaculate Heart
"Immaculate Heart of Mary, model of purity and holiness,
Help me to live in purity of heart, soul and mind.
Purify my intentions and guide me in the ways of holiness.
Obtain for me the grace to remain faithful to God in all the circumstances of my life.
Amen."
Meditate on the purity of Mary's heart.
Recite a Hail Mary.
Day 2: Mary, Loving Heart
"O Sacred Heart of Mary, filled with love for God and humanity,
Grow in me a sincere love for my neighbour.
Help me to love even in times of difficulty,
And to forgive as you do, with tenderness and compassion.
Amen."
Meditate on Mary's unconditional love.
Recite a Hail Mary.
Day 3: Mary, Obedient Heart
"Immaculate Heart of Mary, who said "yes" with confidence to God's plan,
Inspire me to always obey the divine will with faith and courage.
Help me to follow God's paths, even in moments of doubt.
Amen."
Meditate on Mary's "yes" at the Annunciation.
Recite a Hail Mary.
Day 4: Mary, Compassionate Heart
"O Immaculate Heart of Mary, ever attentive to the sufferings of others,
Learn me to be a source of consolation to those who suffer.
Give me a sensitive and open heart, ready to offer help and comfort.
Amen. "
Meditate on Mary's compassion at Cana and at the foot of the Cross.
Recite a Hail Mary.
Day 5: Mary, Pierced Heart
"Immaculate Heart of Mary, pierced by the pains of Jesus' Passion,
Help me to carry my crosses with faith and serenity.
Make my sufferings an offering of love and reparation for the salvation of souls.
Amen."
Meditate on Mary's pains at the foot of the Cross.
Recite a Hail Mary.
Day 6: Mary, Faithful Heart
"O Sacred Heart of Mary, who always kept faith in God,
Help me to follow you faithfully, even in times of trial.
Help me to remain firm in my faith and never lose confidence in God's love.
Amen."
Meditate on Mary's fidelity throughout her life.
Recite a Hail Mary.
Day 7: Mary, Heart radiating peace
"Immaculate Heart of Mary, source of peace and serenity,
Send your peace into my heart and into my life.
Help me to be a peacemaker in my relationships and to radiate God's love around me.
Amen."
Meditate on Mary's inner peace despite trials.
Recite a Hail Mary.
Day 8: Mary, Heart of Prayer
"O Sacred Heart of Mary, always united to God in prayer,
Inspire me to pray with fervour and perseverance.
Teach me to listen to God's voice in silence and to follow his inspirations with love.
Amen."
Meditate on Mary's prayer life in Nazareth and after the Resurrection.
Recite a Hail Mary.
Day 9: Mary, Glorified Heart
"Immaculate Heart of Mary, exalted in heavenly glory,
Spread your graces over my path so that I may live in the light of God.
Conduct me to your Son, Jesus Christ, so that one day I may share in the joy of Heaven.
Amen."
Meditate on the Assumption and Coronation of Mary.
Recite a Hail Mary.
Daily Conclusion
End each day with this prayer:
"Immaculate Heart of Mary, be my refuge and my light.
Keep me close to your heart and lead me always to Jesus.
Amen."
This novena is a precious opportunity to grow closer to Mary, to grow in faith, and to discover the spiritual treasures that her Sacred Heart offers.
