The novena to the Virgin Mary who unties knots is a widespread Marian devotion, known for its power in difficult and desperate situations. Inspired by a baroque image depicting the Virgin Mary untying a knot in a ribbon, this prayer has captured the hearts of believers around the world. It is particularly invoked to resolve complex problems, spiritual blocks, broken relationships and situations where all seems lost. This novena, centred on the intercession of Mary, loving and faithful mother, invites believers to entrust their "knots" to the one who is able to untie them with grace and love.
Origin of the devotion to Mary who unties knots
The devotion to Mary who unties knots originated in Germany in the 17th century. The inspiration came from a painting commissioned by the Jesuit priest Hieronymus Ambrosius Langenmantel, entitled Maria Knotenlöserin ("Mary Who Unties Knots"). This painting, preserved in Augsburg, shows the Virgin Mary holding a knotted ribbon, which she delicately unties, surrounded by angels. The ribbon symbolises the life of believers, often complicated by the "knots" of sins, difficulties, conflicts and trials. Mary, through her gentleness and obedience to God, is seen as the one who can untie these knots and guide us towards peace. This devotion has been popularised throughout the world thanks to Pope Francis, who is very attached to it.
Why pray the novena to Mary who unties knots?
To resolve complex problems: The novena is invoked for situations where human solutions seem insufficient.
To restore broken relationships: Mary is a powerful mediator for restoring peace and unity in families, couples, and friendships.
To overcome spiritual blockages: This novena helps to free ourselves from inner fetters that distance us from God and inner peace.
To ask for protection and guidance : Mary, as heavenly mother, guides her children through trials and directs them to her Son, Jesus.
The benefits of the novena
Spiritual liberation : It helps to untie the chains of sin and difficulties.
Reconciliation: It promotes peace and harmony in troubled relationships.
Renewed hope: It gives confidence that nothing is impossible with Mary's intercession.
Proximity to God: By praying to Mary, we come closer to Jesus through her.
How to pray the novena to Mary who unties knots.
Choose a problem or situation to entrust to Mary: Each day of the novena, meditate on one aspect of your problem and entrust it to Our Lady.
Recite a specific prayer each day: The novena comprises a series of prayers repeated over nine days, with a different intention each day.
Express your faith and gratitude: Believe firmly that Mary is working to untie your knots, even if the answer is not immediate.
Accompany your prayer with an act of faith: Attend Mass or meditate on the love of Mary and Jesus.
Each day's intentions
Day 1: Entrust your knots to Mary
Intention: Virgin Mary, I entrust to you all the knots in my life. Rid me of everything that prevents me from following your Son.
Prayer: O Mary, you who untie knots, look with compassion on the knots of my life. By your grace and love, set me free from all that binds me. Amen.
Day 2: Untie the knots of doubt and despair
Intention: Mary, help me to trust in God and not to be overwhelmed by my worries.
Prayer: O Mary, you who untie knots, strengthen my faith and fill my heart with hope. Deliver me from thoughts that lead me away from God. Amen.
Day 3: For peace in families
Intention: Mary, restore peace and harmony in my family. Undo conflicts and misunderstandings.
Prayer: Virgin Mary, you who untie knots, intercede for my family. Make love and peace reign between us. Amen.
Day 4: For the wounds of the past
Intention: Mary, heal my heart of the wounds and regrets that weigh me down.
Prayer: O beloved Mother, you who undo the knots, soothe the pains of my past and make me free to love and forgive. Amen.
Day 5: For liberation from sins
Intention: Mary, help me to free myself from the sins and bad habits that lead me away from God.
Prayer: O Mary, you who untie the knots, purify my soul and lead me to your Son, source of forgiveness and life. Amen.
Day 6: For protection from evil
Intention: Mary, protect me from dangers and negative influences. Keep me under your mantle.
Prayer: O Mary, you who untie knots, be my defence against all evil. Stay close to me and guide me along the path of light. Amen.
Day 7: For confidence in the future
Intention: Mary, help me to go forward with faith, without fear of the future.
Prayer: O Virgin full of grace, you who untie knots, make me confident in God's love and in his plans for me. Amen.
Day 8: For inner peace
Intention: Mary, grant me peace and serenity in all the trials of my life.
Prayer: O Mary, you who undo the knots, soothe my mind and heart. Fill me with your gentleness and love. Amen.
Day 9: Thanksgiving
Intention: Mary, I give you thanks for the knots you have undone and for your constant intercession.
Prayer: Thank you, Virgin Mary, you who undo the knots, for your love and your help. I entrust my life into your hands and praise you for your graces. Amen.
Conclusion: An ever-present mother
The novena to Mary who unties knots is a powerful source of comfort, liberation and peace. By entrusting your knots to Mary with faith, you open your heart to her maternal tenderness and her ability to guide you to her Son.
Trust Mary, pray with perseverance, and let her untie the shackles that prevent you from living fully in God's peace and love.
