Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Novena
This novena prepares for the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8, celebrating the birth of the Mother of God.
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Novena - Day 1
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Novena - Day 1
Opening Prayer
O God, who willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, should be born on this day, grant us through her intercession the grace to live in your peace and to glorify your name. We ask this through her Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Dawn of Salvation
The birth of Mary is the dawn that precedes the sunrise of Christ. In her nativity, the long night of waiting comes to its end, and the first light of redemption breaks over the horizon of human history.
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light has shined on those who lived in the land of the shadow of death." — Isaiah 9:2
For centuries, the faithful of Israel longed for the Messiah. Prophets foretold His coming, and the righteous held fast to the promise. With Mary's birth, the fulfillment of that promise drew near. She is the dawn that announces the coming Day, the first glimmer of the Sun of Justice who would soon rise upon the world.
Prayer
O Blessed Virgin Mary, your birth was the dawn of salvation for the whole world. Through your coming into the world, God set in motion His plan to redeem humanity through your Son. Help us to recognize the signs of God's grace at work in our own lives. May we greet each new day with the same hope that your birth brought to a waiting world.
The Angelus
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary... Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary... And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Hail Mary... Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O God, who by the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary gave joy to the whole world, pour forth upon us the grace to celebrate her birth with grateful hearts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.