Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena
This novena honors the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, one of the most popular Marian devotions in the Catholic Church.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena - Day 4
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena - Day 4
Opening Prayer
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Mother of Perpetual Help, you are the beloved Mother of Jesus and our Mother forever. We come before your miraculous icon with hearts full of trust, knowing that you never refuse those who seek your aid.
Mary Holding the Child Jesus
"The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him." — Luke 2:40
In the icon of Perpetual Help, Mary holds the Child Jesus with both tenderness and strength. Her left arm supports Him while her right hand points toward Him, directing our attention to the Savior. She does not hold Him for herself alone but presents Him to the world. She is the Mother who always leads us to Jesus.
The Child in the icon is not a helpless infant but a young boy, aware of the Cross that awaits Him. He has turned to His Mother in the face of suffering, seeking the comfort only she can give. This image reminds us that even the Son of God drew strength from His Mother's embrace. How much more do we need the arms of Mary to hold us in our weakness and fear?
Prayer
O Mary, Mother who holds the Child Jesus, hold us too in your loving arms. When we are frightened by the crosses of life, let us find refuge in your embrace. Point us always to Jesus, the source of our salvation and our strength. Grant us the grace we seek (mention your intention), and never let us wander from the safety of your motherly arms.
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke your most powerful name, which is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying. O purest Mary, let your name henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay not, O blessed Lady, to help me whenever I call on you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.