The Raccolta - Section XII - Novenas of the B. Virgin

To all faithful Christians who, in private or public, in church or in their own houses, shall keep any of the following Novenas, in preparation for the principal feasts of most holy Mary, Pope Pius VII., at the prayer of several holy persons, granted, by Rescripts issued through his Eminence the Cardinal-Vicar, Aug. 4 and Nov. 24, 1808, and Jan. 11, 1800 (all of which are kept in the Segretaria of the Vicariate) -
i. An indulgence of 300 days, daily.
ii. A plenary indulgence to all who shall assist at these Novenas every day, and who shall afterwards, either on the Feast-day itself, to which each Novena respectively has reference, or on some one day in its Octave, after Confession and Communion, pray to our Lord and to the Blessed Virgin ac cording to the pious intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.

104. FIRST NOVENA.

FOR THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.

Veni Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amoris in eis ignem accende.
V. Emitte Spiritum tuum, et creabuntur.
R. Et renovabis faciem terrae.

Oremus.
Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione docuisti: da nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de ejus semper consolatione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen.

TRANSLATION.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.

V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.
O God, who hast taught the hearts of Thy faithful people by the light of the Holy Spirit; grant us in the same Spirit to relish what is right, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

PREPARATORY PRAYER FOR EVERY DAY OF THE NOVENA.

Virgin most pure, conceived without sin, all fair and stainless from thy Conception; glorious Mary, full of grace, Mother of my God, Queen of angels and of men, - I humbly venerate thee as Mother of my Saviour, who, though He was God, taught me by His own veneration, reverence, and obedience to thee, the honour and homage which are due to thee. Vouchsafe, I pray thee, to accept this Novena, which I dedicate to thee. Thou art the safe refuge of the penitent sinner; it is very fitting, then, that I should have recourse to thee. Thou art the Mother of compassion; then wilt thou surely be moved with pity for my many miseries. Thou art my best hope after Jesus; thou canst not but accept the loving confidence that I have in thee. Make me worthy to be called thy son, that so I may dare to cry unto thee, 
Monstra te esse matrem.
Show thyself a mother.

Nine Ave Maria’s, one Gloria Patri, and the following Prayer.

PRAYER FOR THE FIRST DAY. Nov. 29.

Behold me at thy sacred feet, O Immaculate Virgin. I rejoice with thee, because from all eternity thou wast elected to be the Mother of the Eternal Word, and wast preserved stainless from the taint of original sin. I praise and bless the Most Holy Trinity, who poured out upon thy soul in thy Conception the riches of that privilege. I humbly pray thee to obtain for me grace effectually to overcome the sad effects produced in my soul by original sin; make me wholly victorious over them, that I may never cease to love my God.

Then say the Litanies of the Blessed Virgin, or else:

V. Tota pulchra es, Maria.
R. Tota pulchra es, Maria.
V. Et macula originalis non est in te.
R. Et macula originalis non est in te.
V. Tu gloria Jerusalem.
R. Tu laetitia Israel.
V. Tu honorificentia populi nostri.
R. Tu advocata peccatorum.
V. O Maria.
R. O Maria.
V. Virgo prudentissima.
R. Mater clementissima.
V. Ora pro nobis.
R. Intercede pro nobis ad Dominum Jesum Christum.

After the Litanies, or Hymn as above, say as follows:

V. In Conceptione tua, Virgo, immaculata fuisti.
R. Ora pro nobis Patrem, cujus Filium peperisti.

Oremus.
Deus, qui per Immaculatam Virginis Conceptionem dignum Filii tui habitaculum preparasti: quaesumus, ut qui ex morte ejusdem Filii sui praevisa eam ab omni labe praeservasti, nos quoque mundos ejus intercessione ad te pervenire concedas.

Dens omnium fidelium pastor et rector, famulum tuum N., quem pastorem Ecelesiae tuae praesse voluisti, propitius respice: da ei quaesumus, verbo et exemplo, quibus praeest, proficere, ut ad vitam una cum grege sibi credito perveniat sempiternam.

Deus refugium nostrum et virtus, adesto piis Ecclesiae tuae precibus, auctor ipse pietatis; et praesta, ut quod fideliter petimus, efficaciter consequamur. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen.

TRANSLATION.

V. All fair art thou, O Mary.
R. All fair art thou, O Mary.
V. The original stain is not in thee.
R. The original stain is not in thee.
V. Thou art the glory of Jerusalem.
R. Thou art the joy of Israel.
V. Thou art the honour of our people.
R. Thou art the advocate of sinners.
V. O Mary.
R. O Mary.
V. Virgin most prudent.
R. Mother most clement.
V. Pray for us.
B. Intercede for us to our Lord Jesus Christ.

V. In thy Conception, O Virgin, thou wast immaculate.
R. Pray for us to the Father, whose Son was born of thee.

Let us pray.
O God, who through the Immaculate Conception of a Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy Son, we beseech Thee, who by the death of that Son, foreseen by Thee, didst preserve her from every stain of sin, to grant that by her intercession we also may be purified, and so may come to Thee.

O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all the faithful, graciously look down upon Thy servant N., whom Thou host chosen to be the pastor of Thy Church; and grant him, we beseech Thee, both by word and example, so to direct those over whom Thou hast placed him, that, together with the flock entrusted to his care, he may attain eternal life.

O God, our refuge and strength, who art the author of all holiness, listen to the pious prayers of thy Church, and grant that what we ask in faith we may effectually obtain. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The same order is to be observed en all the other days of the Novena, the Prayers for the Day alone being changed.

PRAYER FOR THE SECOND DAY. Nov. 30.

Mary, unsullied Lily of purity, I rejoice with thee, because from the first moment of thy Conception thou wast filled with grace, and hadst given unto thee the perfect use of reason. I thank and I adore the Ever-blessed Trinity, who gave thee these high gifts. Behold me at thy feet overwhelmed with shame to see myself so poor in grace. O thou who wast filled full of heavenly grace, grant me a portion of that same grace, and make me a partaker in the treasures of thy Immaculate Conception.
Litanies, &c., as before.

PRAYER FOR THE THIRD DAY. Dec. 1.

Mary, mystic Rose of purity, I rejoice with thee at the glorious triumph thou didst gain over the serpent by thy Immaculate Conception, in that then wast conceived without original sin. I thank and praise with my whole heart the Ever-blessed Trinity, who granted thee that glorious privilege and I pray thee to obtain for me courage to overcome every snare of the great enemy, and never to stain my soul with mortal sin. Be thou always mine aid, and enable me with thy protection to obtain the victory over all the enemies of man’s eternal welfare.
Litanies, &c., as before.

PRAYER FOR THE FOURTH DAY. Dec. 2.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, Mirror of holy purity, I rejoice exceedingly to see how from thy Immaculate Conception there were infused into thy soul the most sublime and perfect virtues, with all the gifts of the Most Holy Spirit. I thank and praise the Ever-Blessed Trinity, who bestowed upon thee these high privileges, and I beseech thee, gracious Mother, obtain for me grace to practise every Christian virtue, and so to become worthy to receive the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost.
Litanies, &c., as before.

PRAYER FOR THE FIFTH DAY. Dec. 3.

Mary, bright Moon of purity, I congratulate thee in that the mystery of thy Immaculate Conception was the beginning of salvation to the human race, and was the joy of the whole world. I thank and bless the Ever-blessed Trinity, who did so magnify and glorify thy Person. I entreat thee to obtain for me the grace so to profit by the Death and Passion of thy dear Son, that His Precious Blood may not have been shed upon the cross for me in vain, but that after a holy life I may be saved.
Litanies, &c., as before.

PRAYER FOR THE SIXTH DAY. Dec. 4.

Mary Immaculate, brilliant Star of purity, I rejoice with thee, because thy Immaculate Conception brought exceeding joy to all the angels in Paradise. I thank and bless the Ever-blessed Trinity, who enriched thee with this privilege. Enable me also one day to take part in this heavenly joy, praising and blessing thee in the company of angels world without end. Amen.
Litanies, &c., as before.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVENTH DAY. Dec. 5.

Mary immaculate, rising Morn of purity, I rejoice with thee, and I am filled with admiration at beholding thee confirmed in grace and rendered sinless from the first moment of thy Conception. I thank and praise the Ever-blessed Trinity, who elected thee alone from all mankind for this especial privilege. Holiest Virgin, obtain for me an entire and lasting hatred of sin, as the worst of all evils, that I may rather die than ever again commit a mortal sin.
Litanies, &c., as before.

PRAYER FOR THE EIGHTH DAY. Dec. 6.

Mary, Virgin, Sun without stain, I congratulate thee, and I rejoice with thee, because God gave unto thee in thy Conception a greater and a more abundant grace than He gave to all His angels and His saints together, even when their merits were most exalted. I thank and admire the immense beneficence of the Ever-blessed Trinity, who hath dispensed to thee alone this privilege. O, enable me too to correspond with the grace of God, and never more to receive it in vain; change my heart, and help me to begin in earnest a new life.
Litanies, &c., as before.

PRAYER FOR THE NINTH DAY. Dec. 7.

Immaculate Mary, living Light of holiness, Model of purity, Virgin and Mother, as soon as thou wast conceived thou didst profoundly adore thy God, giving Him thanks, because by means of thee the ancient curse was blotted out, and blessing was again come upon the sinful sons of Adam. Let this blessing kindle in my heart love towards God; and do thou inflame my heart still more and more, that I may ever love Him more constantly, and afterwards eternally enjoy Him in heaven, there to thank and praise Him more and more fervently for all the wondrous privileges conferred on thee, and to rejoice with thee for thy high crown of glory.
Litanies, &c., as before.

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105. SECOND NOVENA.

IN PREPARATION FOR THE FEAST OF OUR LADY’S NATIVITY.

(Beginning Aug. 30.)

Veni Sancte Spiritus, as above.

Most holy Mary, Elect One, predestined from all eternity by the Most Holy Trinity to be Mother of the only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, foretold by the Prophets, expected by the Patriarchs, desired by all nations, Sanctuary and living Temple of the Holy Ghost, Sun without stain, conceived free from original sin, Mistress of Heaven and of Earth, Queen of angels:- humbly prostrate at thy feet we give thee our homage, rejoicing that the year has brought round again the memory of thy most happy Nativity; and we pray thee with all our hearts to vouchsafe in thy goodness now to come down again and be reborn spiritually in our souls, that, led captive by thy loveliness and sweetness, they may ever live united to thy most sweet and loving heart.

i. So now whilst we say nine angelic salutations, we will direct our thoughts to the nine months which thou didst pass enclosed in thy mother’s womb; celebrating at the same time thy descent from the royal house of David, and how thou didst come forth to the light of heaven with high honour from the womb of holy Anna, thy most happy mother.
Ave Maria.

ii. We hail thee, heavenly Babe, white Dove of purity; who in spite of the serpent wast conceived free from original sin.
Ave Maria.

iii. We hail thee, bright Morn; who, forerunner of the Heavenly Sun of Justice, didst bring the first light to earth.
Ave Maria.

iv. We hail thee, Elect; who, like the untarnished Sun, didst burst forth in the dark night of sin.
Ave Maria.

v. We hail thee, beauteous Moon; who didst shed light upon a world wrapt in the darkness of idolatry.
Ave Maria.

vi. We hail thee, dread Warrior-Queen; who, in thyself a host, didst put to flight all hell.
Ave Maria.

vii. We hail thee, fair Soul of Mary; who from eternity wast possessed by God and God alone.
Ave Maria.

viii. We hail thee, dear Child, and we humbly venerate thy most holy infant body, the sacred swaddling-clothes wherewith they bound thee, the sacred crib wherein they laid thee, and we bless the hour and the day when thou wast born.
Ave Maria.

ix. We hail thee, much-loved Infant, adorned with every virtue immeasurably above all saints, and therefore worthy Mother of the Saviour of the world; who, having been made fruitful by the Holy Spirit, didst bring forth the Word Incarnate.
Ave Maria.

PRAYER

O most lovely Infant, who by thy holy birth hast comforted the world, made glad the heavens, struck terror into hell, brought help to the fallen, consolation to the sad, salvation to the weak, joy to all men living; we entreat thee, with the most fervent love and gratitude, to be spiritually reborn in our souls by means of thy most holy love; renew our spirits to thy service, rekindle in our hearts the fire of charity, bid all the virtues blossom there, that so we may find more and more favour in thy gracious eyes. Mary! be thou our Mary, and may we feel the saving power of thy sweetest name; may it ever be our comfort to call on that name in all our troubles; may it be our hope in dangers, our shield in temptation, and our last utterance in death. Sit nomen Mariae mel in ore, melos in aure, et jubilus in corde. Amen. Let the name of Mary be honey in the mouth, melody in the ear, joy in the heart. Amen.

V. Nativitas tua, Dei Genitrix Virgo.
R. Gaudium annuntiavit universo mundo.

Oremus.
Famulis tuis, quaesumus Domine, coelestis gratiae munus impertire: ut quibus Beata Virginis partus extitit salutis exordium, nativitatis ejus votiva solemnitas pacis tribuat incrementum.

Deus omnium fidelium, &c., with the other Prayers as above.

TRANSLATION.

V. Thy Nativity, O Virgin Mother of God.
R. Hath brought joy to the whole world.

Let us pray.
Grant to us Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace; that to all those for whom the delivery of the Blessed Virgin was the beginning of salvation, this her votive festival may give increase of peace. Through, &c.

O God, &c., as above.

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106. THIRD NOVENA.

IN PREPARATION FOR THE FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION.

(Beginning March 16.)

Veni Sancte Spiritus, &c., as above.

i. I venerate and I admire thee, most holy Virgin Mary, as the humblest of all the creatures of God in the very day of thy Annunciation, when God himself exalted thee to the most sublime dignity of His own Mother. O mighty Virgin, enable me, wretched sinner that I am, to know the depths of my own nothingness, and at once with all my heart to humble myself before all men.
Ave Maria.

ii. Mary, most holy Virgin, when thou wast saluted by Gabriel the archangel, and the message from God was conveyed to thee, and thou wast exalted by God above all the choirs of the angels, then thou didst confess thyself the handmaid of the Lord. O, obtain for me true humility and angelic purity, enabling me so to live on earth that I may ever be worthy of the blessing of God.
Ave Maria.

iii. O Virgin ever blest, I rejoice with thee because by thy sole fiat, uttered by thee so lowlily, thou didst draw down from the bosom of the Eternal Father the Divine Word into thine own pure bosom. Draw, then, ever my heart to God; and with God draw grace into my heart, that I may ever bless thy Fiat (Be it done), and cry with devotion, “O mighty Fiat! O efficacious Fiat! O Fiat be venerated above all Fiats.” (St. Thom. de Villan.)
Ave Maria.

iv. O Virgin Mary, on the day of thy Annunciation thou wast found by Gabriel the archangel on the watch, quick to do God’s will, and correspond with the desires of the Most holy Trinity for the redemption of man, waiting thy assent in order to redeem the world. Enable me in every good and bad fortune to turn to God with resignation and say, Be it unto me according to Thy word.
Ave Maria.

v. Most holy Mary, I well understand that thy obedience made the union between thy God and thee more intimate than shall ever again be possible for any other creature. * I am confounded to see how sin hath separated me from God. Help me, then, kind Mother, truly to do penance for my sins, that thy own loving Jesus may yet once more live in me and I in Him.
Ave Maria.

* Magis Deo conjungi, nisi fieret Deus, non potuit: "She could not have been more united to God except by becoming God herself.” - B. Albert. Magnus.

vi. Most holy Mary, thou wast troubled by reason of thy modesty when Gabriel the archangel stood be fore thee in thy house; but I, when I come before thee, am troubled because of my great pride; wherefore do thou, in thy incomparable humility, “which brought forth God for men, reopened Paradise, and let the captive souls go free from hell beneath,” * draw me, I pray thee, out of the deep pit of my sins, and enable me to save my soul.
Ave Maria.

* Quae Deum hominibus peperit, paradisum aperuit et animas ab inferno liberavit. - St. Augus., Serm. de Sanct.

vii. Most holy Virgin, though I have an unhallowed tongue, 1 have the boldness to salute thee all hours of the day: “Hail, hail, Mary, full of grace.”
I pray thee, from my heart, to replenish my soul with a little of that grace wherewith the Holy Spirit, when he overshadowed thee, filled thee to the full.
Ave Maria.

viii. Most holy Mary, I know by faith that the great God who has been ever with thee from thy Conception, is, by his Incarnation in thy purest womb, made still more closely one with thee; make it thy care, I pray thee, that I may ever be one heart and soul with that same dear Lord Jesus, by means of His sanctifying grace.
Ave Maria.

ix. Most holy Mary, pour out upon my heart and soul the heavenly blessing, as thou thyself wast ever blest of God among all women; for I have this sure hope, that if, my dear Mother, thou shalt bless me while I live, then when I die I shall be blest of God in the everlasting glory of heaven.
Ave Maria.

Then the Litanies, &c.

V. Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae.
R. Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto.

Oremus.
Deus, qui de Beatae Mariae Virginis utero Verbum tuum, Angelo nuntiante, carnem suscipere voluisti: praesta supplicibus tuis, ut qui vere eam Genitricem Dei credimus, ejus apud te intercessionibus adjuvemur.

Dens omnium fidelium pastor, &c., as above.

TRANSLATION.

V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.

Let us pray.
O God, who by the message of an angel didst will that Thy Divine Word should take flesh of the blessed Virgin Mary; grant unto us Thy suppliants, that we, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through, &c.

O God, the Shepherd, &c., as above.

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107. FOURTH NOVENA.

IN PREPARATION FOR THE FEAST OF THE PURIFICATION.

(Beginning Jan. 24.)

Veni Sancte Spiritus, &c., as above.

i. Most holy Mary, bright Mirror of all virtue, the forty days after thy delivery were no sooner past than thou, though the purest of all virgins, didst will to be presented in the Temple to be purified; O, help us, then, by imitating thee, to keep our hearts unstained by sin, that so we too may be made worthy one day to be presented to our God in Heaven.
Ave Maria.

ii. Virgin most obedient, at thy Presentation in the Temple, thou didst willingly offer the accustomed sacrifice of women; enable us so to follow thy example, that we may make ourselves a living sacrifice to God, by practising every virtue.
Ave Maria.

iii. Virgin most pure, thou didst despise the reproach of men whilst observing the precept of the Law; ask for his grace always to keep our hearts pure, what ever the world may think of us.
Ave Maria.

iv. Virgin most holy, by offering thy Son, the Divine Word, to His Eternal Father, thou didst makeHeaven glad; present our poor hearts to God, that by His grace they may be kept free from mortal sin.
Ave Maria.

v. Virgin most humble, in consigning Jesus into the arms of the holy old man Simeon, thou didst fill His spirit full of heavenly joy; consign our hearts to God, that He may fill them full of His Holy Spirit.
Ave Maria.

vi. Virgin most diligent, in ransoming thy Son Jesus according the Law, thou didst cooperate in the salvation of the world; ransom our pour hearts from the slavery of sin, that they may be ever pure in the sight of God.
Ave Maria.

vii. Virgin most meek, on hearing the prophecy of Simeon foretelling thy woes, thou didst humbly resign thyself to the good pleasure of thy God; make us always resigned to the dispositions of His Providence, and enable us to bear all troubles with patience.
Ave Maria.

viii. Virgin most compassionate, when thou didst fill the soul of Anna the prophetess with light, by means of thy divine Son, thou didst make her magnify the mercies of God by recognising Jesus for the Redeemer of the world; enrich our spirit too with heavenly grace, that we may joyfully reap in full measure the fruits of our Lord’s Redemption.
Ave Maria.

ix. Virgin most resigned, although thou didst feel thine own soul transfixed with sorrow, foreseeing all the bitter Passion of thy Son, yet knowing the grief of Joseph thy Spouse for all thy sufferings, thou didst console him with holy words; pierce through and through our souls with true sorrow for our sins, that we may one day come to rejoice with thee in everlasting bliss, partakers of thy glory.
Ave Maria.

Then the Litanies, and the following Responses, &c.

V. Responsum accepit Simeon a Spiritu Sancto.
R. Non visurum ei mortem nisi videret Christum Domini.

Oremus.
Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, majestatem tuam supplices exoramus, ut sicut unigenitus Filius tuus cum nostrae carnis substantia in Templo est Praesentatus, ita nos facias purificatis tibi mentibus praesentati.

Deus omnium fidelium pastor, &c. with the other Prayers, as above.

TRANSLATION.

V. Simeon received answer from the Holy Spirit.
R. That he should not see death till he had seen the Christ of God.

Let us pray.
Almighty, everlasting God, we humbly pray Thy Majesty, that as Thine only-begotten Son was presented in the Temple in the substance of our flesh, so Thou wouldst enable us to present ourselves before Thee with clean hearts. Through, &c.

O God, the Shepherd, &c., as above.

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108. FIFTH NOVENA.

IN PREPARATION FOR THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION.

(Beginning Aug. 6.)

 

FIRST DAY.

Veni Sancte Spiritus, &c., as above.

HYMN.

O gloriosa Virginum,
Sublimis inter sidera,
Qui te creavit, parvulum
Lactente nutris ubere.

Quod Heva tristis abstulit,
Tu reddis almo germine:
Intrent ut astra flebiles, 
Coeli recludis cardines.

Tu regis alti janua,
Et aula lucis fulgida:
Vitam datam per Virginem,
Gentes redemptae plaudite.

Jesu, tibi sit gloria,
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu
In sempiterna saecula. Amen.

TRANSLATION.

O Queen of all the Virgin choir,
Enthroned above the starry sky;
Who with pure milk from thy own breast
Thy own Creator didst supply.

What man hath lost in hapless Eve,
Thy sacred womb to man restores;
Thou to the sorrowing here beneath
Hast open’d Heaven’s eternal doors.

Hail, O refulgent Hall of light!
Hail, Gate sublime of Heaven’s high King!
Through thee redeem’d to endless life,
Thy praise let all the nations sing.

O Jesu! born of Virgin bright,
Immortal glory be to Thee;
Praise to the Father infinite,
And Holy Ghost eternally.

GLORY OF MARY IN DEATH.

She was well prepared to die.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary was at the moment of her death, because in life she was so well prepared to die: first, by reason of her ardent longing to see her God and to be again united to her Son; and next, by the unapproachable merit of her consummate perfection. Then reflecting how different we are from Mary in our own practice of preparation for our death, let us say:

i. Most holy Virgin, who, in order to prepare thyself for a holy death, didst live in continual desire after the Beatific vision; O, take from us all vain desires for the frail things of earth.
Three Ave Marias.

ii. Most holy Virgin, who, in order to prepare thyself holily to die, didst in life ever sigh to be united to thy Son Jesus; obtain for us fidelity to Jesus, even unto death.
Three Ave Marias.

iii. Most holy Virgin, who, in order that thou mightest die holily, didst attain an unapproachable height of merit and of virtue; intercede for us, that we may know that virtue alone and the grace of God will lead us to salvation.
Three Ave Maria’s.

Let us now give praise to Mary, so prudent in preparing for death; and whilst we exalt her glory, we will unite with the nine angel choirs who, on her Assumption into heaven, escorted her; singing with the first choir -

 The Litanies; then -

V. Exaltata est Sancta Dei Genitrix.
R. Super choros angelorum ad coelestia regna.

Oremus.
Famulorum tuorum, quaesumus Domine, delictis ignosce: ut qui tibi placere de actibus nostris non valemus, Genitricis Filii tui Domini nostri intercessione salvemur.

Deus omnium fidelium pastor, &c., as above.

TRANSLATION.

V. The holy Mother of God is exalted.
R. Into the heavenly kingdom above the angel choirs.

Let us pray.
We beseech thee, Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants; that we who by our own works are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ.. Who, &c.

O God, &c., as above.

 

SECOND DAY. Aug. 7.

Veni Sancte Spiritus, &c., as above.

O gloriosa Virginum, &c. as above.

GLORY OF MARY IN DEATH.

She died in the midst of the Apostles, her Son Jesus assisting.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary was at her death, in that she was comforted not only by the apostles and saints, but also by her dear Son Jesus; and while we contemplate the unspeakable joy which filled her soul at this grace granted alone to her, let us entreat her for ourselves:

i. Glorious Virgin, who for thy consolation didst merit to die in the blessed company of apostles and of saints; obtain for us, that when we breathe forth our souls we may feel thy presence, and that of our holy patrons, assisting us.
Three Ave Marias.

ii. Glorious Virgin, who at the moment of thy death wast comforted by the sight of thy dear Son Jesus; O, pray for us, that at that awful moment we too may be comforted by receiving Jesus in the most holy Viaticum.
Three Ave Marias.

iii. Glorious Virgin, who didst deposit thy spirit into the arms of Jesus; assist us, that we may deposit our souls also into the arms of Jesus, always desirous that His most holy will be done.
Three Ave Maria’s.

Come, then, let us magnify the glory of Mary, assisted at her death by her Son Jesus and His apostles, and joining in jubilee at her triumph, say with the second choir of the Heavenly Host:

Litanies. Then V. and R. and Oremus as before.

 

THIRD DAY, Aug. 8.

Veni Sancte Spiritus, &c., as above.

O gloriosa Virginum, &c. as above.

GLORY OF MARY IN DEATH.

She died in an ecstasy of love.

Let us meditate how glorious the most holy Mary was in her death, because she died of a very ecstasy of the love of God; and desiring that we too may be strengthened by that holy fire of love, let us ask for her help:

i. Mary, most happy Virgin, who didst die of the vehemence of thy love of God; make it thy care that in our hearts, as God doth will, there be lit up this living fire of His love.
Three Ave Maria’s.

ii. Mary, most happy Virgin, who dying of divine love didst teach us what our love of God ought to do; pray for us, that we may never leave our God in life or death.
Three Ave Marias.

iii. Mary, most happy Virgin, who in leaving this mortal life by virtue of an ecstasy of love didst make known the fire which ever burnt within thy heart; obtain for us at least a spark of that same fire, to give us true sorrow for our sins.
Three Ave Marias.

Let us with the third choir of angels now exalt the ineffable glory of Mary, inflamed with the love of her God, and say with her:

Litanies. Then V. and R. and Oremus as before.

 

FOURTH DAY. Aug. 9.

Veni Sancte Spiritus, &c., as above.

O gloriosa Virginum, &c. as above.

GLORY OF MAY AFTER DEATH

In her dead body.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary was in her (Dad body, because it was adorned with marvellous splendour and majesty, and spread around an odour of sanctity, which was the very fragrancy of Paradise, and because innumerable miracles were wrought at the sight of it. Then, thinking upon our own miseries, let us say:

i. O Lady most pure, who by reason of thy virginal purity didst merit the glory to be so bright and so majestic in thy body after death; obtain for us the strength to detach ourselves from every foul spirit of impurity.
Three Ave Marias.

ii. O Lady most pure, who by reason of thy rare virtue didst from thy dead body spread around the sweetnesses of Paradise; make it thy care that we may edify our neighbour by our life, and never more by our bad example become a stumbling-block to others.
Three Ave Maria’s.

iii. O Lady most pure, at the sight of whose body numberless bodily maladies were cured; intercede for us, that by thy prayers all our spiritual ills may be healed.
Three Ave Marias.

Come, let us rejoice for the glory given to the dead body of Mary, magnifying her with the fourth choir of the angels:

Litanies. Then V. and R. and Oremus as before.

 

FIFTH DAY. Aug. 10.

Veni Sancte Spiritus, &c., as above.

O gloriosa Virginum, &c. as above.

GLORY OF MARY AFTER DEATH.

In the resurrection of her body.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary was after death, since by the power of the Highest her body, raised again to life, forthwith acquired the four gifts of brightness, subtlety, agility, and impassibility; and, filled with consolation at the excellency of her glory, let us thus invoke her:

i. O Lady exalted, who wast so gloriously raised again to life by thy God; help us so to live on earth, that we also may rise again like unto thee in the last judgment-day.
Three Ave Marias.

ii. O Lady exalted, to whose risen body were given the gifts of brightness and of subtlety, by reason of the bright example and the humility of thy life on earth; pray for us, that all contemptuous affectation may be taken from us; that so our souls, being freed from all self-love, may be adorned with humility.
Three Ave Maria’s.

iii. O Lady exalted, by the gifts of agility and impassibility with which thy risen body was glorified, by reason of thy spiritual zeal and patience while on earth; obtain for us courage valiantly to mortify our bodies, and patiently to curb all our disordinate inclinations.
Three Ave Marias.

Then let us render due praise to Mary, and magnify the glory which adorned her risen body; while with the fifth choir we exalt her:

Litanies. Then V. and R. and Oremus as before.

 

SIXTH DAY. Aug. 11.

Veni Sancte Spiritus, &c., as above.

O gloriosa Virginum, &c. as above.

GLORY OF MARY AFTER DEATH.

In her Assumption into heaven.

Let us meditate how gloriously Mary was taken up to heaven, being escorted thither by many legions of the heavenly hosts and blessed souls drawn by her merits out of Purgatory; and rejoicing in that majestic triumph, let us with all humility offer to her our supplications:

i. Great Queen, who wast assumed so royally into the kingdom of eternal peace; obtain for us that all sordid earthly thoughts be taken away from us, and our hearts fixed upon the contemplation of the unchangeable happiness of heaven.
Three Ave Maria’s.

ii. Great Queen, who wast assumed to heaven amidst a company of the Angelic Hierarchy; obtain for us strength to overcome the wiles of all our enemies, and that we may lend a docile ear to the counsels of that good Angel who continually assists and governs us.
Three Ave Marias.

iii. Great Queen, who wast assumed to heaven most gloriously, in the company of souls drawn by thy merits out of Purgatory; free us from the slavery of sin, and make us worthy to praise thee for all eternity.
Three Ave Marias.

Let us not cease to applaud at the royal triumph of Mary; and uniting our homage with the sixth choir of the angels, let us honour the singular glory of her Assumption into heaven, while we say:

Litanies. Then V. and R. and Oremus as before.

 

SEVENTH DAY. Aug. 12.

Veni Sancte Spiritus, &c., as above.

O gloriosa Virginum, &c. as above.

GLORY OF MARY AFTER DEATH.

In her Assumption into heaven.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary is in heaven, because she is enthroned there as Queen of the universe, and is ever receiving homage and veneration from countless hosts of angels and of saints; and assisting at her royal throne, let us implore her aid:

i. Sovereign Queen of the universe, who for thy incomparable merit art raised to such high glory in the heavens; in thy pity look upon our miseries, and rule us with the gentle sway of thy protection.
Three Ave Marias.

ii. Sovereign Queen of the universe, who art ever receiving the worship and homage from all the heavenly hosts; accept, we pray thee, these our invocations, offered with such reverence as befits thy dignity and greatness.
Three Ave Marias.

iii. Sovereign Queen of the universe; by that glory which thou hast by reason of thy high place in heaven, vouchsafe to take us into the number of thy servants, and obtain for us grace that, with quick and ready will, we may faithfully keep the precepts of our God and Lord.
Three Ave Maria’s.

Let us take part in the joy of the angels praising Mary, and rejoice because we know that she is raised to the dignity of Queen of the universe; while with the seventh choir we sing:

Litanies. Then V. and R. and Oremus as before.

 

EIGHTH DAY. Aug. 13.

Veni Sancte Spiritus, &c., as above.

O gloriosa Virginum, &c. as above.

GLORY OF MARY AFTER DEATH.

For the crown which decks her brow.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary is in heaven by reason of the royal crown wherewith her Divine Son hath crowned her, and for the full knowledge which she now has of the deep mysteries of God, past, present, and to come; and, full of veneration for the incomparable honour bestowed upon our Queen, let us have recourse to her and say:

i. Queen unrivalled, who in heaven on high dost enjoy the high glory of being crowned by thy Divine Son with a royal diadem; help us to share thy matchless virtues, and ask for us that, purified in heart, we may be made worthy to be crowned with thee in Paradise.
Three Ave Marias.

ii. Queen unrivalled in the full knowledge granted thee of all things upon earth; for thy own glory’s sake obtain pardon for our past evil deeds, that we may never offend again by froward tongue or wanton thought.
Three Ave Marias.

iii. Queen unrivalled, whose desire it is to see men pure and clean of heart, that so they may be made worthy of thy God; obtain for us forgiveness of our sins, and help us, that all our looks, words, and deeds may please his heavenly Majesty.
Three Ave Maria’s.

Let us then purify our hearts, in order that we may be worthy to give praise to Mary; and to the glory she possesses in that bright crown which decks her royal brow, let us add humble tokens of our love, while with the eighth choir we joyfully sing:

Litanies. Then V. and R. and Oremus as before.

 

NINTH DAY. Aug. 14.

Veni Sancte Spiritus, &c., as above.

O gloriosa Virginum, &c. as above.

GLORY OF MARY AFTER DEATH.

In her patronage of man.

Let us meditate how glorious Mary is in heaven, by reason of her patronage of man, and for the power she has to aid him, with great watchfulness in all his necessities; wherefore with lively confidence, in having for our patroness the very Mother of our God, let ns implore her:

i. Mary, our most powerful Patroness, whose glory it is in heaven to be the advocate of man; O take us from the hands of the enemy and place us in the arms of our God and Creator.
Three Ave Marias.

ii. Mary, our most powerful Patroness, who, being in heaven the advocate of man, wouldest that all men should be saved; make it thy care that none of us despair at the sight of our past relapses into sin.
Three Ave Marias.

iii. Mary, our most powerful Patroness, who, to fulfil thine office, dost love to be invoked by men; obtain for us such true devotion, that we may ever call upon thee in life, and above all at the awful moment of our death.
Three Ave Maria’s.

Now with all our hearts let us celebrate the glories of Mary; and consoled at having Mary for our advocate in Heaven, let us join the ninth choir of the angels in praising her while we sing:

Litanies. Then V. and R. and Oremus as before.

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109. VARIOUS OTHER NOVENAS.

The following Novenas were published in one volume by the Rev. Joseph Mary Falcone, of the Congregation of the Mission at Naples; and were printed in Naples in the year 1849:
His Holiness Pius IX., by a Rescript dated Gaeta, Jan. 5, 1849, granted to the faithful -
i. An indulgence of 300 DAYS for every day of each Novena, no matter at what time of the year it is made.
ii. A plenary indulgence for each Novena to be gained in the course of the Novena, or within the space of eight days after it, on that day when, after Confession and Communion, prayer be said for the Holy Church and Sovereign Pontiff.

These Novenas are -
1. Purification of our Blessed Lady.
2. St. Gabriel the Archangel.
3. St. Joseph, the Spouse of our Blessed Lady.
4. The Annunciation of our Blessed Lady.
5. The Seven Dolours of our Blessed Lady.
6. The Patronage of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
7. The Holy Ghost.
S. The Sacred Heart of Jesus.
9. The Visitation of our Blessed Lady.
10. St. Vincent of Paul.
11. The Assumption of our Blessed Lady.
12. The Nativity of our Blessed Lady.
1:3. St. Michael the Archangel.
14. The holy Guardian Angels.
15. The Most Holy Rosary.
16. The holy Souls in Purgatory.
17. St. Raphael the Archangel.
18. The Presentation of our Blessed Lady.
19. The Immaculate Conception.
20. The Nativity of our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.