Day 5: Immaculate Conception Novena

I would like to invite you throughout these next days to join in a Novena of the Immaculate Conception. Mary is the greatest woman in history. We can find in her the Mother we are most in need of day by day.

Maestà - Virgin with Child
Baptistery of St. John Lateran Cathedral-Basilica
Rome, Italy

This image hangs above the altar where I would like to celebrate my first Mass. Jesus holds Our Lady's mouth and they both look towards us. We can look to Mary with the same intimacy. "Blessed are the Pure of Heart for they shall see God". By "Immaculate" we recall that Mary is pure, the purest among women. Mary, grant me the grace to have a pure heart like your own.

"His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him"

(Lk 2:50)

Prayer to Mary, Help of Christians

Most Holy and Immaculate Virgin, Help of Christians, we place ourselves under your motherly protection. Throughout the Church's history you have helped Christians in times of trial, temptation and danger. Time and time again, you have proven to be the Refuge of sinners, the Hope of the hopeless, the Consoler of the afflicted, and the Comforter of the dying. We promise to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, your Son, to proclaim His Good News of God's love for all people, and to work for peace and justice in our world. With faith in your intercession, we pray for the Church, for our family and friends, for the poor and abandoned, and all the dying. Grant, O Mary, Help of Christians, the graces of which we stand in need. (Mention your intentions.) May we serve Jesus with fidelity and love until death. Help us and our loved ones to attain the boundless joy of being forever with our Father in heaven. Amen.