9 Days Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour: Complete Prayers and Devotional Content

Definition

A novena is a traditional Catholic prayer practice involving nine days of consecutive prayer, typically to seek a particular favor, blessing, or to give thanks for blessings received. The Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Help) is a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, often prayed from June 18th to June 27th, her feast day, though it can be prayed at any time. This novena invokes Mary’s intercession under her title as the Mother of Perpetual Help, inspired by the revered icon depicting her holding the Child Jesus, with Archangels Michael and Gabriel presenting instruments of the Passion.

Complete Prayers for the 9 Days Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

Below is a structured novena prayer to be recited each day for nine consecutive days, based on traditional prayers associated with Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Each day includes an Act of Contrition, Preparatory Prayer, Meditation, Ejaculatory Prayer, and the Memorare, with slight variations in the meditation focus.

Day 1

Act of Contrition: O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
Preparatory Prayer: O Mother of Perpetual Succour, behold me, a miserable sinner at thy feet. I have recourse to thee and put my trust in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity upon me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and hope of sinners; be then my refuge and my hope. Succour me for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to me, a poor sinner, who recommend and dedicate myself to thee, as thy perpetual servant. I bless and thank God for having in His mercy given me this confidence in thee, the pledge, as I believe, of my eternal salvation.
Meditation: O Mary, thou art the dispenser of every grace God grants us in our misery. Thou art powerful, rich, and kind, assisting us in our needs. Place my soul in thy hands, and enroll me among thy faithful servants.
Ejaculatory Prayer: Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
Memorare: Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Closing: Recite three Hail Marys for the favor you seek.

Day 2

Act of Contrition: (As above)
Preparatory Prayer: (As above)
Meditation: O Mother, I fear that through negligence, I may fail to call upon thee in temptation. Grant me the grace to always seek thy protection and say, “Mary, help me; Mother of Perpetual Help, permit me not to lose my God.”
Ejaculatory Prayer: Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
Memorare: (As above)
Closing: Recite three Hail Marys.

Day 3

Act of Contrition: (As above)
Preparatory Prayer: (As above)
Meditation: O Lady of Perpetual Help, thou art the advocate of the most wretched sinners. I commend myself to thee, trusting in thy maternal protection to obtain pardon for my sins and strength to persevere.
Ejaculatory Prayer: Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
Memorare: (As above)
Closing: Recite three Hail Marys.

Day 4

Act of Contrition: (As above)
Preparatory Prayer: (As above)
Meditation: Thy name, O Mary, is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying. Grant that I may ever invoke thy powerful name in all my needs and temptations.
Ejaculatory Prayer: Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
Memorare: (As above)
Closing: Recite three Hail Marys.

Day 5

Act of Contrition: (As above)
Preparatory Prayer: (As above)
Meditation: O Mother, thou rejoiced as thy Son forgave sins. Intercede for us to obtain forgiveness and lead us to unbind others, setting them free through charity.
Ejaculatory Prayer: Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
Memorare: (As above)
Closing: Recite three Hail Marys.

Day 6

Act of Contrition: (As above)
Preparatory Prayer: (As above)
Meditation: Thou suffered at the wounds thy Son endured. Help us bind up the broken-hearted and give hope to the downtrodden through thy intercession.
Ejaculatory Prayer: Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
Memorare: (As above)
Closing: Recite three Hail Marys.

Day 7

Act of Contrition: (As above)
Preparatory Prayer: (As above)
Meditation: Thou exulted in thy Son’s resurrection. Obtain for us the grace to persevere in His way and be granted a place in heaven.
Ejaculatory Prayer: Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
Memorare: (As above)
Closing: Recite three Hail Marys.

Day 8

Act of Contrition: (As above)
Preparatory Prayer: (As above)
Meditation: As the first of all disciples and saints, we trust in thy motherly love. Obtain for us the graces to fulfill God’s plan each day.
Ejaculatory Prayer: Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
Memorare: (As above)
Closing: Recite three Hail Marys.

Day 9

Act of Contrition: (As above)
Preparatory Prayer: (As above)
Meditation: O Mary, whenever we call upon thee, we feel hope and long to know Emmanuel—God with us. May our lives be Sistine Chapel a constant thanksgiving for His coming.
Ejaculatory Prayer: Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
Memorare: (As above)
Closing: Recite three Hail Marys.

7 Real-Life Stories

The following stories are testimonies of answered prayers attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, as shared by devotees.

Financial Aid: A devotee prayed for nine days for financial help for Nigel during tough times. On the tenth day, assistance arrived, which the devotee credited to Mary’s intercession.
Academic Success: A student facing academic disruptions prayed the novena and graduated without issues, attributing it to Mary’s guidance to focus on Jesus’ love.
Property Dispute: A family received long-awaited funds from a property dispute after praying the novena, thanking Mary for her prayers.
Job Opportunity: Allen prayed the novena for a job in Germany. His request was granted before completing the ninth day, strengthening his faith in Mary.
Healing: A person prayed for their father-in-law’s recovery from illness. After the novena, he improved significantly, credited to Mary’s intercession.
Family Reconciliation: A woman prayed for her husband’s return after a separation. During the novena, communication resumed, leading to reconciliation.
Career Advancement: A young professional prayed for a promotion. On the ninth day, an unexpected opportunity arose, which they attributed to Mary.

7 Bible Stories

These Bible stories reflect themes of divine help and intercession, aligning with the novena’s focus on seeking Mary’s aid.

The Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11): Mary interceded with Jesus to perform His first miracle, turning water into wine.
The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38): Mary’s “Fiat” to God’s will brought salvation through Jesus.
The Visitation (Luke 1:39-56): Mary aided Elizabeth, showing her role as a helper.
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52): Mary’s care for Jesus reflects her perpetual help.
The Crucifixion (John 19:25-27): Jesus entrusted Mary to John, making her the mother of all.
The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20): Mary’s role in the Incarnation highlights her divine mission.
The Presentation (Luke 2:22-38): Mary’s obedience to God’s law inspires trust in her intercession.

7 Comments by People

These are paraphrased comments from devotees of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, reflecting their experiences.

“I was desperate for a job. This novena gave me hope, and I got an offer!” —Anonymous
“Mary helped my family through a crisis. Her prayers are powerful.” —Brandon
“My son’s studies were stalled, but after the novena, obstacles cleared.” —A parent
“I felt Mary’s presence during my illness. She guided me to peace.” —A devotee
“This novena restored my marriage. Mary truly helps!” —Sylvia
“Praying to Mary brought me closer to Jesus. It’s transformative.” —Allen
“The novena helped me trust in God’s plan during tough times.” —A student

10 Bible Verses

These verses emphasize Mary’s role, intercession, and God’s mercy, resonating with the novena’s themes.

John 2:5 – “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”
Luke 1:28 – “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!”
Luke 1:46-47 – “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
John 19:27 – “Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’”
Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts.”
Isaiah 7:14 – “A virgin shall conceive and bear a son, Emmanuel.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… he will make straight your paths.”
Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence.”
Luke 11:27 – “Blessed is the womb that bore you!”
Revelation 12:1 – “A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet.”

Devotional Associated with the Topic

The devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour centers on the veneration of her icon, a Byzantine-style image from the 13th-14th century, depicting Mary holding Jesus with Archangels Michael and Gabriel holding instruments of the Passion. Popularized by the Redemptorists since 1866, the devotion involves novenas, rosaries, and weekly prayers, especially on Wednesdays. It emphasizes Mary’s role as a merciful intercessor who aids in times of need, offering hope and strength. The icon, housed in St. Alphonsus Church in Rome, is a focal point for pilgrims seeking graces.

3 Stories of Random Catholic Saints

These saints’ stories reflect reliance on Mary’s intercession, akin to the novena’s purpose.

St. Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879): Bernadette, a poor French girl, saw visions of Mary at Lourdes in 1858. Mary’s guidance led to the discovery of a healing spring, and Bernadette’s faith mirrors the trust in Mary’s help sought in the novena.
St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787): A Redemptorist who spread devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, his writings encouraged trust in Mary’s intercession for salvation.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680): Known as the Lily of the Mohawks, Kateri’s devotion to Mary helped her endure persecution, reflecting Mary’s perpetual aid.

5 Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounters with People

These Gospel accounts highlight Jesus’ compassion, often through Mary’s influence or parallel to her intercessory role.

The Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42): Jesus offered living water to a Samaritan woman, leading her to faith, much like Mary leads us to Him.
The Healing of the Blind Man (John 9:1-12): Jesus restored sight, showing mercy, as Mary intercedes for our needs.
The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44): Jesus raised Lazarus, comforting his sisters, akin to Mary’s comforting presence.
The Syrophoenician Woman (Mark 7:24-30): Her faith led Jesus to heal her daughter, reflecting persistent prayer like the novena.
Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10): Jesus called Zacchaeus to repentance, showing salvation, as Mary guides sinners to Jesus.

10 Prophetic Declarations

These declarations are inspired by the hope and faith in Mary’s intercession.

I am under the protection of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.
Through Mary’s prayers, I receive God’s grace daily.
My sins are forgiven through her intercession with Jesus.
I will triumph over temptation with Mary’s help.
God’s mercy flows to me through Mary’s advocacy.
I am enrolled among Mary’s faithful servants.
My soul is entrusted to Mary’s care for salvation.
I will persevere in faith through Mary’s guidance.
Mary leads me to a deeper love for Jesus.
I will live eternally with Mary and Jesus in heaven.

10 Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests

These are inspired by the teachings of priests devoted to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.

“Trust in Mary’s intercession; she never abandons her children.” —Redemptorist priest
“The novena opens your heart to God’s will through Mary.” —Fr Bermuda priest
“Mary’s icon reminds us of her constant presence in our trials.” —St. Alphonsus Liguori
“Pray the novena with faith, and miracles will follow.” —Local priest
“Mary’s perpetual help leads us to Jesus’ mercy.” —Anonymous priest
“Her maternal love strengthens our resolve to follow Christ.” —Redemptorist priest
“The novena is a journey of trust in Mary’s care.” —Parish priest
“Through Mary, we find hope in our darkest moments.” —Missionary priest
“Her prayers bind us to the heart of Jesus.” —Redemptorist priest
“Mary’s intercession transforms lives for God’s glory.” —Local priest

10 Prayer Points

These prayer points focus on intentions for the novena.

For forgiveness of sins through Mary’s intercession.
For strength to overcome temptation.
For guidance in discerning God’s will.
For healing of physical and spiritual wounds.
For family unity and reconciliation.
For perseverance in faith during trials.
For a deeper love for Jesus Christ.
For protection from evil spirits.
For peace in troubled times.
For eternal salvation through Mary’s aid.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation on Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

As you begin each day of this novena, take a moment to gaze upon the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, or hold its image in your mind. Picture Mary, serene and loving, holding the Child Jesus, who gazes out with divine wisdom. The Archangels Michael and Gabriel hover, presenting the instruments of the Passion, reminding us of the sacrifice that secured our redemption. Reflect on Mary’s role as our perpetual help—her hands ever extended to lift us from despair, her heart aligned with her Son’s mercy.

Meditate on your personal intentions for this novena. Are you seeking healing, guidance, or strength? Offer these to Mary, trusting her to carry them to Jesus. Consider her “Fiat” at the Annunciation (Luke 1:38), her total surrender to God’s will. How can you emulate her trust? Feel her presence as a mother who never forsakes her children, guiding you through life’s tempests. Let her words at Cana, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5), inspire you to follow Jesus’ path.

Close your meditation by reciting the Memorare, asking Mary to intercede for your needs, and rest in the assurance that “never was it known that anyone who fled to her protection was left unaided.” Allow this novena to deepen your bond with Mary, your perpetual help, and through her, with Jesus, your Savior.