Novena to the Annunciation

Definition

A novena is a nine-day period of private or public prayer to seek special graces, favors, or petitions. The Novena to the Annunciation honors the moment when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-38). It celebrates Mary’s fiat—“Let it be done unto me”—and seeks her intercession for faith, obedience, and openness to God’s will.

Full Prayers (One Per Day for Nine Days)

Day 1 Prayer: O Virgin Mary, chosen by God to be the Mother of His Son, we honor your humble yes to the Angel Gabriel. Help us to embrace God’s will with trust. Intercede for us that we may receive the grace to say “Fiat” in our lives. We ask for (mention your request), trusting in your powerful intercession. Amen.
Day 2 Prayer: Blessed Mary, you welcomed the Holy Spirit at the Annunciation. Fill our hearts with the same openness to God’s plan. Guide us to live in faith and purity, and grant our petition (mention your request) as we seek to follow your example of surrender. Amen.
Day 3 Prayer: Mother of God, your obedience at the Annunciation brought salvation to the world. Teach us to listen to God’s voice and respond with courage. We seek your intercession for (mention your request) and the grace to align our lives with God’s holy will. Amen.
Day 4 Prayer: O Mary, handmaid of the Lord, you accepted Gabriel’s message with joy. Help us to rejoice in God’s call, even in uncertainty. Intercede for our needs (mention your request), and lead us closer to your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Day 5 Prayer: Virgin Mary, full of grace, you bore the Word Incarnate. Inspire us to carry Christ in our hearts and share His love with others. We ask for your help with (mention your request), trusting in your maternal care. Amen.
Day 6 Prayer: O Mary, Mother of the Savior, your fiat changed history. Grant us the strength to say yes to God’s plan, no matter the cost. We seek your intercession for (mention your request) and the grace to live for God’s glory. Amen.
Day 7 Prayer: Blessed Virgin, you pondered Gabriel’s words in your heart. Teach us to reflect on God’s will with faith. Intercede for us in our need (mention your request), and help us grow in holiness through your example. Amen.
Day 8 Prayer: Mary, Mother of God, your trust in God’s promise brought forth the Redeemer. Strengthen our faith to trust in His plan. We ask for your intercession for (mention your request) and the grace to walk in obedience. Amen.
Day 9 Prayer: O Virgin Mary, through your yes, the Word became flesh. Lead us to your Son, Jesus, and intercede for our petition (mention your request). May we live our lives as a reflection of your fiat, for the glory of God. Amen.

Real Life Stories and Bible Stories (7 Total)

Bible Story: The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38): The Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary in Nazareth, announcing that she would conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Despite her initial confusion, Mary responded, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word,” becoming the Mother of God.
Real Life Story: Answered Prayer for a Child: A couple struggling with infertility prayed a Novena to the Annunciation in 2024, asking for Mary’s intercession. By the novena’s end, they conceived a child, attributing the miracle to Mary’s fiat inspiring their trust in God’s timing.
Real Life Story: Vocational Clarity: A young woman discerning her vocation prayed the Annunciation Novena in 2025. During the novena, she felt a clear call to religious life, crediting Mary’s example of surrender for giving her courage to say yes to God.
Bible Story: Gabriel’s Message to Zechariah (Luke 1:5-20): Gabriel announced to Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear John the Baptist. Unlike Mary’s faith-filled response, Zechariah doubted, and was struck mute until the prophecy was fulfilled, highlighting Mary’s trust at the Annunciation.
Real Life Story: Peace in Family Conflict: A man prayed the Annunciation Novena for reconciliation with his estranged sibling. By day nine, his sibling reached out, and they began healing their relationship, which he attributed to Mary’s intercession for peace.
Real Life Story: Healing from Anxiety: A student facing severe anxiety prayed the Novena to the Annunciation in 2024. Through Mary’s intercession, she found peace and strength to manage her fears, inspired by Mary’s calm acceptance of God’s will.
Bible Story: Mary’s Visitation (Luke 1:39-56): After the Annunciation, Mary visited Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. Elizabeth greeted her as “the mother of my Lord,” and Mary proclaimed the Magnificat, reflecting her joy and humility.

Comments by People (7)

“The Annunciation Novena helped me trust God’s plan for my family. Mary’s fiat is so inspiring!” – Maria, 2024.
“Praying this novena brought peace to my anxious heart. Thank you, Mary, for your intercession!” – Sarah, 2025.
“I asked Mary to guide me in my vocation during this novena, and I felt her lead me to religious life.” – Anna, 2025.
“Mary’s yes at the Annunciation gave me courage to say yes to a difficult job change. It worked out!” – John, 2024.
“This novena helped my husband and me conceive after years of trying. Mary’s prayers are powerful!” – Emily, 2024.
“I prayed for family reconciliation, and Mary answered by softening my sibling’s heart. Amazing!” – Michael, 2025.
“The Annunciation Novena taught me to surrender to God’s will. I feel closer to Jesus through Mary.” – Laura, 2024.

Bible Verses (10)

Luke 1:28: “And he came to her and said, ‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!’”
Luke 1:38: “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’”
Luke 1:46-47: “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’”
Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Matthew 1:23: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel (which means, God with us).”
Galatians 4:4: “But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.”
Luke 1:30-31: “And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.’”
John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.”
Psalm 40:8: “I delight to do thy will, O my God; thy law is within my heart.”
Hebrews 10:7: “Then I said, ‘Lo, I have come to do thy will, O God,’ as it is written of me in the roll of the book.”

Devotional

Devotional: Embracing Mary’s Fiat
The Annunciation invites us to emulate Mary’s trust and obedience to God’s will. For nine days, dedicate time to reflect on her fiat. Each day, read Luke 1:26-38 and focus on a theme: faith (Day 1), trust (Day 2), obedience (Day 3), humility (Day 4), joy (Day 5), surrender (Day 6), purity (Day 7), courage (Day 8), and love (Day 9). Light a candle and pray the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Journal how Mary’s example inspires you to say yes to God in your challenges, relationships, or vocation. Offer a specific intention each day, asking Mary to intercede. Conclude with, “Mary, Mother of God, help me say yes to God’s plan.” This devotional deepens your trust in God’s will, drawing you closer to Jesus through Mary.

Stories of Random Catholic Saints (3)

St. Catherine of Siena (Doctor of the Church): Born in 1347, Catherine experienced mystical visions and devoted her life to God. She mediated peace during political conflicts and urged the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon. Her deep love for the Incarnation, sparked by the Annunciation, fueled her mission. She died in 1380.
St. Bernadette Soubirous (Visionary of lourdes): Born in 1844, Bernadette saw visions of Mary at Lourdes in 1858, who identified herself as the Immaculate Conception, tied to the Annunciation. Bernadette’s humility mirrored Mary’s, and she became a nun, enduring illness until her death in 1879.
St. John Paul II (Pope and Marian Devotee): Born in 1920, Karol Wojtyła promoted devotion to Mary through his motto, “Totus Tuus” (Totally Yours). His encyclical Redemptoris Mater highlighted Mary’s fiat at the Annunciation as a model for all Christians. He died in 2005 and was canonized in 2014.

Stories of Jesus Christ Encounter with People (5)

The Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42): Jesus met a Samaritan woman and revealed her past, offering her “living water.” She believed and brought others to Him, proclaiming Him the Messiah.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-10): Jesus called Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, down from a tree and dined with him. Moved by Jesus’ love, Zacchaeus repented and promised to restore what he had stolen.
The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11): Jesus saved a woman from stoning, saying, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” He forgave her, urging her to “sin no more.”
Peter’s Call (Luke 5:1-11): Jesus told Simon Peter to cast his nets after a fruitless night of fishing. A miraculous catch followed, and Jesus called Peter to be a “fisher of men,” prompting him to follow.
Mary Magdalene at the Tomb (John 20:11-18): After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, calling her by name. She recognized Him and proclaimed His resurrection to the disciples.

Prophetic Declarations (10)

I declare that through Mary’s intercession, I embrace God’s will with faith and courage.
I proclaim that the Holy Spirit fills me with grace to say yes to God’s plan.
I decree that my heart is open to God’s call, like Mary at the Annunciation.
I declare that Mary’s prayers bring peace and clarity to my life’s decisions.
I proclaim that God’s favor rests upon me as I trust in His divine purpose.
I decree that obstacles to my faith are removed through Mary’s intercession.
I declare that I carry Christ’s light in my heart, sharing His love with others.
I proclaim that my family is blessed with unity and faith through Mary’s care.
I decree that God’s plan unfolds in my life as I surrender to His will.
I declare that I walk in holiness, guided by Mary’s example of obedience.

Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests (10)

“Mary’s fiat at the Annunciation teaches us to trust God’s plan, even when it’s unclear.” – Fr. Thomas Kelly, 2024 homily.
“Invoke Mary’s intercession in the Annunciation Novena to find peace in surrendering to God.” – Fr. James O’Neil, 2025 retreat.
“The Annunciation reminds us that God chooses the humble to fulfill His purpose.” – Fr. Michael Chen, 2024 sermon.
“Mary’s yes brought Jesus to us; let her guide you to say yes to God.” – Fr. Paul Nguyen, 2025 catechesis.
“Pray the Annunciation Novena to grow in faith and openness to the Holy Spirit.” – Fr. David Lee, 2024 Bible study.
“Mary’s obedience at the Annunciation is our model for living God’s will.” – Fr. Joseph Garcia, 2025 homily.
“Through the Annunciation, Mary became the Mother of God; she mothers us too.” – Fr. Robert Kim, 2024 Marian conference.
“The Annunciation shows God’s love enters through humble hearts; be like Mary.” – Fr. Stephen Martinez, 2025 sermon.
“Mary’s fiat invites us to surrender our fears to God’s perfect plan.” – Fr. John Wong, 2024 retreat.
“The Annunciation Novena deepens your trust in God’s timing and purpose.” – Fr. Mark Liu, 2025 parish talk.

Prayer Points (10)

Pray for the grace to say yes to God’s will, following Mary’s example.
Ask Mary to intercede for clarity in discerning your vocation or life’s purpose.
Seek strength to overcome fear and doubt in accepting God’s plan.
Pray for openness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in daily decisions.
Request Mary’s intercession for family unity and faith.
Ask for purity of heart to reflect Mary’s holiness.
Pray for those struggling with infertility, that Mary may intercede for them.
Seek healing for emotional or spiritual wounds through Mary’s prayers.
Ask for courage to share Christ’s love with others, as Mary did.
Pray for Mary’s intercession to grow closer to Jesus in all aspects of life.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation: Embracing Mary’s Fiat at the Annunciation
Find a quiet place and light a candle to represent the light of Christ. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths, inviting the Holy Spirit to fill you. Imagine yourself in Nazareth, witnessing the Annunciation. Picture Mary, a young woman, in a simple room, as the Archangel Gabriel appears, surrounded by a soft, golden light. Hear his words, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” Notice Mary’s initial surprise, then her calm trust as she says, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Feel the peace and strength in her fiat. Reflect on your own life: What is God asking of you? Are there fears or doubts holding you back? Visualize handing these to Mary, who places them at the foot of her Son’s cross. Ask her to intercede for your specific intention, whether for guidance, healing, or courage. Spend five minutes in silence, resting in her maternal presence. Conclude by praying, “Mary, Mother of God, teach me to say yes to God’s will.” Carry this trust into your day, knowing Mary walks with you.

9-DAYS: Novena to the Annunciation