Novena to Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni: Complete Prayers and Devotional Content

Definition

The Novena to Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni, is a nine-day prayer devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title as Our Lady of Good Health, venerated at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, India. This devotion, often referred to as the “Lourdes of the East,” seeks Mary’s intercession for healing, protection, and spiritual graces, rooted in her apparitions in the 16th and 17th centuries. The novena is traditionally prayed daily for nine consecutive days, often culminating on her feast day, September 8, the Nativity of Mary.

Complete Prayers for the Novena to Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni

The following prayers are to be recited daily for nine days, as part of the novena devotion. These prayers are sourced from traditional texts associated with the Vailankanni shrine and Catholic devotionals.

Opening Prayer
O Most Holy Virgin, chosen by the Adorable Trinity from all eternity to be the most pure Mother of Jesus, permit me, your humble and devoted servant, to recall the joy you experienced at the moment of the Sacred Incarnation of our Divine Lord and during the nine months you carried Him in your chaste womb. I earnestly desire to renew, or even increase, that joy through the fervor of my prayers.
Petition for Protection
O Tender Mother of the afflicted, grant me under my present necessities the special protection you have promised to those who devoutly commemorate this ineffable joy. Relying on the infinite mercies of your Divine Son, trusting in His promise that those who ask shall receive, and filled with confidence in your powerful prayers, I humbly entreat you to intercede for me.
Request for Favors
I beg you to obtain for me the favors I petition in this novena, if it be the Holy Will of God to grant them; and if not, to ask for me whatever graces I most stand in need of. (Here specify your intentions.)
Hail Mary (Recite 9 Times)
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Salutation to Mary
O Mother of God, accept these salutations in union with the respect and veneration with which the Angel Gabriel first hailed you, “Full of Grace.” May these prayers become gems in the crown of your heavenly glory, shining brightly until the end of the world.
Prayer for Intercession
I beseech you, O Comfortress of the Afflicted, by the joy you received when the Word was made flesh, to obtain for me the favors and graces I now implore through your powerful intercession. For this, I offer you all the good works performed in your honor.
Closing Prayer
I humbly entreat you, for the love of the amiable Heart of Jesus, with which yours was ever so inflamed, to hear my humble prayers and obtain my requests. O Mary, Our Mother of Health and Heavenly Queen, seated on your throne of mercy and compassion at your Holy Shrine in Vailankanni, we praise and honor you as our refuge and relief. Amen.
Litany to Our Lady of Good Health (Excerpt)
- Our Lady of Good Health, the Morning Star foretold by the Prophets, pray for us.
- Our Lady of Good Health, conceived without Original Sin, pray for us.
- Our Lady of Good Health, who crushed the head of Satan, pray for us.
- Our Lady of Good Health, the Heavenly Crown of all the Saints, pray for us.
- Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
- Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
- Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Final Prayer
O God, who in your unspeakable providence chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to be your own most Holy Mother, mercifully grant her prayers on our behalf, so that we may enjoy the happiness of heaven for all eternity. Amen.

7 Real-Life Stories

These stories highlight reported miracles and answered prayers attributed to Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni, based on oral traditions and documented accounts from devotees.

Healing of a Lame Boy
In the 16th century, a young boy with a disabled leg, selling buttermilk near Vailankanni, encountered a beautiful woman with a child who asked for milk. After giving her some, he was miraculously cured of his disability and ran to Nagapattinam to share the news, leading to the construction of a chapel in Mary’s honor.
Rescue of Portuguese Sailors
In the 17th century, Portuguese sailors caught in a deadly storm in the Bay of Bengal prayed to Mary for safety. Miraculously, the storm subsided, and they were washed ashore near Vailankanni. In gratitude, they built a permanent chapel, placing a statue of Mary in a sari.
Healing of a Breast Lump
A woman praying the novena reported a large lump in her breast, feared to be cancerous, was found to be benign after medical tests, attributing the outcome to Mary’s intercession.
Recovery of Children
A mother shared that her son and daughter were healed of their ailments on the second day of praying the novena, crediting Our Lady of Good Health for the swift recovery.
Answered Prayer for Medical Results
A devotee prayed for favorable medical results for her daughter during the novena. The results came back positive, and she attributed this to Mary’s intercession.
Relief from Chronic Illness
A man suffering from a chronic illness prayed the novena and reported significant improvement in his condition, allowing him to resume normal activities, which he believed was a miracle through Mary’s prayers.
Financial Breakthrough for Medical Care
A woman with cancer, paralyzed and financially strained, prayed for her husband’s financial breakthrough to afford further treatment. She reported receiving unexpected financial help, enabling hospital visits.

7 Bible Stories

These Bible stories reflect themes of healing, faith, and divine intercession, aligning with the devotion to Our Lady of Good Health.

Healing of the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)
Jesus heals a paralyzed man lowered through the roof by his friends, demonstrating faith and divine power to restore health.
Cleansing of the Leper (Matthew 8:1-4)
A leper approaches Jesus, asking to be made clean. Jesus touches him, and he is instantly healed, showcasing compassion and miraculous power.
Healing of the Blind Man (John 9:1-12)
Jesus restores sight to a man born blind by making mud with saliva and sending him to wash in the pool of Siloam, illustrating faith and obedience.
Raising of Jairus’ Daughter (Luke 8:40-56)
Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus from death, showing His authority over life and death, a testament to divine intervention.
Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)
A woman suffering from a hemorrhage for 12 years touches Jesus’ cloak and is healed instantly, highlighting faith in divine healing.
Canaanite Woman’s Faith (Matthew 15:21-28)
A Gentile woman begs Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Her persistent faith leads to her daughter’s deliverance.
Healing of the Centurion’s Servant (Luke 7:1-10)
A Roman centurion’s faith in Jesus’ authority leads to the healing of his servant without Jesus even being present, emphasizing trust in divine power.

7 Comments by People

These comments are drawn from testimonies and prayers shared by devotees, reflecting their faith in Our Lady of Good Health.

“Please, Mother of Good Health, Vailankanni, pray for me. I am sick with cancer and paralyzed. I ask you to have pity on me and ask Jesus to forgive me and restore my health.”
“I pray for my son to be cured of autism. Thank you, Our Lady of Good Health, for hearing my prayers.”
“I need a powerful novena for my son to stop his hair-plucking habit. My only hope is in this novena, and I promise to bring him to your shrine if he is healed.”
“Mother of Good Health, protect my family from diseases sent by evil. Keep us united with you always, even at the hour of our death.”
“I pray for my parents, especially my dad, who struggles with bad habits. Please, Mother Mary, intercede for his conversion and our family’s peace.”
“After praying this novena, my daughter’s medical results came back clear. Thank you, Our Lady of Vailankanni, for your intercession!”
“I lost my holy card of Our Lady of Good Health. My daughter has liver cancer, and I need it to pray for her cure. Please help us.”

10 Bible Verses

These verses emphasize healing, faith, and Mary’s role as intercessor, resonating with the novena’s themes.

Luke 1:28 – “The angel said to her, ‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!’”
John 2:5 – “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”
Psalm 30:2 – “Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”
James 5:15 – “The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”
Isaiah 53:5 – “By his wounds we are healed.”
Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find.”
Psalm 91:4 – “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.”
Mark 11:24 – “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Luke 4:40 – “At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.”
Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Devotional Associated with the Topic

The Novena to Our Lady of Good Health is a powerful devotional practice, often accompanied by the recitation of the Rosary, particularly the Luminous Mysteries, which focus on Christ’s public ministry and Mary’s role in it. Devotees are encouraged to attend Mass, receive the Eucharist, and make acts of charity during the novena. Pilgrimages to the Vailankanni Basilica, where millions seek healing, are common. The devotion includes lighting candles, offering flowers, and wearing scapulars or medals of Our Lady of Good Health. The feast day, September 8, is marked by processions, Masses in multiple languages (Tamil, English, Hindi, etc.), and communal prayers at the shrine.

3 Stories of Random Catholic Saints

These stories highlight saints known for their intercession in healing, aligning with the theme of Our Lady of Good Health.

St. Peregrine Laziosi (1260–1345)
Peregrine, a Servite friar, was diagnosed with cancer in his leg, scheduled for amputation. The night before the surgery, he prayed fervently before a crucifix. In a vision, Jesus touched his leg, and by morning, the cancer was completely healed. He is now the patron saint of cancer patients.
St. Lidwina of Schiedam (1380–1433)
Lidwina suffered a severe injury at 15, leading to chronic illness and paralysis. She offered her sufferings to God, experiencing visions of Mary and the saints. Miraculously, she survived decades without food, sustained by the Eucharist, and became a source of spiritual healing for others.
St. Roch (1295–1327)
Roch contracted the plague while caring for the sick. Exiled to the wilderness, he was miraculously fed by a dog and healed by divine intervention. He returned to minister to plague victims, earning his title as patron of the sick and diseased.

5 Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounter with People

These Gospel accounts highlight Jesus’ healing and transformative encounters, reflecting the intercessory power of Mary.

The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42)
Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well, revealing her past and offering her “living water.” Her encounter leads her to faith, and she brings others to Jesus.
Healing of the Demon-Possessed Man (Mark 5:1-20)
Jesus encounters a man possessed by demons in the Gerasenes. He casts out the demons into a herd of pigs, restoring the man’s sanity, who then proclaims Jesus’ works.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-10)
Jesus calls Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, down from a tree and dines with him. This encounter transforms Zacchaeus, who pledges to give half his possessions to the poor.
The Adulterous Woman (John 8:1-11)
Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery, facing stoning. He challenges her accusers and forgives her, saying, “Go and sin no more,” offering mercy and redemption.
Healing of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)
Blind Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus restores his sight, saying, “Your faith has healed you,” and Bartimaeus follows Him, glorifying God.

10 Prophetic Declarations

These declarations are inspired by the faith and hope associated with Our Lady of Good Health, invoking God’s promises for healing and protection.

I declare that through Mary’s intercession, my body and soul are restored to perfect health.
I proclaim that God’s mercy flows through me, healing all my infirmities.
By the power of Christ, I am shielded from all harm and evil.
I declare that my family is united under Mary’s mantle, blessed with peace and love.
I proclaim that every sickness in my life is overcome by the healing grace of Jesus.
I declare that financial breakthroughs come to me to meet all my needs, through Mary’s prayers.
I proclaim that my faith grows stronger each day, guided by Our Lady of Good Health.
I declare that all my petitions in this novena are answered according to God’s holy will.
I proclaim that my heart is purified, and I am detached from worldly temptations.
I declare that I walk in the light of Christ, protected and blessed by Mary’s intercession.

10 Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests

These are inspired prophetic words, reflecting the spiritual guidance priests might offer in the context of this devotion, based on Catholic tradition and the Vailankanni shrine’s significance.

“Trust in Mary’s intercession, for she leads you to her Son, who heals all wounds.”
“Your prayers in this novena will open the floodgates of God’s mercy upon you.”
“Through Our Lady of Good Health, God restores what is broken in your life.”
“Let Mary’s maternal love guide you to repentance and a renewed heart.”
“The Lord hears your cries through Mary’s intercession; your healing is near.”
“Surrender your burdens to Vailankanni’s Mother, and she will carry them to Jesus.”
“God’s grace flows through this novena, bringing peace to your troubled soul.”
“Mary, the Health of the Sick, will obtain strength for you to bear your crosses.”
“Your faith in Our Lady of Good Health will lead to miracles beyond your imagination.”
“The Blessed Virgin calls you to holiness; follow her to the heart of her Son.”

10 Prayer Points

These prayer points are designed for use during the novena, focusing on healing, protection, and spiritual growth.

Pray for physical healing for yourself and loved ones, trusting in Mary’s intercession.
Ask for spiritual renewal and freedom from sin through Mary’s guidance.
Seek protection from all diseases and dangers, under Our Lady’s mantle.
Pray for financial provision to meet medical and other needs.
Request strength to endure suffering with patience and faith.
Ask for family unity and peace, blessed by Mary’s love.
Pray for the conversion of sinners, that they may find Christ through Mary.
Seek grace to grow in holiness and devotion to Jesus and Mary.
Pray for the Church and its leaders, that they may be guided by Mary’s wisdom.
Ask for eternal salvation, that you may join Mary in heaven forever.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation on Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni

Begin by finding a quiet space, perhaps with an image or statue of Our Lady of Good Health. Light a candle if possible, symbolizing the light of Christ through Mary. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, centering your heart on God’s presence.

Reflect on Mary, the Mother of Good Health, seated on her throne of mercy in Vailankanni. Picture her gentle face, adorned in a sari, holding the Christ Child, radiating compassion. Recall her apparitions to the humble buttermilk boy and the storm-tossed sailors, moments where her intercession brought healing and safety. She is the “Comfortress of the Afflicted,” always near those who suffer.

Meditate on Luke 1:28, where the Angel Gabriel calls her “Full of Grace.” Consider how Mary’s grace-filled heart is united with Jesus, her Son, who heals all who come to Him. Think of your own needs—physical, emotional, or spiritual. Offer them to Mary, trusting that she carries your petitions to Jesus, as she did at Cana (John 2:5).

Imagine yourself at the Vailankanni Basilica, standing by “Madha Kulam” (Mother’s Pond), where Mary appeared. Feel the peace of her presence, washing away your fears. Ask her to obtain for you the grace to accept God’s will, whether it brings healing or the strength to endure.

Conclude by praying the Hail Mary slowly, savoring each word. Thank Mary for her maternal care and ask her to lead you closer to Jesus. Rest in the assurance that, as the “Lourdes of the East,” she watches over you with love, guiding you to her Son, the Divine Physician.