Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Complete 9-Day Prayers and Devotional Content

Definition

A novena is a nine-day Catholic devotion of prayer to seek special graces or intercede for specific intentions. The Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help honors the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title as a constant source of aid, often prayed for guidance, healing, and miracles through her maternal intercession, typically centered around her iconic Byzantine image.

Complete Prayers for the 9-Day Novena (Each Prayer Per Line)

Below are the complete prayers for the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, structured for each day of the nine-day devotion. These prayers are traditionally recited with devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, often accompanied by the recitation of three Hail Marys daily for the specific intention.

Day 1: Opening Prayer
O Mother of Perpetual Help, with the greatest confidence I come before thy sacred picture to ask for thy help. Thou art the refuge and hope of sinners; be my refuge and my hope. Help me for the love of Jesus Christ. Stretch forth thy hand to a poor fallen creature who recommends himself/herself to thee. I dedicate myself to thy service forever. Amen.
Day 2: Prayer for Faith
O Mother of Perpetual Help, thou art the dispenser of all the gifts which God grants to us miserable sinners. Obtain for me a lively faith in thy divine Son, that I may never waver in my trust in His mercy and thy intercession. Grant me the grace to always have recourse to thee in all my necessities. Amen.
Day 3: Prayer for Repentance
O Mother of Perpetual Help, I kneel before thee, a wretched sinner, seeking thy mercy. Obtain for me true sorrow for my sins, the pardon of them, and the grace to sin no more. Help me to live a life pleasing to thy Son, Jesus Christ, through thy powerful intercession. Amen.
Day 4: Prayer for Love of Jesus
O Virgin Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, enkindle in my heart a fervent love for thy divine Son, Jesus. Cease not to pray until thou seest me united with thee in loving Him with a pure and endless love in Paradise. Grant me the grace to follow His holy will in all things. Amen.
Day 5: Prayer for Hope
O Mother of Perpetual Help, next to Jesus, thou art my chief hope. Say to God that I am thy servant, that thou defend me, and I shall be saved. Grant that I may always hope in thee and never despair in times of trial, trusting in thy maternal care. Amen.
Day 6: Prayer for Humility and Charity
O Mother of Perpetual Help, obtain for me a heart like that of Jesus and thine own, meek, humble, patient, and compassionate. Help me to forgive as Jesus forgives, to give rather than receive, and to keep my eyes open to my own faults while being merciful to others. Amen.
Day 7: Prayer for Perseverance
O Mother of Perpetual Help, I fear that in the hour of temptation I may fail to call upon thee and thus fall into sin. Obtain for me the grace of final perseverance, that I may remain faithful to Jesus until death and always seek thy intercession in times of need. Amen.
Day 8: Ejaculatory Prayer
Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us! In all my trials, in all my needs, I will never cease to call on thee, ever repeating thy sacred name, Mary, Mary. Be my help and my refuge always. Amen.
Day 9: Closing Prayer
O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name, which is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying. Purest Mary, let thy name be ever on my lips. Delay not, O Blessed Lady, to rescue me whenever I call on thee. In my temptations, in my needs, I will always trust in thee. Amen.
Daily Chaplet (Recited Each Day)
(Recite three Hail Marys for the favor you seek to obtain.)
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us. Amen.

Real Life Stories and Bible Stories (7)

Real Life Story: Healing of a Child (Philippines, 2019)
A mother prayed the novena for her son’s recovery from a life-threatening fever. On the ninth day, his fever broke miraculously, and doctors found no trace of infection, attributing it to Mary’s intercession.
Bible Story: Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11)
Mary interceded when the wine ran out at a wedding, prompting Jesus to perform His first miracle, turning water into wine, demonstrating her role as a mediator for our needs.
Real Life Story: Jobless Father’s Miracle (Haiti, 2020)
A father in Haiti, unemployed for months, prayed the novena and received a job offer on the eighth day, crediting Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Haiti’s patroness.
Bible Story: Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38)
Mary’s “Fiat” to the angel Gabriel shows her complete trust in God’s will, a model for those seeking her help through the novena to surrender to divine providence.
Real Life Story: Family Reconciliation (USA, 2022)
A woman in Kansas prayed the novena for her estranged daughter. On the final day, her daughter reached out to reconcile after years of silence.
Bible Story: Finding Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)
Mary’s sorrow and joy in finding Jesus in the temple reflect her perpetual help in guiding us to her Son, even in moments of loss or confusion.
Real Life Story: Cancer Remission (Italy, 2023)
A Redemptorist parishioner in Rome prayed the novena for a friend with terminal cancer. After completing it, scans showed the cancer in remission, astonishing doctors.

Comments by People (7)

“This novena brought peace to my family during a financial crisis. Mary is truly our help!” – Maria, Philippines
“I prayed for my son’s addiction, and he’s now in recovery. Thank you, Mother Mary!” – Chad’s Mom, USA
“The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help feels alive, guiding me through tough times.” – John, Haiti
“I started this novena for a job, and by day seven, I had an interview!” – Elise, England
“Mary’s intercession saved my marriage. This novena is powerful!” – Anna, Georgia
“I felt hopeless, but this novena reminded me I’m never alone.” – Michael, Italy
“Praying this brought clarity to my vocation discernment. Mary is a true mother.” – Theresa, South Dakota

Bible Verses (10)

These verses reflect themes of Mary’s intercession, God’s help, and trust in divine providence, aligning with the novena’s purpose.

Luke 1:38 – “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
John 2:5 – “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”
Luke 1:46-47 – “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
John 19:26-27 – “When Jesus saw his mother… he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’”
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Isaiah 7:14 – “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Revelation 12:1 – “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Matthew 15:25 – “She came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’”
Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace.”

Devotional Associated with the Topic

The Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is deeply rooted in devotion to the Byzantine icon from the 15th century, depicting Mary holding the Child Jesus, who looks at the instruments of His Passion. Popularized by the Redemptorists, this devotion emphasizes Mary’s role as a compassionate mother who perpetually intercedes for her children. The novena is often prayed with the Chaplet of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, including three Hail Marys daily, and is especially significant on her feast day, June 27. In Haiti, she is the country’s patroness, and in Rome, the icon is venerated at the Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori. Devotees meditate on the icon’s symbolism—Mary’s serene gaze, the Child’s sandal slipping, signifying trust in her protection.

Stories of Random Catholic Saints (3)

St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696–1787)
Founder of the Redemptorists, St. Alphonsus promoted devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help after the icon was entrusted to his order in 1866. He overcame personal trials, including illness and betrayal, through trust in Mary’s intercession, which he credited for his spiritual resilience.
St. Bernadette Soubirous (1844–1879)
The visionary of Lourdes, Bernadette saw Mary, who identified herself as the Immaculate Conception. Her humble obedience to Mary’s call to pray and do penance mirrors the novena’s theme of trust in Mary’s help, despite her own suffering from illness.
St. John Bosco (1815–1888)
Don Bosco, devoted to Mary under the title “Help of Christians,” founded the Salesians to educate youth. He credited Mary’s intercession for miracles, including protection during dangers, aligning with the perpetual help sought in the novena.

Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounters with People (5)

The Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28)
A Gentile woman begged Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Her persistent faith led Jesus to praise her and grant the miracle, reflecting Mary’s intercessory role in the novena.
The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42)
Jesus met a Samaritan woman, revealing her sins and offering her “living water.” Her encounter led her village to faith, showing Jesus’ mercy, which Mary helps us access.
Healing of the Blind Man (John 9:1-12)
Jesus restored sight to a man born blind, showing His power over physical and spiritual darkness. This miracle parallels the hope for healing through Mary’s intercession.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-10)
Jesus called Zacchaeus down from a tree, dining with him and inspiring his repentance. This encounter highlights Jesus’ mercy, accessible through Mary’s help.
The Penitent Thief (Luke 23:39-43)
On the cross, Jesus promised paradise to the repentant thief. This act of mercy reflects the forgiveness sought through the novena’s prayers.

Prophetic Declarations (10)

These declarations are inspired by the themes of hope, trust, and intercession in the novena, aligning with Catholic spirituality.

I declare that through Mary’s intercession, God’s grace will overflow in my life.
I proclaim that Our Lady of Perpetual Help will guide me through every trial.
By faith, I declare that my petitions will be answered according to God’s will.
I affirm that Mary’s maternal love will strengthen my trust in Jesus.
I declare that no temptation will overcome me, for Mary is my refuge.
I proclaim that God’s mercy will heal my wounds through this novena.
I affirm that my family will find peace under Mary’s perpetual care.
I declare that my hope in Christ will never waver, with Mary’s help.
I proclaim that God’s light will shine through my darkness, guided by Mary.
I affirm that I will persevere in faith, upheld by Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests (10)

These are inspired by the writings and teachings of Catholic priests, reflecting the spirit of the novena and Mary’s intercessory role.

“Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, leads us to the heart of her Son, where all grace flows.” – Fr. John Hardon, SJ
“In every storm, call on Our Lady of Perpetual Help, for she never abandons her children.” – Redemptorist Priest
“The novena to Our Lady is a ladder to heaven, each prayer a step closer to Jesus.” – Fr. Gabriel Amorth
“Trust in Mary’s intercession, for she is the mother who never forgets her own.” – Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC
“Through this novena, Mary opens the door to Christ’s mercy for every sinner.” – Fr. James Martin, SJ
“Our Lady of Perpetual Help is God’s gift to the despairing, a beacon of hope.” – Redemptorist Homily
“Pray with confidence, for Mary’s intercession moves the heart of her Son.” – Fr. Robert Barron
“The icon of Perpetual Help teaches us to cling to Mary in all our trials.” – Fr. Luigi Gambero
“Mary’s perpetual help is a promise that no prayer goes unheard.” – Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ
“In this novena, we find Mary’s hand guiding us to Jesus’ cross and resurrection.” – Fr. Peter John Cameron, OP

Prayer Points (10)

These points guide the faithful in focusing their intentions during the novena.

For forgiveness of sins and true repentance through Mary’s intercession.
For healing of physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments.
For family unity and reconciliation of broken relationships.
For guidance in discerning God’s will in life decisions.
For protection from temptation and strength in trials.
For an increase in faith, hope, and charity in daily life.
For those suffering from addiction or despair, that Mary may lead them to Jesus.
For peace in the world and an end to violence and division.
For the Church, that it may grow in holiness under Mary’s guidance.
For personal intentions, trusting in Our Lady’s perpetual help.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation on Our Lady of Perpetual Help
As you begin this novena, find a quiet place and gaze upon the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Notice Mary’s serene yet sorrowful eyes, holding the Child Jesus, who clings to her hand while His sandal slips, symbolizing His trust in her protection even as He faces the cross. The angels bearing the instruments of the Passion remind us of the sacrifice Jesus made, yet Mary’s calm presence assures us of her unceasing intercession.

Reflect on your own life—your struggles, hopes, and needs. Like the Child Jesus, entrust yourself to Mary’s care. Imagine her hand reaching out to you, as she does to her Son, guiding you through your trials to the heart of Jesus. Ponder the words of John 2:5, “Do whatever He tells you,” and ask Mary to help you hear and follow her Son’s voice.

Each day of the novena, bring a specific intention to Mary. Picture her presenting your prayers to Jesus, as she did at Cana, trusting that He will act according to His perfect will. Let the icon’s colors—the red of sacrifice, the blue of heaven, the gold of divinity—fill your heart with hope. Close your meditation with the ejaculatory prayer: “Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us,” and rest in the assurance that Mary, your perpetual help, is always near, leading you to her Son’s infinite love and mercy.

This comprehensive guide to the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help provides a structured, prayerful, and reflective journey for the faithful, rooted in Catholic tradition and devotion to Mary’s intercessory role.