Star of the new evangelization

From the Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Sacred Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Meditation for Day 8

The Lord commanded his Church to 'go therefore and make disciples of all nations' (Mt 28:19). Mary, who gave the world its Saviour, is the model and helper of every evangelizer; at Guadalupe she opened a whole continent to the Gospel almost in a single generation.

St. John Paul II entrusted to her 'the future of the continent' and the work of its evangelization. Today's prayer asks her to make the faithful of the Americas bold and joyful witnesses to Christ in every area of social, professional, cultural, and political life.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe (St. John Paul II, 1999)

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of Peace! Save the nations and peoples of this continent. Teach everyone, political leaders and citizens, to live in true freedom and to act according to the requirements of justice and respect for human rights, so that peace may thus be established once and for all. To you, O Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, belong all the love, honour, glory and endless praise of your American sons and daughters!

From the prayer St. John Paul II addressed to Our Lady of Guadalupe at the conclusion of his homily at the Basilica of Guadalupe, Mexico City, January 23, 1999. Recited each of the nine days.