Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

help in need, the suffering, mothers

Tradition: The Redemptorist Marian devotion and perpetual novena

Associated feast: Our Lady of Perpetual Help (June 27)

When to pray: Pray this novena in the nine days leading up to June 27, or at any time of urgent need. Many parishes, especially those served by the Redemptorists, hold a Perpetual Novena each Wednesday.

About this devotion

Our Lady of Perpetual Help is venerated through a sacred Byzantine icon painted on wood, dating to the fourteenth or fifteenth century. The image shows the Child Jesus clinging to his Mother's hand while gazing at the archangels Michael and Gabriel, who hold the instruments of the Passion — a vision that moves the faithful to entrust every need and fear to Mary's perpetual, motherly care.

In 1866 Pope Blessed Pius IX entrusted the icon to the Redemptorist Congregation at the church of Sant'Alfonso in Rome, charging them with the mission to 'make Our Lady of Perpetual Help known throughout the world.' The Redemptorists carried this devotion to every continent; their perpetual novenas — held weekly, often on Wednesdays — have drawn countless millions seeking Mary's intercession for healing, forgiveness, family needs, and perseverance in faith.

This nine-day novena follows the classic Redemptorist form: each day the same three traditional prayers are offered with a particular intention, trusting that Mary, as dispenser of every grace God grants us in our misery, will carry our petitions to her Son. The novena may be prayed privately or in community, and is especially powerful when united with Mass and the recitation of the Holy Rosary.

The Nine Days

1. Day 1: For trust in Mary's intercession and confidence in God's mercy

   Scripture: Luke 1:48-49

2. Day 2: For forgiveness of sins and a spirit of true repentance

   Scripture: Luke 1:77-78

3. Day 3: For the grace to call on Mary's name in every temptation

   Scripture: Proverbs 18:10

4. Day 4: For healing of the sick and relief of those who suffer

   Scripture: Matthew 11:28

5. Day 5: For mothers, families, and the protection of the home

   Scripture: John 19:26-27

6. Day 6: For the grace of love for Jesus and growth in holiness

   Scripture: John 2:5

7. Day 7: For final perseverance and the grace of a holy death

   Scripture: Romans 8:38-39

8. Day 8: For trust that Mary obtains every grace from God

   Scripture: Luke 1:45

9. Day 9: For the grace to always have recourse to Our Lady's help

   Scripture: Revelation 12:1

Daily Novena Prayer

Closing Prayer

Mother of Perpetual Help, you have been blessed and favoured by God. You became not only the Mother of the Redeemer, but Mother of the redeemed as well. We come to you today as your loving children. Watch over us and take care of us. As you held the Child Jesus in your loving arms, so take us in your arms. Be a mother ready at every moment to help us. For God who is mighty has done great things for you, and God's mercy is from age to age on those who love God. Intercede for us, dear Mother, in obtaining pardon for our sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace always to call upon you, Mother of Perpetual Help.

Frequently Asked Questions