# Blessed be God (Callan)/Novena For Christmas

NOVENAS
NOVENA FOR CHRISTMAS
A novena is a nine days’ prayer said as a preparation for some particular feast, or in order to obtain some special favor. The model and the first of all novenas was that made in the Cenacle, after the Ascension of our Lord, by the Apostles and Blessed Virgin in preparation for the coming of the Holy Ghost. The earliest ecclesiastical novena of which we have record is the Christmas novena, which commemorates the nine months during which the Christ-child was carried in the womb of His Mother.
December 16
O SHEPHERD that rulest Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep, come to guide and comfort us. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
December 17
O WISDOM that comest out of the mouth of the Most High, that reachest from one end to another, and orderest all things mightily and sweetly, come to teach us the way of prudence! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
December 18
O ADONAI, and Ruler of the house of Israel, Who didst appear unto Moses in the burning bush, and gavest him the law in Sinai, come to redeem us with an outstretched arm! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
December 19
O ROOT of Jesse, which standest for an ensign of the people, at Whom the kings shall shut their mouths, Whom the Gentiles shall seek, come to deliver us, do not tarry. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
December 20
O KEY of David, and Sceptre of the house of Israel, that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth, come to liberate the prisoner from the prison, and them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
December 21
O DAYSPRING, Brightness of the everlasting light, Son of justice, come to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
December 22
O KING of the Gentiles, yea, and desire thereof! O Corner-stone, that makest of two one, come to save man, whom Thou hast made out of the dust of the earth! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
December 23
O EMMANUEL, our King and our Law-giver, Longing of the Gentiles, yea, and salvation thereof, come to save us, O Lord our God! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
December 24
O THOU that sittest upon the cherubim, God of hosts, come, show Thy face, and we shall be saved. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
(Ind. of 300 days, each day. — Pius VIII. July 9, 1830.)
NOVENA IN HONOR OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS
O MERCIFUL Jesus, Who didst in Thy early infancy commence Thy office of Saviour by shedding Thy precious blood and assuming for us that name which is above all names; we thank Thee for such early proofs of Thy infinite love. We venerate Thy sacred name in union with the profound respect of the angel who first announced it to the earth and unite our affections to the ​sentiments of tender devotion which the adorable name of Jesus has in all ages enkindled in the hearts of Thy saints.
Animated with a firm faith in Thy unerring word, and penetrated with confidence in Thy mercy, we now humbly remind Thee of the promise Thou hast made, that where two or three should assemble in Thy name, Thou Thyself wouldst be in the midst of them. Come, then, into the midst of us, most amiable Jesus, for it is in Thy sacred name we are here assembled; come into our hearts, that we may be governed by Thy holy spirit; mercifully grant us, through that adorable name, which is the joy of heaven, the terror of hell, the consolation of the afflicted and the solid ground of our unlimited confidence, all the petitions we make in this novena.
O blessed Mother of our Redeemer, who didst participate so sensibly in the sufferings of thy dear Son when He shed His sacred blood and assumed for us the name of Jesus, obtain for us, through that adorable name, the favors we petition in this novena. Beg also, that the most ardent love may imprint on our hearts that sacred name, that it may be always in our minds and frequently on our lips; that it may be our defense and our refuge in the temptations and trials of life, and our consolation and support in the hour of death. Amen.
NOVENA FOR PENTECOST
First Day
COME, O Holy Ghost, the Lord and Life-giver; take up Thy dwelling within my soul, and make of it Thy sacred temple. Make me live by grace as an adopted son of God. Pervade all the energies of my soul, and create in me a fountain of living water springing up into life everlasting. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
Second Day
COME, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, and power, and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Show me the way by which I may be able to attain to them, and possess them, and hold them hereafter, my own forever. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
Third Day
COME, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation, and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy light;
and in the light of glory to have the clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
Fourth Day
COME, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good, turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the path of Thy Commandments to the goal of eternal life for which I long. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
Fifth Day
COME, O Spirit of Fortitude, and give fortitude to our souls, Make our hearts strong in all trials and in all distress, pouring forth abundantly into them the gifts of strength, that we may be able to resist the attacks of the devil. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
Sixth Day
COME, O Spirit of Knowledge and make us understand and despise the emptiness and nothingness of the world. Give us grace to use the world only for Thy glory and the salvation of Thy creatures. May we always be very faithful in putting Thy rewards before every earthly gift. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
Seventh Day
COME, O Spirit of Piety, possess my heart; incline it to a true faith in Thee, to a holy love of Thee, my God, that with my whole soul I may seek Thee, and find Thee my best, my truest joy. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eighth Day
COME, O Spirit of holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever; and shun all things that can offend Thee, so that I may be made worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Thy divine Majesty in the heaven of heavens, where Thou livest and reignest in the unity of the Ever-blessed Trinity, God, world without end. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
Ninth Day
COME, O Holy Comforter, and grant us a relish for heavenly things. Produce in our souls the flowers and fruits of virtue, so that, being filled with all sweetness and joy in the pursuit of good, we may attain unto eternal blessedness. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.
(For making the novena to the Holy Ghost at Pentecost there is an indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines each day; at other times, of 300 days each day. — Pius IX. Nov. 26, 1876.)
NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN
MARY, Virgin ever blessed! who can worthily praise thee or give thee thanks, who, by that wondrous assent of thy will, didst rescue a fallen world? What honors can the weakness of ​our human nature pay to thee, which by thy intervention alone has found the way to restoration? Accept, then, such poor thanks as we have here to offer, though they are unequal to thy merits; and, receiving our vows obtain by thy prayers the remission of our offenses. Carry thou our prayers within the sanctuary of the heavenly audience, and bring forth from it the medicine of our reconciliation. Through thee may those sins become pardonable the release from which through thee we ask of God, and that be granted which we demand with confidence.
Accept what we offer, grant us what we seek, spare us what we fear, for thou art the sole hope of sinners. Through thee we hope for the forgiveness of our faults, and in thee, most blessed Virgin, is the hope of our reward. Holy Mary, succor the wretched, help the faint-hearted, comfort the sorrowful, pray for the people, shield the clergy, intercede for all women consecrated to God, let all feel thy aid who keep thy holy commemoration. Be thou at hand, ready to aid our prayers, when we pray, and bring back to us the answer we desire.
Make it thy care to intercede ever for the people of God — thou who, blessed of God, didst merit to bear the Redeemer of the world Who liveth and reigneth forever and ever. Amen.
(Ind. of 50 days, each time. — Pius IX. May 10, 1884.)
These Miraculous Medal Perpetual Novena Prayers Are Printed with the Permission of THE CENTRAL ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL Rev. Joseph A. Skelly, C.M., Director. GERMANTOWN, PHILA., PA.
THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL
The Medal of the Immaculate Conception, commonly called the Miraculous Medal, was revealed to a humble daughter of St. Vincent de Paul, Blessed Catherine Labouré, by Our Lady herself, in 1830.
During her seminary days, Blessed Catherine received extraordinary favors, such as visions of the heart of St. Vincent de Paul and daily manifestations of Our Lord in the Sacrament of His Love, but it was toward the close of that memorable year, 1830, that she was blessed with the three apparitions of Mary Immaculate, to which we owe the Miraculous Medal.
The apparitions concerning the Medal were all very much alike; their nature, therefore, may be learned from a summary of Blessed Catherine’s account of the heavenly visitation which she received on November 27th:
“The Blessed Virgin was standing on a globe, and her face was beautiful beyond words. Her fingers were covered with precious jewels whose light dazzled me. And I heard: ‘Behold the symbol of the graces I shed upon those who ask for them!’ Then an oval frame formed round the Blessed Virgin and I read in letters of gold: O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. The vision reversed, and I beheld the letter ‘M’ surmounted by a cross, at the foot of the cross a ​bar, and below all the Heart of Jesus crowned with thorns, and the Heart of Mary pierced with a sword. A voice said to me: ‘Have a medal struck after this model. Persons who wear it indulgenced will receive great graces especially if they wear it around the neck.’”
The front of the Medal represents Mary standing on the earth, her foot crushing the head of a serpent, and her hands outstretched to all who ask her assistance. The prayer encircling her contains one of her most precious titles: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” The rays of light from her hands symbolize the graces which she is only too anxious to bestow upon those who confide in her.
When Blessed Catherine related the vision to her confessor, he asked her whether she had seen any writing on the back of the Medal. She answered that she had seen none at all. “Ah!” said the good priest, “ask the Blessed Virgin what to put there.” The Sister obeyed, and having prayed a long time, one day during meditation, she seemed to hear a voice saying: “The M and the two hearts express enough.”
The Medal was made according to Our Lady’s design. It became freely circulated and in a short time was worn by millions. In its wake followed wonders innumerable. Health was restored, sickness banished; bad habits broken, special graces given; dangers averted, blessings bestowed — until the little Medal of the Immaculate Conception became known by the name it bears today, The Miraculous Medal.
The Association of the Miraculous Medal
Mary’s wish, expressed in the vision, is that all her children wear her Medal. To fulfill this wish Pope Pius X established The Association of the Miraculous Medal. Its purpose is “to render due honor to Mary Immaculate, first by sanctifying ourselves, and second by contributing to the sanctification of our neighbor by means of the Miraculous Medal.”
To promote this Association and to encourage all to become members Pius X (by brief of June 3, 1905) extended to it all the following Indulgences:
Those invested in the Medal may gain a Plenary Indulgence (under the usual conditions of Confession, Communion and prayer for the intentions of the Pope) on the following days:
The day of investiture; at the hour of death; during the exercises of retreat, once a year; on the first Sunday of every month; all the Saturdays of Lent; on Passion Sunday and the following Friday; on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Holy Week:
Feasts of Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Holy Trinity; Immaculate Conception, Nativity of the B.V.M., Purification, Annunciation, Assumption; St. Joseph, March 19; Blessed Joseph Mary Thomas, March 24; Canonization of St. Cajetan Apr. 12; Finding of the Holy Cross, May 3; Blessed Paul Buralis, June 17; Nativity of St. John the Baptist, June 24; SS. Peter and Paul, June 29; Last Sunday of July; Our Lady of the Angels (of Portiuncula), Aug. 2; St. Cajetan, Aug. 7; St. Augustine, Aug. 28; Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Sept. 14; St. Michael, Archangel, Sept. 29; Guardian Angels, Oct. 2; St. Teresa, Oct. 15; All Saints, Nov. 1; St. Andrew of Avellino, Nov. 10; Blessed John Marinonius, Dec. 13; first and last days of the Novena in preparation ​for Christmas; once during the exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament at the Forty Hours’ Devotion. If the one invested should become a priest he can gain a Plenary Indulgence on the day he celebrates his First Mass.
By virtue of a decree of the Sacred Penitentiary, April 22, 1933, a partial Indulgence of ten years may be gained each time that a member with a contrite heart devoutly recites six Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glorys for the intentions of the Holy Father, that is, for peace in the souls of men, for the due liberty of the Church throughout the world, and for concord and true prosperity among all peoples. By repeating these prayers at least once each day for a month, a Plenary Indulgence may be gained under the usual conditions of Confession and Communion.
Those invested in the Medal can gain 300 days’ Indulgence each time that they say the ejaculation, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” (Jan. 30, 1930.)
All the Indulgences mentioned above are applicable to the suffering souls in Purgatory.
To share in this rich treasury of Indulgences two very important conditions that must be fulfilled are that a person be invested in the Medal by a priest having the faculties to do so and wear the Medal on the breast suspended from the neck. The members of the Association incur no obligations. It is recommended, however, that they repeat from time to time the ejaculation found on the obverse of the Medal: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Any priest may obtain the faculties for investing in the Miraculous Medal by applying to Rev. Joseph A. Skelly, C.M., Director of The Central Association of the Miraculous Medal, 100 East Price Street, Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa.
Origin of the Perpetual Novena
Four Novenas of nine consecutive days were held in preparation for the four principal feasts of Our Lady at Mary’s Central Shrine, Germantown, Phila., Pa., which was built in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in 1927.
These Novenas proved so popular and Mary bestowed her favors so generously that the suggestion was adopted of conducting the Novena every Monday at Mary’s Central Shrine. This was done December 8, 1930, one hundred years after Our Lady revealed the devotion to Blessed Catherine Labouré. Today 12 services are held every Monday at Mary’s Central Shrine and between 15,000 and 20,000 people attend.
In November, 1932, a priest requested permission to start the Novena in his Parish Church. This permission was gladly given. Today 1459 Churches in 40 States in our country and Churches in England, Ireland, Scotland, India, Canada, China and the Canal Zone conduct the Miraculous Medal Perpetual Novena.
NOVENA DEVOTIONS
Hymn
(All stand)
MOTHER DEAREST, MOTHER FAIREST
Reading of Announcements and Favors
Opening Prayer
For the Divine Praises which close the exercises see page 194.
NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH
O GLORIOUS St. Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to thee do we raise our hearts and hands to implore thy powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special favor we now implore.
O guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that thy prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.
Then the following V. and R. are to be said seven times, in honor of the seven joys or sorrows of St. Joseph.
V. O glorious St. Joseph, through the love thou dost bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of His name,
R. Hear our prayers and obtain our petitions.
Prayer
O GLORIOUS St. Joseph, spouse of the immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, and charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine will. Be my guide, father, and model through life, that I may merit to die as thou didst in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.
(Ind. of 300 days, each day. — Pius IX. Nov. 26, 1876.)
NOVENA OF GRACE
In honor of St. Francis Xavier
IN the name of the Father, ✠ and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips.
R. And my mouth shall announce Thy praise.
V. Incline unto my aid, O God.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was in the beginning, etc.
Prayer
O GOD! who wast pleased to restore to the bosom of Thy Church, the nations of the Indies, through the preaching and miracles of St. Francis Xavier, mercifully grant us, that we may imitate his virtues, whose glorious merits we hold in veneration. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
Prayer of Novena
O MOST lovable and loving St. Francis Xavier, in union with thee I adore the Divine Majesty, whilst joyfully giving thanks to God for the wonderful graces which He conferred upon thee in life, and for the great glory with which He has gifted thee In heaven. I come to thee, with heartfelt love, begging thee to secure for me, by thy powerful intercession, the inestimable blessing of living and dying in the state of grace. I also beseech thee to obtain the favor I ask in this novena. Here state your intention.
But if what I ask is not for the glory of God, or for the good of my soul, do thou obtain for me what is most conductive for both. Amen.
V. Pray for us, St. Francis Xavier.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Following the discourse is sung:
Hymn of St. Francis Xavier
NOVENA TO ST. ANNE
WITH deep and heartfelt veneration I prostrate myself before thee, O glorious St. Anne. Thou art that creation of privilege and predilection, who through thy extraordinary virtues and sanctity wast worthy to receive from God the supreme grace of giving life to the treasure-house of all graces, blessed among women, Mother of the Word Incarnate, the most holy Virgin Mary. Deign, therefore, O most compassionate saint, for the sake of this lofty privilege, to receive me into the number of thy true followers, for such I protest I am and desire to remain so long as I may live. Surround me with thy powerful patronage, and obtain for me from God the grace to imitate those virtues with which thou wast so abundantly adorned. Grant that I may know and bitterly lament my sins. Obtain for me a most lively affection for Jesus and Mary, and fidelity and constancy in the practice of the duties of my state. Preserve me from every danger in life, and assist me in the moment of my death, so that, safe in Paradise, I may unite with thee, most blessed Mother, in praising the Word of God made man in the bosom of thy most pure child, the Virgin Mary. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc., three times.
(Ind. of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII. Mar. 20, 1886. Ind. of 7 years, and 7 quarantines for novena said before feast of St. Anne, July 26.)
NOVENA TO SAINT TERESA OF THE INFANT JESUS
The Little Flower of Jesus
Prayer for Each Day
O GLORIOUS TERESA of the Infant Jesus, through whose unshaken confidence God was so glorified, obtain for me the same filial trust and love which animated thy innocent heart and soul. Grant that I may practice self-abnegation, patience and confidence, and that my confidence may be a fountain of blessings which God pours out upon me. As confidence was for thee the key to the greatest treasures of God, so it may induce me to throw myself into my Saviour’s arms and say with David: “In Thee, O my God, I put my trust, let me not be confounded.” Amen.
First Day
prayer
O ALMIGHTY God and Creator of all things, Who to banish from human hearts lukewarmness in Thy service and inflame souls in divine love, hast enriched the soul of Thy Little Flower with such unshaken faith that she desired most ardently to give her life for Thee: I beseech Thee, by the merits of the lively faith of Saint Teresa of the Infant Jesus, to infuse into my soul such an ardent faith that I may firmly believe all the truths taught by the Holy Catholic Church, and practice all the virtues until death. Our Father, Hail Mary, and Gloria.
Act of Oblation of Saint Teresa of the Infant Jesus
MY LORD and my God! O Most Blessed Trinity! I desire to love Thee and to make Thee loved by mankind. Since Thou hast loved me so much as to give me the only begotten Son for my Saviour and my Spouse, the infinite treasures of His merits are mine. These merits I offer to Thee with joy, beseeching Thee to behold me only as in the Face of Jesus, and in His Sacred Heart burning with love. Moreover, I offer Thee all the merits of the saints — in heaven and on earth — together with their acts of love, and those of the holy Angels. Lastly, I offer Thee, O Blessed Trinity, the love and merits of the Blessed Virgin, my dearest Mother. To her I entrust this oblation, begging her to present it to Thee. Amen.
Holy Child Jesus, have mercy on us. Our Lady of Victories, pray for us. Saint Teresa of the Infant Jesus, pray for us. Little Flower of Jesus, pray for us. Amen.
Second Day
prayer
O ALMIGHTY God, Who art admirable in Thy Saints, grant me the gift of hope with which Saint Teresa of the Infant Jesus was endowed, that I may believe firmly Thy words, “Whatsoever you shall ask in My Name, it shall be given to you,” and as Saint Teresa ​abandoned all the vanities of the world and consecrated herself to Thee with unshaken faith and confidence, may I also despise all that the world appreciates, and seek Thee alone Who art my love and my all. Amen. Our Father, etc., and the Act of Oblation.
Third Day
prayer
O MY Jesus, grant that I may love Thee, as much as Saint Teresa, Thy Little Flower, loved Thee, and that I may say with her: “O my Jesus, I beg Thee only for Thy love without limits and without bounds. Grant, O my Jesus, that for love of Thee I may be a martyr. I wish to love Thee as Thou hast never been loved.” And thou, O little Saint, succor and assist me that I may never show myself ungrateful to Him Who loved me so much. Amen. Our Father, etc., and the Act of Oblation.
Fourth Day
prayer
O MY God and my Lord, Thou givest me what is best for me, and as Thy Little Flower consecrated herself to Thee as a sacrificial victim to endure for love of Thee all sufferings and pains, so also may I accept whatever hardships and contradictions Thou hast destined for my sanctification with perfect submission and ​even with cheerful mind, that I may be able to say as Thy cherished spouse, “O Jesus, I am a victim of Thy love.” Amen. Our Father, etc., and the Act of Oblation.
Fifth Day
prayer
O MY Lord, Innocence itself, Thou hast endured all manner of opprobrious treatment for love of me. Give me the grace of humility, self-abnegation, and patience that I may imitate Thy spouse, Saint Teresa of the Infant Jesus, and say with all my heart, O my despised Jesus, grant me the merits of Thy humility and patience to bear in tranquil spirit all the sufferings of this life, and then to enjoy Thy company with Thy spouse, the Little Flower. Amen. Our Father, etc., and the Act of Oblation.
Sixth Day
prayer
O MY sweet Jesus, give me the charity and simplicity of Saint Teresa of the Infant Jesus, whose mission in heaven is to make others love the good God as she loved Him, to teach souls her little way. Give me such longings that I may not rest until my heart loves God with all my strength, until I arrive at the spiritual childhood of the Little Flower of Jesus. Amen. Our Father, etc., and the Act of Oblation.
Seventh Day
prayer
O MY dear Jesus, give me grace to practise little virtues. It is sometimes difficult, but I trust in Thy goodness and love for little souls. I am too little and weak to climb the steep ladder of perfection, but I know that as much as I hope I shall obtain from Thee. I join then Thy Little Flower and implore Thee with her to make me one of the many little, humble victims, worthy of Thy love. Amen. Our Father, etc., and the Act of Oblation.
Eighth Day
prayer
O MY God and my love, give me on this earth the same mission Thou gavest to Thy Little Flower in heaven, of passing life in doing good to my neighbor. O Jesus, help me to console little souls and encourage them to love Thee; let them love Thee as much as Thy Immaculate Mother, Thy foster-father St. Joseph, Thy holy angels and Thy cherished Little Teresa loved Thee. Allow me to pray with her: “Let Thy divine glance rest upon a vast number of little souls, worthy victims of Thy love.” Amen. Our Father, etc., and the Act of Oblation.
Ninth Day
prayer
O MY dear Lord, grant me as much filial veneration and love for Thy faithful foster-father and Thy most holy and immaculate Mother, as Saint Teresa of the Infant Jesus cherished in her simple and child-like heart. And thou, O my little Saint, address thyself to my great protector and father St. Joseph, and my most holy Mother Mary, and entreat them to obtain for me the grace of dying in the arms of Jesus and uttering thy own words:
“O, I love Him . . . My God . . . I . . . love Thee.” Amen. Our Father, etc., and the Act of Oblation.