Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Novena for Marriage and Families 2016 | Day 1

The Marriage of the Virgin, Raphael, 1504.The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary novena for marriage and families begins today. Strong families are indispensable in building a culture of life that protects human dignity. We pray that the sacrament of marriage is strengthened and that families are sanctified. Saint John Paul II's apostolic exhortation Famillaris Consoetio underscores the importance of the family in God's plan of salvation:"At a moment of history in which the family is the object of numerous forces that seek to destroy it or in some way to deform it, and aware that the well-being of society and her own good are intimately tied to the good of the family, the Church perceives in a more urgent and compelling way her mission of proclaiming to all people the plan of God for marriage and the family, ensuring their full vitality and human and Christian development, and thus contributing to the renewal of society and of the People of God."Novena Prayers for Marriage and FamilySay the following three times:Jesus, I trust in You. Please grant through Your mother’s intercession that I may always bring Your hope into my family.Then say:Our Lady, on this feast of your birth, please pray for stronger and holier marriages. Amen.Day 1Most lovable Mother Mary, our Father in Heaven created you with delight. You are His creature whom He made worthy to become the holy Mother of His Son. You were born into a family of Saints. Pray for me today that my joy in your Son will increase and that my family may become more holy.Dearest Mother, please pray for me and for these my intentions…(State your intentions)Hail Mary…Day 2Oh most holy daughter of Adam, your precious Son chose you as the vessel for his entry to the world. Where our first mother, Eve, fell short, you fulfilled God’s call for a Mother’s holiness. Pray for me today that the feast of your birth may give great joy to my soul that I may be born to new life through your Son.Dearest Mother, please pray for me and for these my intentions…(State your intentions)Hail Mary…Day 3Immaculate daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne, you are the door to the Eternal Word who made you the source of His Sacred Blood. You are a model for all Christian sons and daughters. Pray for me today that the feast of your birth may give great joy to my soul and that I may have a greater devotion to your Son’s Precious Blood.Dearest Mother, please pray for me and for these my intentions…(State your intentions)Hail Mary…Day 4Oh most holy daughter of the line of King David, the Redeemer of the world loves you with the singular love of a Child for His mother. Pray for me today that the feast of your birth may give great joy to my soul that I may have a greater love and devotion to my Mother and Father.Dearest Mother, please pray for me and for these my intentions…(State your intentions)Hail Mary…Day 5Most holy Mary, the Holy Spirit preserved you from sin so that our Lord would have a fitting vessel to enter the world. Pray for me today that the feast of your birth may give great joy to my soul that I may remain faithful to your Son until the end.Dearest Mother, please pray for me and for these my intentions…(State your intentions)Hail Mary…Day 6Oh holy Mother, St. Joachim and St. Anne were delighted to love and care for so holy a child. Pray for me today that the feast of your birth may give great joy to my soul that I may show greater charity to my parents and grandparents in word, prayer and deed.Dearest Mother, please pray for me and for these my intentions…(State your intentions)Hail Mary…Day 7Holy Mother, your birth caused great joy to the angels, because they saw your holiness caused by your Son’s resurrection. Pray for me today that the feast of your birth may give great joy to my soul that your graces may rain down on all married couples.Dearest Mother, please pray for me and for these my intentions…(State your intentions)Hail Mary…Day 8Heavenly Mother, your birth gave great joy to all the world because it signaled the coming of Jesus Christ, who would save the whole world by His life, death and resurrection. Pray for me today that the feast of your birth may give great joy to my soul that I may be exceedingly patient with my family and loved ones.Dearest Mother, please pray for me and for these my intentions…(State your intentions)Hail Mary…Day 9Mother Mary, you pray for me as your child. Thank you for welcoming me into the Holy Family. Pray for me today that the feast of your birth may give great joy to my soul that I may increase my devotion to the Holy Family.Dearest Mother, please pray for me and for these my intentions…(State your intentions)Hail Mary…Click for more on this novena and to receive daily reminders by email.