Novena

Divine Mercy Novena

To The Divine Mercy

The Divine Mercy Novena is addressed to Jesus Christ, whose mercy flows from His saving Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Jesus gave its intentions to Saint Faustina Kowalska, as recorded in her Diary, paragraphs 1209 through 1229. Each day entrusts a particular group of souls to His compassionate Heart. The novena traditionally begins on Good Friday and prepares you for Divine Mercy Sunday. It is commonly prayed together with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. You may ask for conversion, forgiveness, healing, perseverance, and deeper trust in Christ. The prayers also teach you to intercede for the living and the dead.

Feast day: Divine Mercy Sunday
When to begin: Begin on Good Friday so that the ninth day falls on the Saturday before Divine Mercy Sunday.

Opening prayer, every day

I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fountain of My mercy, that they may draw therefrom strength and refreshment and whatever grace they need in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death. On each day you will bring to My Heart a different group of souls, and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father. You will do this in this life and in the next. I will deny nothing to any soul whom you will bring to the fountain of My mercy. On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls.

Day 1

Mercy for All Sinners

Christ came to call sinners and to reconcile the human family to the Father. No sin is greater than His mercy when a person turns to Him with sincere repentance. Today you place every person within the compassionate Heart of Jesus, especially those burdened by grave sin or far from the sacraments. Pray without contempt or fear. You also stand among the sinners who need mercy. Trust that Christ desires conversion more deeply than you do and that His grace can reach even the hardest heart.

Today bring to Me ALL MANKIND, ESPECIALLY ALL SINNERS, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me. Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Day 2

Priests and Religious

Jesus gives His Church priests to preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and shepherd His people. Consecrated religious bear witness to the life of the world to come through lives offered to God. They need grace, protection, courage, and fidelity. Pray for those who serve generously and for those who are weary or struggling. Ask Christ to purify His ministers and strengthen every consecrated person. Their holiness serves the whole Church because grace received faithfully becomes a channel of mercy for many souls.

Today bring to Me THE SOULS OF PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS, and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind. Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard, upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Day 3

Devout and Faithful Souls

Faithful disciples console the Heart of Christ by remaining with Him in love, worship, and obedience. Their faithfulness is not based on their own strength. It grows through grace, prayer, the sacraments, and daily works of charity. Today give thanks for those who quietly persevere in Christian life. Ask God to protect them from discouragement, pride, and spiritual weariness. Pray that you may also remain faithful when discipleship is costly, trusting that Christ guards the treasure of faith entrusted to His Church.

Today bring to Me ALL DEVOUT AND FAITHFUL SOULS, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness. Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Day 4

Those Who Do Not Believe

God desires every person to know the truth and receive salvation through Jesus Christ. Many people do not believe in God, while others have never truly encountered the Gospel. They remain loved by their Creator and are never beyond the reach of grace. Pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten their minds and draw their hearts toward Christ. Let this intention also deepen your own witness. Speak the truth with charity, live the faith sincerely, and entrust every conversion to God’s patient and merciful providence.

Today bring to Me THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN GOD AND THOSE WHO DO NOT YET KNOW ME. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Day 5

Unity in Christ

Christ founded one Church and prayed that His disciples would be one. The divisions among Christians wound the visible unity He wills for His people. Healing requires truth, conversion, charity, patience, and the action of the Holy Spirit. Pray for Christians separated from full communion with the Catholic Church, while recognizing the real gifts of grace present among the baptized. Ask God to remove hostility and misunderstanding. Let your own words and conduct serve unity through faithful Catholic witness, humility, and sincere love.

Today bring to Me THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE SEPARATED THEMSELVES FROM MY CHURCH, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church, My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion. Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son’s Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Day 6

The Meek and Humble

Jesus reveals the strength of meekness and the freedom of humility. A humble soul receives everything as a gift and depends upon God without pretending to be self-sufficient. Children remind the Church of this trusting simplicity. Pray for those who are gentle, hidden, and easily overlooked. Ask God to protect children from every form of harm and to preserve their innocence. Let Christ soften your own heart, remove pride, and teach you to accept His grace with gratitude, obedience, and the confidence of a beloved child.

Today bring to Me THE MEEK AND HUMBLE SOULS AND THE SOULS OF LITTLE CHILDREN, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence. Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father’s favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Day 7

Apostles of Divine Mercy

Those who venerate Divine Mercy honor God’s love by trusting Him and practicing mercy toward others. Devotion cannot remain only in words or private feelings. It should shape forgiveness, generosity, patience, and care for those who suffer. Pray for everyone who spreads confidence in Christ’s mercy through prayer and works of charity. Ask that their witness remain faithful and free from pride. Let your trust become active as well, so that others may recognize the compassionate Heart of Jesus through the mercy you show them.

Today bring to Me THE SOULS WHO ESPECIALLY VENERATE AND GLORIFY MY MERCY, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over My Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death. Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High. I beg You, O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Day 8

Souls in Purgatory

The souls in purgatory have died in God’s friendship and are assured of heaven, but they still undergo purification before entering its fullness. They cannot merit for themselves, yet the Church assists them through prayer, sacrifice, almsgiving, indulgences, and especially the Eucharistic Sacrifice. Today remember deceased relatives, friends, and forgotten souls. Entrust them to the Blood and Water flowing from the Heart of Christ. This work of mercy also prepares you to face death with faith, repentance, and hope in God’s promises.

Today bring to Me THE SOULS WHO ARE IN THE PRISON OF PURGATORY, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice. Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Day 9

Renewal of Lukewarm Souls

Lukewarmness weakens love through indifference, habitual compromise, and neglect of grace. A person may retain the outward form of faith while the heart grows cold toward God and neighbor. Jesus does not abandon such souls. He calls them back to fervent love through repentance and trust in His mercy. Pray for Catholics who have become careless in worship, prayer, or moral life. Ask for your own renewal as well. Receive Christ’s grace seriously, return faithfully to the sacraments, and serve Him with a willing heart.

Today bring to Me THE SOULS WHO HAVE BECOME LUKEWARM, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: “Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.” For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy. Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Closing prayer

Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.

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