Novena to the Holy Family

Day 1

The Home at Nazareth

The home at Nazareth was poor in worldly goods but rich in the presence of God. Jesus chose to live there in obedience, prayer, and ordinary work. Mary and Joseph served Him with faithful love. Your own home can become a place of holiness when Christ is welcomed through prayer, patience, forgiveness, and the keeping of His commandments. Ask the Holy Family to dwell with you and to make every ordinary duty an offering of love to God.

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who didst come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, and didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family which was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us, and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: that by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness. O Mary, most loving Mother of Jesus Christ and our Mother, through thy love and mercy make our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings. O Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Saviour Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity. Amen.

Day 2

Jesus at the Center

Jesus is the center of the Holy Family because He is the eternal Son of God made man. Every Christian family finds its true order when Christ comes first. This means listening to His word, receiving His grace in the sacraments, and choosing His will over selfish desires. Family life can become strained when each person seeks only personal comfort. Ask for the grace to place Jesus at the center of your decisions, conversations, work, and rest.

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who didst come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, and didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family which was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us, and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: that by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness. O Mary, most loving Mother of Jesus Christ and our Mother, through thy love and mercy make our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings. O Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Saviour Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity. Amen.

Day 3

Mary's Faithful Love

Mary served her family with a heart completely open to God. Her love was tender, but it was also strong enough to remain faithful through poverty, uncertainty, exile, and sorrow. She teaches you that care for others is holy when it flows from love of God. Ask Mary to help you notice the needs of those near you without becoming impatient or resentful. Entrust to her every mother, every child, and every family member carrying a hidden burden.

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who didst come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, and didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family which was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us, and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: that by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness. O Mary, most loving Mother of Jesus Christ and our Mother, through thy love and mercy make our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings. O Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Saviour Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity. Amen.

Day 4

Joseph's Quiet Service

Saint Joseph protected Jesus and Mary through obedient faith, honest labor, and prudent action. Scripture records no words spoken by him, yet his deeds reveal a just and faithful man. He accepted responsibility without seeking praise. His example is especially helpful when your duties seem repetitive or unseen. God receives work done with love, even when others do not notice it. Ask Saint Joseph for courage, purity, patience, and steadfast care for everyone entrusted to you.

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who didst come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, and didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family which was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us, and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: that by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness. O Mary, most loving Mother of Jesus Christ and our Mother, through thy love and mercy make our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings. O Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Saviour Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity. Amen.

Day 5

Peace Through Forgiveness

Peace in a family requires more than the absence of open conflict. It grows when each person seeks truth, practices mercy, and quickly asks forgiveness. Old injuries can harden the heart when they are repeatedly recalled or used against another person. Christ gives grace to forgive, even when healing takes time and prudent boundaries remain necessary. Place before the Holy Family every division in your home. Ask for humility to admit your own faults and patience with the weakness of others.

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who didst come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, and didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family which was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us, and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: that by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness. O Mary, most loving Mother of Jesus Christ and our Mother, through thy love and mercy make our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings. O Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Saviour Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity. Amen.

Day 6

Faithfulness in Work

Much of the Holy Family's life was spent in ordinary labor. Jesus sanctified human work by sharing the daily tasks of the home and the workshop. Your work also has dignity when it is honest, responsible, and offered to God. Difficult duties can train the heart in perseverance and charity. Success is not measured only by recognition or profit. Ask for the grace to work faithfully, to rest rightly, and to provide for others without allowing material concerns to rule your heart.

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who didst come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, and didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family which was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us, and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: that by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness. O Mary, most loving Mother of Jesus Christ and our Mother, through thy love and mercy make our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings. O Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Saviour Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity. Amen.

Day 7

Trust During Hardship

The Holy Family knew danger, displacement, poverty, and anxious searching. God did not spare them every trial, but He remained with them and guided them. Hardship does not mean that God has abandoned your family. It can become a time of deeper trust, prayer, and mutual care. Bring Him your concerns about health, employment, housing, children, marriage, or an uncertain future. Ask Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to protect your home and help you follow God's will one faithful step at a time.

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who didst come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, and didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family which was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us, and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: that by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness. O Mary, most loving Mother of Jesus Christ and our Mother, through thy love and mercy make our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings. O Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Saviour Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity. Amen.

Day 8

Prayer in the Home

A family learns to pray by praying together. Even a brief daily prayer can turn hearts toward God and teach children that faith belongs within ordinary life. Family prayer does not require perfect attention or eloquent words. It requires a sincere decision to place the home under God's care. The sacraments, Sunday Mass, Scripture, and traditional Catholic prayers give this life a firm foundation. Ask the Holy Family to renew prayer in your home and to draw absent loved ones back to Christ.

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who didst come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, and didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family which was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us, and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: that by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness. O Mary, most loving Mother of Jesus Christ and our Mother, through thy love and mercy make our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings. O Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Saviour Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity. Amen.

Day 9

A Holy Death

Christian family life is ordered toward eternal life with God. The traditional invocation to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph asks for their assistance at the hour of death. This is a sober and hopeful prayer. You do not face death alone when you live in friendship with Christ and remain close to His Church. Entrust your final hour and the final hours of your loved ones to the Holy Family. Ask for perseverance in grace, reception of the sacraments, and peaceful confidence in God's mercy.

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who didst come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, and didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family which was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us, and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: that by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness. O Mary, most loving Mother of Jesus Christ and our Mother, through thy love and mercy make our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings. O Saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Saviour Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity. Amen.

Closing prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.