Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes

Day 1

Grace in Hidden Places

At Lourdes, the Blessed Virgin came to a place that seemed ordinary and poor. God often chooses what is little in the eyes of the world to show that grace is His gift. Bernadette had no rank or influence, yet she was ready to receive what Heaven gave. You do not need to be impressive before God. Bring Him your actual life, including its limits and obscurity. Ask Mary to help you become quiet, humble, and attentive to the grace already being offered.

O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the Grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.

Day 2

Dignity of the Poor

Bernadette’s poverty did not keep Mary from drawing near to her. The Mother of God looked upon a child whom many dismissed and treated her with dignity. This reveals something of God’s care for every person, especially those who suffer neglect or contempt. When you feel small, remember that your worth rests in God’s love, not in human approval. Ask Our Lady to free you from pride and discouragement, so that you may receive Christ with the simplicity of a poor and trusting heart.

O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the Grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.

Day 3

Perseverance in the Rosary

During the apparitions, Bernadette prayed the Rosary. This familiar prayer keeps the mysteries of Christ before the heart in the company of His Mother. Repetition is fruitful when it is offered with faith and attention. It can steady you when words are hard to find and suffering makes prayer difficult. Let Mary lead you through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Ask for perseverance in prayer, even when consolation is absent and your mind feels distracted or tired.

O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the Grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.

Day 4

Penance for Sinners

Mary called for penance and prayer for sinners. Christian penance springs from love and leads to a sincere return to God. It is joined to Christ’s sacrifice and directed toward conversion. Small acts of self-denial can make room for charity, repair habits of selfishness, and teach the heart to seek what lasts. Offer a sacrifice today for someone who has wandered from God. Ask Our Lady of Lourdes to help you repent sincerely and to desire mercy for others without judging them.

O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the Grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.

Day 5

The Spring of Grace

At Mary’s direction, Bernadette dug in the earth, and a spring emerged where there had seemed to be only mud. The sign points beyond bodily refreshment to the grace of Christ, who cleanses and gives life. God may ask for trust before His purpose becomes clear. Obedience can look foolish to others, yet faith remains anchored in the One who speaks. Place your needs before God without demanding a particular outcome. Ask for cleansing from sin and for a deeper thirst for holiness.

O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the Grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.

Day 6

Courage Under Trial

Bernadette faced questioning, disbelief, and pressure, but she held to the truth of what she had seen without adding to it. Her steadiness came with simplicity. She did not need to control the response of others. Faithfulness sometimes means speaking plainly, accepting misunderstanding, and refusing both exaggeration and fear. Ask Mary for courage rooted in humility. May you be truthful without harshness, peaceful without weakness, and obedient to God even when approval is withheld.

O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the Grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.

Day 7

The Immaculate Conception

When the Lady said, “I am the Immaculate Conception,” her words confirmed the grace God had given Mary from the first moment of her conception. Mary is wholly holy because of Christ’s saving merits, never apart from Him. Her privilege displays the power of the Redeemer. As you honor her, let your attention turn more fully to Jesus, the source of every grace. Ask the Immaculate Mother to help you resist sin and live faithfully within the grace received in Baptism.

O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the Grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.

Day 8

Health of the Sick

Lourdes became known as a place where the sick seek healing and consolation. The Church receives reports of cures with care, while always directing the faithful toward Christ. Some are healed in body, while others receive strength to endure illness with hope. You may ask boldly for healing, but prayer also entrusts the answer to God’s wisdom. Place every wound before Mary, Health of the Sick. Ask her to intercede for doctors, caregivers, families, and all whose suffering is hidden.

O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the Grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.

Day 9

Faith Made Fruitful

Pilgrims come to Lourdes to pray, confess their sins, receive the Eucharist, and serve the sick. These acts show the proper fruit of Marian devotion: a life drawn more deeply into Christ and His Church. A novena should leave more than a passing feeling. Let it renew your commitment to prayer, repentance, sacramental life, and works of mercy. Entrust your petition once more to Our Lady. Then go forward ready to carry Christ’s compassion to someone who needs your patience, presence, or practical help.

O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comforter of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the Grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. Through gratitude for your favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. 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 among 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. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us.