Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Day 1

Mary Leads to Jesus

Mary's help always leads you to Jesus. In the holy icon, she holds her Son and directs every troubled heart toward him. Bring your need honestly, without hiding your fear or weakness. Her intercession does not replace Christ's grace. It teaches you to receive that grace with trust. Ask for a heart that turns quickly to prayer and remains near the sacraments. Under Mary's care, you can face this day with confidence that the Lord is faithful and his mercy is greater than your distress.

Behold, O Mother of Perpetual Help, at thy feet a wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee and confides in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners; be then my refuge and my hope. Assist me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable fallen creature, who recommends himself to thee, and who devotes himself to thy service forever. I bless and thank Almighty God, Who in His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true, dearest Mother, that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin because I had not recourse to thee. I know that, with thy help, I shall conquer. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that, in time of danger, I may neglect to call on thee and thus lose my soul. This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervor of my soul, that, in all the attacks of hell, I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary, help me! O Mother of Perpetual Help, never suffer me to lose my God. Amen.

Day 2

Help in Temptation

The name of Mary is a simple refuge when temptation presses upon you. Calling upon her reminds you that you belong to Christ and need not face spiritual danger alone. Temptation itself is not sin, but it calls for watchfulness, prayer, and a firm choice of what is good. Ask Mary to help you recognize occasions of sin and leave them without delay. Her motherly intercession strengthens your resolve to seek forgiveness when you fall and to begin again with humility.

Behold, O Mother of Perpetual Help, at thy feet a wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee and confides in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners; be then my refuge and my hope. Assist me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable fallen creature, who recommends himself to thee, and who devotes himself to thy service forever. I bless and thank Almighty God, Who in His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true, dearest Mother, that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin because I had not recourse to thee. I know that, with thy help, I shall conquer. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that, in time of danger, I may neglect to call on thee and thus lose my soul. This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervor of my soul, that, in all the attacks of hell, I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary, help me! O Mother of Perpetual Help, never suffer me to lose my God. Amen.

Day 3

Mercy for Sinners

Mary is called the refuge of sinners because she brings sinners to her merciful Son. She never teaches you to excuse sin or delay repentance. Instead, she helps you face the truth with hope. Place before her the sins, habits, and regrets that burden your conscience. Ask for the grace to make a sincere confession and accept the forgiveness Christ gives through his Church. A repentant heart does not remain trapped in shame. It receives mercy, makes amends where possible, and learns to walk more faithfully.

Behold, O Mother of Perpetual Help, at thy feet a wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee and confides in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners; be then my refuge and my hope. Assist me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable fallen creature, who recommends himself to thee, and who devotes himself to thy service forever. I bless and thank Almighty God, Who in His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true, dearest Mother, that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin because I had not recourse to thee. I know that, with thy help, I shall conquer. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that, in time of danger, I may neglect to call on thee and thus lose my soul. This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervor of my soul, that, in all the attacks of hell, I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary, help me! O Mother of Perpetual Help, never suffer me to lose my God. Amen.

Day 4

Confidence in Prayer

Christian confidence rests on God's goodness rather than on your own strength. Mary teaches this confidence through her faithful consent to God's will. When an answer seems delayed, continue to pray without demanding that God act according to your plan. He knows the whole of your life and desires your salvation. Ask Mary to purify your petition and deepen your trust. The grace you need may include patience, courage, or freedom from fear. Place the outcome in God's hands while continuing to ask with perseverance.

Behold, O Mother of Perpetual Help, at thy feet a wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee and confides in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners; be then my refuge and my hope. Assist me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable fallen creature, who recommends himself to thee, and who devotes himself to thy service forever. I bless and thank Almighty God, Who in His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true, dearest Mother, that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin because I had not recourse to thee. I know that, with thy help, I shall conquer. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that, in time of danger, I may neglect to call on thee and thus lose my soul. This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervor of my soul, that, in all the attacks of hell, I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary, help me! O Mother of Perpetual Help, never suffer me to lose my God. Amen.

Day 5

Help for Families

Mary knew the daily duties and hidden sacrifices of family life. Entrust your family to her care, especially anyone who is suffering, separated from the Church, or burdened by conflict. Ask her to obtain patience in speech, generosity in service, and readiness to forgive. Peace in a home often begins with small acts of humility offered consistently. You cannot control every choice made by those you love, but you can pray, give good example, and remain faithful. Let Mary help your home become a place where Christ is welcomed.

Behold, O Mother of Perpetual Help, at thy feet a wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee and confides in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners; be then my refuge and my hope. Assist me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable fallen creature, who recommends himself to thee, and who devotes himself to thy service forever. I bless and thank Almighty God, Who in His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true, dearest Mother, that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin because I had not recourse to thee. I know that, with thy help, I shall conquer. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that, in time of danger, I may neglect to call on thee and thus lose my soul. This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervor of my soul, that, in all the attacks of hell, I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary, help me! O Mother of Perpetual Help, never suffer me to lose my God. Amen.

Day 6

Strength in Suffering

Mary remained close to Jesus throughout his suffering and stood beneath the Cross. She understands the sorrow of watching, waiting, and being unable to remove another person's pain. Bring her your illness, grief, loneliness, or anxiety. Ask for healing when it is God's will, and also ask for strength to remain faithful in every circumstance. Suffering is never easy, and you do not need to pretend otherwise. United with Christ, even hidden pain can become an offering of love for the good of others.

Behold, O Mother of Perpetual Help, at thy feet a wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee and confides in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners; be then my refuge and my hope. Assist me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable fallen creature, who recommends himself to thee, and who devotes himself to thy service forever. I bless and thank Almighty God, Who in His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true, dearest Mother, that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin because I had not recourse to thee. I know that, with thy help, I shall conquer. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that, in time of danger, I may neglect to call on thee and thus lose my soul. This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervor of my soul, that, in all the attacks of hell, I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary, help me! O Mother of Perpetual Help, never suffer me to lose my God. Amen.

Day 7

Grace to Persevere

Faithfulness is often built through ordinary choices repeated day after day. Mary remained faithful in joy, uncertainty, sorrow, and prayer. Ask her to help you persevere when devotion feels dry or progress seems slow. God continues to work even when you cannot see immediate results. Keep the duties of your state in life, receive the sacraments, and return to prayer after every distraction. Final perseverance is a grace, so ask for it humbly. Mary's perpetual help supports you in remaining close to Christ until the end.

Behold, O Mother of Perpetual Help, at thy feet a wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee and confides in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners; be then my refuge and my hope. Assist me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable fallen creature, who recommends himself to thee, and who devotes himself to thy service forever. I bless and thank Almighty God, Who in His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true, dearest Mother, that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin because I had not recourse to thee. I know that, with thy help, I shall conquer. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that, in time of danger, I may neglect to call on thee and thus lose my soul. This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervor of my soul, that, in all the attacks of hell, I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary, help me! O Mother of Perpetual Help, never suffer me to lose my God. Amen.

Day 8

Hope at Death

The traditional prayer asks that Mary's name remain near you in life and at the hour of death. This is a sober and hopeful petition. Death will bring your earthly life to its completion and place you before Christ. Ask for the grace to live prepared through faith, repentance, charity, and the sacraments. Pray also for those who are dying today, especially anyone who is alone or afraid. May Mary's presence turn every heart toward Jesus, whose death and Resurrection opened the way to eternal life.

Behold, O Mother of Perpetual Help, at thy feet a wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee and confides in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners; be then my refuge and my hope. Assist me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable fallen creature, who recommends himself to thee, and who devotes himself to thy service forever. I bless and thank Almighty God, Who in His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true, dearest Mother, that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin because I had not recourse to thee. I know that, with thy help, I shall conquer. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that, in time of danger, I may neglect to call on thee and thus lose my soul. This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervor of my soul, that, in all the attacks of hell, I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary, help me! O Mother of Perpetual Help, never suffer me to lose my God. Amen.

Day 9

Gratitude and Trust

Conclude this novena with gratitude, whether or not you have seen the answer you hoped to receive. Thanksgiving recognizes that every grace comes from God and that his providence remains at work. Thank Mary for her maternal intercession and renew your desire to call upon her in every need. Place your petition once more in her hands, then ask for the freedom to accept God's will. Continue serving Christ through prayer, the sacraments, and works of charity. Mary's perpetual help will always direct you toward faithful love of her Son.

Behold, O Mother of Perpetual Help, at thy feet a wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee and confides in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners; be then my refuge and my hope. Assist me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable fallen creature, who recommends himself to thee, and who devotes himself to thy service forever. I bless and thank Almighty God, Who in His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true, dearest Mother, that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin because I had not recourse to thee. I know that, with thy help, I shall conquer. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that, in time of danger, I may neglect to call on thee and thus lose my soul. This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervor of my soul, that, in all the attacks of hell, I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary, help me! O Mother of Perpetual Help, never suffer me to lose my God. 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. Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.