# Novena to Our Lady, Help of Christians
*2008-05-15*

> Bill Young introduces the traditional novena to Our Lady, Help of Christians, originally composed by St. John Bosco, and guides listeners through the prayers and recommended practices.

## Introduction to the Novena

Hi, this is Bill Young, and welcome to the 78th episode of Catholic Podcast Ministries, Prayer and Lunch. Today’s prayer is the novena to Our Lady, Help of Christians, which was originally composed by St. John BOSCO. The novena is prayed for nine days, traditionally from May 15 through May 23. Each day we pray the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, and the Hail Holy Queen.

## The Daily Prayers

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

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 Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, our hope, to thee do we cry, O blessed Virgin Mary. To thee do we lift up our sighs, our mourning and weeping in the valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, show us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O loving, sweet Virgin Mary, pray for us that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

## Spiritual Practices During the Novena

While praying the novena, it is recommended to go to confession and receive Holy Communion. Many also choose to make a donation to a charitable cause, preferably one that supports youth ministry, as a way of putting the prayer into concrete service.

## Closing Prayer to Our Lady

Let us pray. O Mary, powerful Virgin, you are the glorious help of Christians. You defend the Church, destroy heresies, and protect us in our sorrows, conflicts, and needs. Defend us from the enemy, and accompany us at the hour of our death, that we may share in the joy of Paradise. Amen.

*Praying this novena deepens our devotion to Mary, the Help of Christians, and strengthens our commitment to faith, sacrament, and service.*