# Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Pompeii
*2015-03-29*

> Bill Young introduces a novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Pompeii, beginning with a reflection on the life and intercession of Saint Catherine of Siena.

## The Legacy of Saint Catherine of Siena

Yesterday we celebrated the feast of Saint Catherine of Siena. Born in Siena, Italy, on March 25, 1347, and passing away in Rome on April 29, 1380, Saint Catherine was known for her extraordinary work with the poor and the sick. She was also instrumental in helping Pope Gregory XI return the papacy to Rome. She lived a life of deep fasting and devotion.

## Opening Prayer and Intercession

Before beginning this novena, let us pray to Saint Catherine of Siena so that she may recite it together with us: O Saint Catherine of Siena, my protector and my teacher, assist me and unite yourself to me in this novena to the Queen of the Rosary, who placed the throne of her graces in the valley of Pompeii. Through your intercession, grant that I may obtain the graces I desire. Amen.

## Foundations of Faith

We begin our prayer in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. O God, come to my aid; O Lord, make haste to help me. 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. We profess our faith through the Apostles' Creed, acknowledging God the Father Almighty, the incarnation and passion of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit through the Holy Catholic Church.

## Prayer to the Queen of the Rosary

Immaculate Virgin, Queen of the Rosary, in these times of dying faith and the triumphs of emptiness, you wished to place your seat as Queen and Mother on the ancient land of Pompeii. From that place, where idols and demons were once worshipped, you, Mother of Divine Grace, distribute today the treasures of heavenly mercy from the throne where you reign with compassion. Turn your eyes upon me, O Mother of Mercy; I have so much need of your help. Show yourself to me, as to many others, true Mother of Mercy. With all my heart, I greet and evoke you as sovereign Queen.

## The Salve Regina

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

*Through the intercession of Saint Catherine of Siena and the Blessed Virgin Mary of Pompeii, we seek the graces and mercy needed to navigate a world of fading faith.*