# Day One of the Novena to Our Lady, Help of Christians
*2015-05-15*

> Bill Young introduces the nine‑day novena to Our Lady, Help of Christians, explains its prayers, practices, and the first day’s specific prayers and reflections.

## Introducing the Novena

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today, Saturday, May 16, we begin a nine‑day novena to Our Lady, Help of Christians, following the tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Each day we will pray the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, and the Hail Holy Queen, as well as the prayer “O Virgin Most Holy, Powerful Help of Christians.” We will also recite the “O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine” and give thanks three times each day.

## Spiritual Practices During the Novena

The novena encourages us to go to confession and receive Holy Communion. It also suggests offering a donation or performing some work to support a charitable cause, preferably one that serves youth. Finally, we are invited to renew our faith in the Blessed Eucharist and deepen our devotion to Our Lady, Help of Christians.

## First Day Prayer

Hail, Star of the Sea, blessed Mother of God, ever‑fruitful Virgin, gate of heaven.

O Virgin most holy, powerful Help of Christians, I confidently appeal to the throne of your mercy. Hear the prayers of this poor sinner who begs your help, that I may always flee from sin and from occasions of sin. Behold the first grace I ask from you in this novena. Amen.

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 you we cry, O Mother of the children of Eve; to you we send our sighs, our mourning, our tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, that we may receive the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

## Scripture Reflection

A short reading from Revelation: “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. A great dragon was ready to wage war against her and her offspring.” This image reminds us of Mary’s role as the Mother of the Church, protected by God against the forces of evil.

## Closing Prayer

O Mary, powerful Virgin, luminous defender of the Church, wonderful Help of Christians, intercede for us in the battles against heresy and sin. In our sorrows, conflicts, and needs, defend us from the enemy and from death. Amen.

*Beginning this novena invites us to deepen our trust in Mary’s maternal intercession while renewing our commitment to the sacraments.*