# Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Caravaggio
*2017-05-18*

> Bill Young leads a prayer session featuring the Novena to Our Lady of Caravaggio and the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.

## The Art and Inspiration of Caravaggio

Today we are going to pray the novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Caravaggio. This novena is traditionally made from May 17th to May 25th. When thinking of Caravaggio, many think of the renowned Italian painter who depicted the Blessed Virgin Mary in many of his works. His art is found all over the world, from the Louvre in France to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

I believe that the inspiration great artists—whether they are painters like Da Vinci and Caravaggio or great singers—receive is a gift from God and the Holy Spirit. This divine inspiration is what allows them to create such great works of art, and it is in that spirit of faith that we approach this novena.

## The Novena to Our Lady of Caravaggio

We begin our prayer in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. After reciting the Creed and the Glory Be, we turn to the Most Holy Virgin of Caravaggio, the inexhaustible source of graces. We pray that the expectations of all those who approach her may not be disappointed and that no one's plea be made in vain.

We ask Our Lady of Caravaggio to intercede for those who are blind, that they may return to the light of faith, and for isolated souls, that they may learn to walk swiftly along the path of divine commandments. We pray for those who are spiritually dead because of their sins, that they may come back to true life, be enlightened, and find peace of heart. O Mary, our heavenly patron, grant that those who seek your assistance may grow stronger in faith and more steadfast in hope, seeking the path of goodness rather than the pleasures of this world.

## The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

Following the novena, we pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. We begin by invoking the Holy Spirit to fill the hearts of the faithful and renew the face of the earth. 

Through the first mystery, the Resurrection, we meditate on the faith that Christ has risen. In the second, the Ascension, we reflect on hope as the Lord takes His seat at the right hand of God. The third mystery, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, reminds us of the love of God as the Apostles are filled with the Spirit to proclaim the Gospel. In the fourth mystery, the Assumption, we pray for the grace of a happy death. Finally, in the fifth mystery, the Coronation, we place our trust in Mary's intercession as she is crowned Queen of Heaven.

## Reflections on Pope St. John I

As we conclude, we remember the saint of the day, Pope St. John I, who lived in the fifth century. He served during a very unpredictable time when the Arian heresy—which denied the divinity of Jesus Christ—was prevalent. It is striking to think that such a heresy persisted for so long. This reminds us to pray for those today who do not believe in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. May we be vessels for the Lord through the intercession of our Mother Mary.

*Through the intercession of Our Lady of Caravaggio and the meditation on the Glorious Mysteries, we seek a deeper faith and the grace to lead others to the divinity of Jesus Christ.*