Novena for Our Lady's Nativity

(Novena begins August 30th and ends September 7th.)

NINE GREETINGS TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN.

Come, Holy Ghost, etc., as on page 231.

Most holy Mary, chosen and predestined from all eternity by the Most Holy Trinity to be the Mother of the only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, foretold by the prophets, longed for by the patriarchs, desired by all nations, sanctuary and living temple of the Holy Ghost, sun without blemish, because conceived free from original sin, Mistress of heaven and of earth, Queen of angels, humbly prostrate at thy feet we give thee our homage, rejoicing that the year has brought round again the memory of thy sweet nativity. With all our hearts we pray thee to vouchsafe in thy goodness to come down again and be born in spirit in our souls, that, led captive by thy loveliness and sweetness, they may ever live united to thy most sweet and loving heart.

Now, with nine distinct greetings, we shall go back in thought to the nine months thou didst pass within the cloister of thy mother’s womb, and say devoutly:

1. We hail thee, Mary, who, sprung from the royal line of David, didst come forth from the light of heaven with high honor from the womb of holy Anne, thy most happy mother.

Hail Mary, etc.

2. We hail thee, heavenly babe, white dove of purity, who, despite the infernal serpent, wast conceived free from the taint of Adam’s sin.

Hail Mary, etc.

3. We hail thee, brightest morn, forerunner of the heavenly Sun of Justice, who didst first bring light to earth.

Hail Mary, etc.

4. We hail thee, O chosen one! who, like the untarnished sun, didst burst forth into being in the dark night of sin.

Hail Mary, etc.

5. We hail thee, beauteous moon, who didst shed light upon a world wrapped in the thickest darkness of idolatry.

Hail Mary, etc.

6. We hail thee, strong infant, who, in thyself a host, alone didst put to flight all hell.

Hail Mary, etc.

7. We hail thee, fair soul of Mary, who from all eternity wast God’s and God’s alone.

Hail Mary, etc.

8. We hail thee, dear child, and we humbly worship thy most holy infant body; we venerate the sacred swaddling-clothes wherewith they bound thee, the sacred cradle wherein they laid thee, and we bless the hour and the moment when thou wast born.

Hail Mary, etc.

9. We hail thee, beloved child, adorned with every virtue, immeasurably above all the saints, and, therefore, worthy Mother of the Saviour of the world; who, made fruitful by the Holy Ghost, didst bring forth the Incarnate Word.

Hail Mary, etc.

PRAYER.

Most lovely child, who by thy birth hast comforted the world, made glad the heavens, struck terror into hell, brought help to the fallen, consolation to the sad, health to the sick, joy to all, we pray thee, with all fervent love, be thou born again in spirit in our souls through thy most holy love; renew our fervor in thy service, rekindle in our hearts the fire of thy love, and bid all virtues blossom there which may cause us to find more and more favor in thy gracious eyes. Mary! be thou Mary to us, and may we feel the saving power of thy sweetest name; let it ever be our comfort to call on that great name in all our troubles; let it be our hope in dangers, our shield in temptation, and in death our last murmur.

May the name of Mary be honey in our mouths, melody in our ears, ecstasy in our hearts. Amen.

Then say the Litany, and afterward:

V. Thy nativity, O Virgin Mother of God!

R. Hath brought joy to a whole world.

Let us Pray.

Grant to us, Thy servants, we beseech Thee, Lord, the gift of heavenly grace, that to those for whom the delivery of the Blessed Virgin was the commencement of salvation the votive festival of her nativity may give increasing peace. Amen.

For making the above novena an indulgence of three hundred days each time, and a plenary indulgence on any day during the novena or its octave.—Pius IX., Jan. 5, 1849.