Novena for the Holy Name of Mary

1. O Mary, my Mistress, who though descended from the mighty kings, who once reigned over Palestine, didst never take pleasure in anything but in the neglect and obscurity, in which the great part of thy days were passed, and the faithful service of God to which, from thine earliest childhood, thou didst irrevocably dedicate thyself: oh, obtain for us also such a spirit of humility and fervour, that we may glory in nothing but in being crucified, like thee, with Christ, and be one day glorified with Him. Hail Mary, &c.

2. Well does the glorious title, “illuminated,” signify to us thy name, O Mary; for, free from every stain, and adorned with every virtue, thou wert from the very beginning of thine existence enriched with so many lights, both in the order of nature and of grace, as to surpass Prophets, Apostles, and Angels, and to be hailed by the whole universe as the seat of wisdom. Oh, let one ray of that light shine upon us, and dispel the thick darkness of our ignorance, that we may see clearly our true good, and follow no other guide but thy example and thy inspirations. Hail Mary, &c.

3. To whom shall we have recourse in the tempest, which threatens us at every moment during our navigation on this world’s sea, but to thy most holy Name, O Mary, which signifies Star of the Sea! By thee have heresies been destroyed, and the Church has come forth triumphant from the most perilous combats: by thee have families and states been delivered, not once, but repeatedly, from the greatest necessities; for, enemies have been dispersed, diseases removed, and death has been compelled to yield his prey, at the first utterance of thy name. Oh! may our faith be ever strong in so powerful a mediation, that in all our spiritual wants we may ever find thee to be what thou hast ever shewn thyself, the help of the poor, the defence of the persecuted, the health of the sick, the consolation of the afflicted, the refuge of sinners, and the perseverance of the just. Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, &c.

Mother of mercy! day by day
My love to thee grows more and more;
Thy gifts are strewn upon my way
Like sands upon the great sea-shore.

Though poverty, and work, and woe,
The masters of my life may be,
When times are worst, who does not know
Darkness is light with love of thee?

Get me the grace to love thee more;
Jesus will give if thou wilt plead;
And, Mother! when life’s cares are o’er,
Oh, I shall love thee then indeed!

Jesus, when His three hours were run,
Bequeath’d thee from the cross to me
And, oh! how can I love thy Son,
Sweet Mother! if I love not thee?