We encourage you, through this novena - drawn from the official prayer of the Diocese of Rome - to ask for the intercession of St. John Paul II and Our Blessed Mother for the New Evangelization of the Church. In light of the new challenges the Church faces in the contemporary world, St. John Paul II said it is the "supreme duty" of the Church to "proclaim Christ to all peoples" (Redemptoris Missio, 3).
Together in prayer, let's follow his call. On behalf of my fellow Marians and Marian Helpers around the world, I invite you to join in this novena as we pray that the Light of Christ may shine ever more brightly to all the corners of the world.
You'll find below that on each of the nine days, we have chosen a specific intention for the New Evangelization.
- Fr. Joseph, MIC
Director of the Association of Marian Helpers
Oct. 13: Our Holy Father
Oct. 14: Our Bishops
Oct. 15: Our Priests and Deacons
Oct. 16: Religious and Consecrated
Oct. 17: Lay Apostles and Teachers
Oct. 18: Married Couples and Families
Oct. 19: The Youth
Oct. 20: Sick and Suffering
Oct. 21: Holy Souls in Purgatory
Oct. 22: Happy Feast Day of St. John Paul II.
Day Eight: Becoming an intercessor/person of prayer
We pray especially for married couples and families this day.
Meditation
Saint John Paul II, you lived your life immersed in prayer, interceding for the Church and the world with the "inexpressible groanings" inspired by the Holy Spirit (see Rom. 8:26). Now, your intercession is more powerful than ever as you share in the Beatific Vision in heaven. Continue your prayers for us, interceding for us in all our needs, especially for the intention of this novena. May we become people of prayer, meeting the great sins and needs of the present time with ever greater and more Spirit-filled intercession.
Prayer
"God, merciful Father, in your Son, Jesus Christ, you have revealed your love and poured it out upon us in the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. We entrust to you today the destiny of the world and of every man and woman. Bend down to us sinners, heal our weakness, conquer all evil, and grant that all the peoples of the earth may experience your mercy. In You, the Triune God, may they ever find the source of hope. Eternal Father, by the Passion and Resurrection of your Son, have mercy on us and upon the whole world!" Amen.
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If you missed a day of this novena, fear not. Read this.