Follow this simple guide to seek the intercession of the Blessed Mother. While many pray this as a perpetual daily devotion, it can also be prayed for nine consecutive days as a traditional novena.
Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
State your intention: Mention the specific grace, favor, or spiritual strength you are seeking.
Recite the Three Hail Marys Prayer: Meditate on the three distinct gifts of Power, Wisdom, and Mercy as found in the text below.
Conclude with a prayer of thanksgiving: Trust in Mary’s promise to assist you at the hour of death.
Tip: You can pray this in the morning to consecrate your day to Mary, or at night to ask for her protection during sleep.
Recite these prayers faithfully each of the nine days to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and seek her motherly intercession.
Oh, Immaculate Mary, Virgin most powerful, I beseech thee, through that immense power which thou hast received from the Eternal Father, obtain for me purity of heart, strength to overcome all the enemies of my soul, and the special favor I implore in my present necessity.
[Name your prayer intention]
Mother most pure! Forsake me not, despise not my prayer, graciously hear me for God’s glory, thy honor, and the welfare of my soul.
To obtain this favor, I honor thy power by reciting:
Hail Mary…
Oh Virgin Mary, my Mother, through that ineffable wisdom bestowed upon thee by the Incarnate Word of God, I humbly beseech thee, obtain for me meekness and humility of heart, a perfect knowledge of the Divine Will, and strength to accomplish it always.
Oh Mary, Seat of Wisdom, as a tender Mother, lead me in the path of Christian virtue and perfection; enlighten and enable me to do what is most pleasing to thy beloved Son, and obtain my petition.
To obtain this grace, I honor thy wisdom by reciting:
Hail Mary…
Oh, Mother of Mercy, Mother of penitent sinners, I stand before thee sinful and sorrowful, beseeching thee through the immense Love given to thee by the Holy Spirit for us poor sinners, obtain for me true and perfect contrition for my sins, which I hate and detest with all my heart, because I love God.
Mother most merciful, help me in my present necessity. Turn, then, those eyes of mercy toward us, oh clement, oh loving, oh sweet Virgin Mary!
To obtain this precious gift, I honor thy loving mercy by reciting:
Hail Mary…
The origin of this devotion is rooted in a powerful promise. During an apparition to St. Gertrude the Great, the Blessed Mother promised:
“To any soul who faithfully prays the Three Hail Marys, I will appear at the hour of death in a splendor of beauty so extraordinary that it will fill the soul with Heavenly consolation.”
For generations, Catholics have used this prayer to overcome obstacles, achieve purity of heart, and navigate the daily challenges of life. By meditating on the gifts of Mary, we draw closer to the Holy Trinity and receive the graces necessary to lead a holy life.
The Three Hail Mary Novena is deeply Trinitarian. Each "Hail Mary" honors an attribute given to Mary by the three Persons of the Trinity:
The Power of the Father: Honoring the strength Mary received to become the Mother of God.
The Wisdom of the Son: Honoring the divine insight granted to her by Jesus.
The Mercy of the Holy Spirit: Honoring the fire of charity and love poured into her soul.
Great saints like St. Anthony of Padua, St. Mechtilde, and St. Alphonsus Liguori have all practiced and promoted this devotion, recommending it as a "sure way" to secure Mary's intercession for salvation and daily grace.
The primary promise is Mary's presence and consolation at the hour of death. Devotees also report increased purity, spiritual insight, and the granting of seemingly impossible favors through her intercession.
It is most commonly prayed twice daily—once in the morning to ask for protection throughout the day, and once at night to ask for a holy death and protection from sin during the night.
While many people pray this daily for their entire lives (as a perpetual devotion), it can absolutely be prayed as a 9-day novena for a specific, urgent intention.
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