Saint
Joseph
Novena
in Honour of the Sorrows of The Blessed Virgin Mary
The
Novena finds it's origin in ancient Church tradition. A Novena is
simply any prayer said faithfully for a period of dedicated time.
Generally it is said for nine consecutive days, nine Sundays, Fridays
or Saturdays, or even nine hours in a row. Novenas have traditionally
been known to be very powerful ~ used since the time of the Apostles
when most notably, they and the other disciples prayed and fasted for
nine days prior to receiving the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the
day of Pentacost.
Most holy and
afflicted Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, you stood beneath the cross,
witnessing the agony of your dying Son. Look with a mother's
tenderness and pity on me, who kneel before you. I venerate your
sorrows and I place my requests with filial confidence in the
sanctuary of your wounded heart. Present them, I beseech you, on my
behalf to Jesus Christ, through the merits of His own most sacred
passion and death, together with your sufferings at the foot of the
cross. Through the united efficacy of both, obtain the granting of my
petition. To whom shall I have recourse in my wants and miseries if
not to you, Mother of Mercy? You have drunk so deeply of the chalice
of your Son, you can compassionate our sorrows. Holy Mary, your soul
was pierced by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of your
Divine Son. Intercede for me and obtain for me from Jesus (mention
request) if it be for His honor and glory and for my good. Amen.