Nonno's Favorite Novena
A nine-month Marian novena — prayed daily, with three personal requests placed in Mary's hands.
This is a novena Nonno has prayed for many years. It is not a nine-day novena — it is a nine-month novena, prayed every single day, entrusting three personal requests to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It is a long commitment, but that is part of its beauty. Over nine months, the prayer becomes a part of you. Mary becomes a part of your daily life. And the requests you bring — the ones closest to your heart — are held by her, day after day, until you learn to trust that they are already in God's hands.
How to Pray This Novena
Traditionally, one prays this novena every day (throughout the nine months) for three personal requests.
Pray the three daily prayers below (Hail Holy Queen, the Versicle and Response, and the Virgin of the Incarnation prayer).
After the daily prayers, state your first request.
Repeat the three daily prayers, then state your second request.
Repeat the three daily prayers one more time, then state your third request.
Conclude by praying the three closing prayers one time.
The Daily Prayers
Prayed three times each day — once for each request.
Hail, Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Versicle and Response
V — Pray for us, most holy Mother of God. R — That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Prayer of the Virgin of the Incarnation
Virgin of the Incarnation, a thousand times we greet thee, a thousand times we praise thee for the joy thou had when God was incarnated in thee. Because thou art so powerful a Virgin and Mother of God, grant what we ask of thee for the love of God.
After each set of daily prayers — state your personal request. Repeat the daily prayers and state your second request. Repeat once more and state your third request.
The Closing Prayers
Prayed one time, after all three requests have been made.
Memorare
Remember, O most Gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of Virgins, my mother. To thee do I cry, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Blessed Sacrament
Blessed and praised be the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, in Heaven, on earth and everywhere. Amen.
A Word from Nonno
Nine months is a long time. But nine months is how long a mother carries a child. This novena is not a burden — it is a pregnancy. You are carrying your requests the way Mary carried Jesus. And at the end, something new is born. Trust her. She knows what she is doing.
More Novenas & Prayers
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