The Message
Immaculate Conception Novena
November 29 - December 7
Feast Day: December 8
To honor Our Lady and prepare to receive the graces available on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Marians at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy are offering this Novena.
The Immaculate Conception was a frequent topic in the homilies and writings of Blessed Stanislaus Papczynski, the Founder of the Marians — and this was some two centuries before the dogma would be proclaimed by the Church. He wrote: "I believe everything that the holy Roman Church believes … but first of all I profess that the Most Holy Mother of God, Mary, was spotless from original sin, from the moment of her conception."
Blessed Stanislaus recognized that Mary's redemption was the very masterpiece of God's merciful plan for the world. Among all human being, she alone received the benefits of salvation in Christ from the very moment of her conception — a unique privilege derived from God having chosen her as Mother of the Savior.
Christmas / Infant of Prague Novena
December 16 - 24
Feast Day: December 25
During the nine days before Christmas, the Marians annually celebrate a Novena of Holy Masses at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy.
Amid the distractions we face as Christmas draws near, this Novena helps us to take time to focus on the Incarnation’s role in God’s plan of mercy for mankind.
As a way of preparing for this festivity in the Middle Ages, people used to offer novenas of prayers for nine days, recalling the nine months our Blessed Mother lovingly carried Our Lord in her womb. During the novena of prayers, people participated in common prayer so to enter more fully into the feast.
Today, you may pray along with the Marians online daily. You also may send us your special intentions to have them placed near the altar during the Novena, or ask the Marians to remember someone in need of prayer.
The Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception wish you a very blessed Christmas.
Coming up...
Mother of God Novena
December 23 - 31
Feast Day: January 1
