Novena of the Holy Family

Margaret's Little Piece of the Net

Novena of the Holy Family

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

All that the Gospels tell us of Christ's hidden life at Nazareth with Mary and Joseph is that He "was obedient to them," and that "Jesus increased in wisdom and in age and in grace with God and men" (Lk 2:52). Jesus could say of His Mother and foster father what He said of His heavenly Father: "I do always the things that please them." Out of a life of thrity-three years, Jesus, Who is Eternal Wisdom, chose to pass thirty years in silence and obscurity, obedience and labor. Truly, He is a hidden God. It was in this hidden life of Nazareth that Mary had the rare privilege of observing the example of her Divine Son and of becoming more like Him in grace and virtue.

The Holy Family is a model for all Christian families. In the family life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are exemplified the proper relations that should exist between husband and wife, parents and children. There was filial devotion to God in that family circle of the three holiest persons who ever lived. While Joseph supported the Holy Family by handwork, Mary managed the household, and Jesus assisted both of them. They were united in their daily tasks, which they made holy by prayer and meditation. By practicing the domestic virtues of charity, obedience, and mutual help, they sanctifited family life. We should often pray to them to sanctify our families by their example and intercession.

In their Pastoral Letter on the Blessed Virgin (November 21, 1973) the Catholic Bishops of the United Staes stated: "What does Mary mean to today's family? Mother of the Holy Family at Nazareth, Mary is the mother and queen of every Christian family.

"When Mary conceived and gave birth to Jesus, human motherhood reached its greatest achievement. From the time of the Annunciation, she was the living chalice of the Son of God made Man. In the tradition of her people she recognized that God gives life and watches over its growth.

"God called Mary and Joseph to sublimate the consummation of their married love in exclusive dedication to the Holy Child, conceived not by a human father but the Holy Spirit. When Mary said to Garbriel, 'How can this be since I do not know man?' (Lk 1:34), the Angel told her of the virginal conception. Joseph received the same message in a dream. Christian tradition from early times has seen Saint Joseph as protector of the Christ Child and of his wife's consecrated virginity throughout their married life.

"Mary is Queen of the home. As a woman of faith, she inspires all mothers to transmit the Christian faith to their children. In the setting of family love, children should learn free and loving obedience inspired by Mary's obedience to God."

Taken from Treasury of Novenas written by Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D.

Novena Prayer

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, bless me and grant me the grace of loving Holy Church as I should, above every earthly thing, and of ever showing my love by deeds.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless me and grant me the grace of openly professing as I should, with courage and without human respect, the faith that I received as your gift in holy Baptism.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless me and grant me the grace of sharing as I should in the defense and propagation of the Faith when duty calls, whether by word or by the sacrifice of my possessions and my life.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, bless me and grant me the grace of loving my family and others in mutual charity as I should, and establish us in perfect harmony of thought, will, and actions, under the rule and guidance of the shepherds of the Church.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, bless me and grant me the grace of conforming my life fully as I should to the commandments of God's law and those of His Holy Church, so as to live always in that charity which they set forth.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I ask in particular this special favor: (mention your request here). Amen.

Dedication of One's Family

Most loving Jesus, by Your sublime and beautiful virtues of humility, obedience, poverty, modesty, charity, patience, and gentleness You blessed with peace and happiness the family which You chose on earth. In Your mercy look upon my family. We belong to You, for we have received Your many blessings over many years and we entrust ourselves to Your loving care.

Look upon my family in Your loving kindness, preserve us from danger, give us help in time of need, and grant us the grace to persevere to the end in imitation of Your hold Family so that having revered You and love You faithfully on earth, we may praise You eternally in heaven.

Mary, dearest Mother, to your intercession we have recourse, knowing that your Divine Son will hear your prayers. Glorious patriarch, Saint Joseph, help us by your powerful prayers and offer our paryers to Jesus through Mary's hands. Amen.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, being subject to Mary and Joseph, You sanctified family life by Your beautiful virtues. Grant that we, with the help of Mary and Joseph, may be taught by the example of Your holy Family, and may after death enjoy its everlasting companionship.

Lord Jesus, help us ever to follow the example of Your holy Family, that in the hour of our death Your glorious Virgin Mother together with Saint Joseph may come to meet us, and we may be worthy to be received by You into the everlasting joys of heaven. You live and reign forever. Amen.