Dedication of St. Mary Major Basilica Novena – Day 8: Holy Father and Church
Join in praying the Dedication of St. Mary Major Basilica Novena to honor Mary and seek her intercession.
Today's Focus: Holy Father and Church
On this eighth day of the Dedication of St. Mary Major Basilica Novena, we pray for our Holy Father and for the Church's leadership. We ask Mary to help us always do all we can to serve God worthily in our lives.
Prayer for Day 8
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord God, we thank You for the many devotional practices You give us as we journey toward heaven with You.Guide us in making use of all the help You give us!
Dearest Mother, your basilica was dedicated in your honor by Pope Sixtus III.He chose to do this after the First Council of Ephesus affirmed that it is fitting to refer to you as the Mother of God.
Please bring all of our petitions before the throne of your Son. And we particularly ask today that you pray that our Holy Father may be a holy and strong leader of your Son's Church!
Pray for us, that we may always do all we can to serve God worthily in our lives.Pray that we may be eager to answer God's call to serve Him however He might call us to.
And we especially ask in this novena for… (State your intentions here)
Blessed Mother Mary, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Reflection for Today
Today we pray for our Holy Father and for the Church's leadership. The basilica was dedicated in Mary's honor by Pope Sixtus III after the First Council of Ephesus affirmed that it is fitting to refer to her as the Mother of God.
This shows us the beautiful relationship between the Church's leadership and devotion to Mary, and how we should always do all we can to serve God worthily in our lives.
The title "Dedication of St. Mary Major Basilica Novena" reminds us that Mary is our mother and intercessor. She is always ready to help us grow in holiness and bring our prayers to Jesus, just as the basilica was dedicated to her honor.
As we continue this novena, let us ask Mary to help us always do all we can to serve God worthily in our lives. Let us ask her to pray that our Holy Father may be a holy and strong leader of the Church and that we may be eager to answer God's call to serve Him.
Remember that serving God and the Church is not just about external acts, but about growing in love for God and through service to Him, growing closer to Jesus. Mary wants to help us on our journey to heaven.
How to Make an Excellent Novena
Trust in Mary
Trust completely in Mary's ability to help you grow closer to Jesus. Turn to her with confidence in every situation that requires her intercession.
Be Persistent
Pray this novena with persistence and faith. Mary will not fail to help those who turn to her with trust.
Be Specific
Present your specific needs and intentions to Mary. She wants to help you with the particular difficulties you face.
Be Patient
Spiritual growth is a process that takes time. Be patient with yourself and trust in Mary's timing.
Closing Prayer
Blessed Mother Mary, help us to always do all we can to serve God worthily in our lives. Pray that our Holy Father may be a holy and strong leader of your Son's Church and that we may be eager to answer God's call to serve Him. Help us to serve God and His Church. Amen.