Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes – Day 1: Faith
Join in praying the Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes to seek Mary's miraculous intercession and healing grace.
Today's Focus: Faith
On this first day of the Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes, we pray for faith - faith in Mary's apparitions at Lourdes, faith in her miraculous intercession, and faith in God's healing power. We ask Mary to strengthen our faith and help us trust completely in her maternal care.
Prayer for Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother,you appeared to St. Bernadette at the grotto of Lourdes and revealed yourself as the Immaculate Conception. You asked for prayer and penance for the conversion of sinners.
On this first day of our novena, we pray for the gift of faith.Help us to believe with all our hearts in your apparitions at Lourdes and in your miraculous intercession. Strengthen our faith in God's power to heal and to work wonders through your prayers.
O Mary, conceived without sin, you are the perfect example of faith. You believed the angel's message and became the Mother of God. Help us to have the same faith that you had, trusting completely in God's promises and His plan for our lives.
We also pray for these intentions… (State your intentions here)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
Reflection for Today
Today we begin our novena to Our Lady of Lourdes by focusing on faith. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God and with Mary. Without faith, we cannot receive the graces that God wants to give us through Mary's intercession.
St. Bernadette's faith was simple and pure. When Mary appeared to her, she believed immediately, even though she was just a poor, uneducated girl. She trusted in Mary's words and followed her instructions without question, even when others doubted and mocked her.
Mary's first words to St. Bernadette were: "I cannot promise you happiness in this world, only in the next." These words remind us that our faith should not be based on material blessings or worldly success, but on the promise of eternal life with God.
As we pray today, let us ask Mary to increase our faith. Let us ask her to help us believe in her apparitions at Lourdes and in her power to intercede for us. Let us trust that she will bring our prayers to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Remember that faith is a gift from God, but it is also something we must cultivate through prayer and practice. The more we pray and trust in Mary, the stronger our faith will become.
How to Make an Excellent Novena
Begin with Faith
Start each day with complete trust in Mary's intercession. Believe that she will help you and bring your prayers to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Be Consistent
Pray the novena for nine consecutive days without interruption. Consistency shows your commitment and trust in Mary's help.
Offer Your Intentions
Present your specific needs and intentions to Mary. Be honest about your struggles and trust that she understands your situation.
Practice Penance
As Mary requested at Lourdes, offer small sacrifices and penances during the novena. This can include fasting, acts of charity, or giving up something you enjoy.
Closing Prayer
O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, increase our faith in your apparitions at Lourdes and in your miraculous intercession. Help us to trust completely in your maternal care and to believe that you will always help us in our needs. May our faith in you lead us closer to your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.