Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes – Day 3: Love
Join in praying the Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes to seek Mary's miraculous intercession and healing grace.
Today's Focus: Love
On this third day of the Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes, we pray for love - love for God, love for Mary, and love for our neighbor. We ask Mary to help us grow in charity and to imitate her perfect love for Jesus and for all humanity.
Prayer for Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Most Loving Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother,you appeared at Lourdes out of love for us, to bring us closer to your Son, Jesus Christ. Your love for humanity moved you to work miracles and to show us the way to heaven.
On this third day of our novena, we pray for the gift of love.Help us to love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds. Teach us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to show this love through acts of charity and kindness.
O Mary, you are the perfect example of love, for you loved God completely and accepted His will with perfect obedience. You loved Jesus with a mother's tender love and you love each of us as your own children. Help us to imitate your love and to grow in charity every day.
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 focus on love, the greatest of the theological virtues. Love is what motivated Mary to appear at Lourdes and to work countless miracles for those who turn to her. It is love that drives all of Mary's actions and intercessions.
At Lourdes, Mary showed her love for humanity by appearing to St. Bernadette and asking for prayer and penance for the conversion of sinners. She did not appear for her own glory, but out of love for us and concern for our salvation.
Mary's love is maternal and unconditional. She loves each of us as her own children, regardless of our sins or weaknesses. She wants us to love God and to love one another as she loves us.
The miraculous spring at Lourdes is a symbol of Mary's love flowing to all who seek her help. Just as water gives life to the earth, Mary's love gives life to our souls and helps us to grow in holiness.
As we pray today, let us ask Mary to increase our love for God and for our neighbor. Let us ask her to help us show this love through our actions and to be instruments of her love in the world. Let us strive to love as Mary loves - with patience, kindness, and selflessness.
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 Most Loving Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, increase our love for God and for our neighbor. Help us to imitate your perfect love and to show this love through our actions. May our love for you lead us closer to your Son, Jesus Christ, and help us to become instruments of your love in the world. Amen.