St. Catherine Laboure Novena – Day 1: Early Life
Join in praying the St. Catherine Laboure Novena to seek her intercession and learn about the Miraculous Medal.
Today's Focus: Early Life
On this first day of the St. Catherine Laboure Novena, we reflect on Catherine's early life and how she turned her sorrow into faith by choosing Mary as her mother. We learn from her example of trust in God during difficult times.
Prayer for Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Meditation
Today we begin our novena reflecting on the early life of St. Catherine Laboure, a child who endured deep sorrow yet turned her pain into faith. At the age of nine, Catherine lost her earthly mother—a moment that could have filled her heart with despair. Instead, she ran to Mary, the Mother of God, and chose her as her own mother.
This act of trust became the foundation of her sanctity. From that day forward, Mary became her refuge, her guide, and her strength.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank You for the gift of St. Catherine Laboure, a model of courage and faith in the midst of suffering. Help me to imitate her example and to turn to You and Your Blessed Mother when trials arise.
St. Catherine, you transformed grief into holiness. You sought no comfort in worldly things but in God alone. Teach me to offer my sorrows to Jesus with patience and confidence.
Please present my petitions before God's throne. Assist me in all my needs and obtain for me the grace to love Him above all things.
Petition
Pray for me, that I may never allow pain or loss to lead me away from God.
Pray that I may seek Mary's intercession daily and remain faithful to Christ.
Special Intentions:
(Mention your intentions here)
St. Catherine Laboure, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Reflection for Today
Today we reflect on Catherine's early life and how she turned her sorrow into faith by choosing Mary as her mother. We learn from her example of trust in God during difficult times.
At the age of nine, Catherine lost her earthly mother—a moment that could have filled her heart with despair. Instead, she ran to Mary, the Mother of God, and chose her as her own mother. This act of trust became the foundation of her sanctity.
From that day forward, Mary became her refuge, her guide, and her strength. Catherine transformed grief into holiness, seeking no comfort in worldly things but in God alone. She teaches us to offer our sorrows to Jesus with patience and confidence.
As we pray today, let us ask St. Catherine to help us never allow pain or loss to lead us away from God. Let us also ask her to help us seek Mary's intercession daily and remain faithful to Christ.
St. Catherine's example shows us that even in our darkest moments, we can turn to Mary and find comfort, guidance, and strength. Through her intercession, may we learn to trust in God's providence in all circumstances.
How to Make an Excellent Novena
Trust in St. Catherine
Trust completely in St. Catherine's intercession and her ability to help you. Turn to her with confidence in every need, especially for devotion to Mary.
Be Persistent
Pray this novena with persistence and faith. St. Catherine will not fail to help those who turn to her with trust.
Be Specific
Present your specific needs and intentions to St. Catherine. She wants to help you with the particular difficulties you face.
Be Grateful
Thank St. Catherine for her help and intercession. Gratitude opens our hearts to receive more graces.
Closing Prayer
St. Catherine Laboure, help us to never allow pain or loss to lead us away from God. Teach us to seek Mary's intercession daily and remain faithful to Christ. Transform our grief into holiness and help us to offer our sorrows to Jesus with patience and confidence. Present our petitions before God's throne and obtain for us the grace to love Him above all things. Amen.