Upcoming Christmas Novena

I hope that all are preparing to celebrate the Christmas Novena. There are any number of Christmas novenas out there. Perhaps the best of them draw from the "O" Antiphons, which became the basis for the Hymn "O Come, O Come Emannuel".

One may simply sing or say these antiphons if one so chooses, perhaps followed by an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. Perhaps another choice would be to pray Vespers from the Liturgy of the Hours, which incorporates the original seven "O" Antiphons. Perhaps, you may wish to sing the original Latin antiphons before the Magnificat of each day.

I hope that all is well with all of you. I hope we all prepare the way for the Lord as the Season of Advent begins to ramp up toward the Solemnity of the Nativity.

Day 9: Immaculate Conception Novena

And thus we round out our preparation for the Immaculate Conception Novena. I hope that this time of preparation has been fruitful for all of you. Please feel free to leave any comments about the novena. And off we go with the prayers:

HYMN

Immaculate Mary, thy praises we sing;
Who reignest in splendor with Jesus our King.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

In heaven, the blessed thy glory proclaim;
On earth we, thy children, invoke thy fair name.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for God's glory; may His kingdom come;
We pray for His vicar, our father, and Rome.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth,
And bless, dearest Lady, the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

READING

Dec. 7 (Lk. 1:26-38)

Lec. From the holy gospel according to Luke.

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

V. Lord our God,
who fulfilled the purpose of the Immaculate Conception
in the Annunciation to our Lady,
deign to give us gratitude
for her cooperation with your grace,
which bore the fruit of the Life for the world,
through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

LITANY OF LORETO

Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy

God our Father in heaven have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God have mercy on us

Holy Mary pray for us
Holy Mother of God pray for us
Most honored of virgins pray for us
Mother of Christ pray for us
Mother of the Church pray for us
Mother of divine grace pray for us
Mother most pure pray for us
Mother of chaste love pray for us
Mother and Virgin pray for us
Sinless Mother pray for us
Dearest of Mothers pray for us
Model of motherhood pray for us
Mother of good counsel pray for us
Mother of our Creator pray for us
Mother of our Savior pray for us
Virgin most wise pray for us
Virgin rightly praised pray for us
Virgin rightly renowned pray for us
Virgin most powerful pray for us
Virgin gentle in mercy pray for us
Faithful Virgin pray for us
Mirror of justice pray for us
Throne of wisdom pray for us
Cause of our joy pray for us
Shrine of the Spirit pray for us
Glory of Israel pray for us
Vessel of selfless devotion pray for us
Mystical Rose pray for us
Tower of David pray for us
Tower of ivory pray for us
House of gold pray for us
Ark of the covenant pray for us
Gate of heaven pray for us
Morning Star pray for us
Health of the sick pray for us
Refuge of sinners pray for us
Comfort of the troubled pray for us
Help of Christians pray for us
Queen of angels pray for us
Queen of patriarchs and prophets pray for us
Queen of apostles and martyrs pray for us
Queen of confessors and virgins pray for us
Queen of all saints pray for us
Queen conceived without sin pray for us
Queen assumed into heaven pray for us
Queen of the rosary pray for us
Queen of families pray for us
Queen of peace pray for us

Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
V. Pray for us, Holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Eternal God, let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body. Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary free us from the sorrows of this life and lead us to happiness in the life to come. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER

V: In your conception, O Virgin Mary, you were immaculate.
R: Pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, after He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, you brought forth into the world.
V: To you, O Virgin Mary, who were never touched by any spot of original sin or actual sin.
R: I commend and entrust the purity of my heart.
V: O Mary, you entered the world without stain.
R: Obtain from God that I may leave it without sin.
V: O Mary, conceived without sin.
R: Pray for us who have recourse to you.
Let us Pray. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin made ready a fitting dwelling for your Son, we beseech you, who kept her unspotted from all stain, by the foreseen precious death of your same Son, grant to us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain union with you. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
All: Blessed by the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

HYMN

Hail Holy Queen enthron'd above, O Maria
Hail Mother of Mercy and of love O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Our life our sweetness here below O Maria
Our hope in sorrow and in woe O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

We honour you for Christ, your Son, O Maria!
Who has for us redemption won, O Maria!

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Day 8 Immaculate Conception Novena

Happy Second Sunday of Advent, everybody! We are now also on our second to last day of the Immaculate Conception Novena. I hope that these prayers have been fruitful for you.

HYMN

Immaculate Mary, thy praises we sing;
Who reignest in splendor with Jesus our King.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

In heaven, the blessed thy glory proclaim;
On earth we, thy children, invoke thy fair name.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for God's glory; may His kingdom come;
We pray for His vicar, our father, and Rome.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth,
And bless, dearest Lady, the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

READING

Dec. 6 (Mi. 5:1-4a)
Lec. From the book of the prophet Micah.

But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. (Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, And the rest of his brethren shall return to the children of Israel.) He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD, his God; And they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace.

V. God almighty,
who preserved the Virgin Mary
from the stain of Original Sin,
preparing a suitable place for your Son to dwell,
grant, we beg, that we may see his greatness
and know his peace,
through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
LITANY OF LORETO

Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy

God our Father in heaven have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God have mercy on us

Holy Mary pray for us
Holy Mother of God pray for us
Most honored of virgins pray for us
Mother of Christ pray for us
Mother of the Church pray for us
Mother of divine grace pray for us
Mother most pure pray for us
Mother of chaste love pray for us
Mother and Virgin pray for us
Sinless Mother pray for us
Dearest of Mothers pray for us
Model of motherhood pray for us
Mother of good counsel pray for us
Mother of our Creator pray for us
Mother of our Savior pray for us
Virgin most wise pray for us
Virgin rightly praised pray for us
Virgin rightly renowned pray for us
Virgin most powerful pray for us
Virgin gentle in mercy pray for us
Faithful Virgin pray for us
Mirror of justice pray for us
Throne of wisdom pray for us
Cause of our joy pray for us
Shrine of the Spirit pray for us
Glory of Israel pray for us
Vessel of selfless devotion pray for us
Mystical Rose pray for us
Tower of David pray for us
Tower of ivory pray for us
House of gold pray for us
Ark of the covenant pray for us
Gate of heaven pray for us
Morning Star pray for us
Health of the sick pray for us
Refuge of sinners pray for us
Comfort of the troubled pray for us
Help of Christians pray for us
Queen of angels pray for us
Queen of patriarchs and prophets pray for us
Queen of apostles and martyrs pray for us
Queen of confessors and virgins pray for us
Queen of all saints pray for us
Queen conceived without sin pray for us
Queen assumed into heaven pray for us
Queen of the rosary pray for us
Queen of families pray for us
Queen of peace pray for us

Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
V. Pray for us, Holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Eternal God, let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body. Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary free us from the sorrows of this life and lead us to happiness in the life to come. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER

V: In your conception, O Virgin Mary, you were immaculate.
R: Pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, after He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, you brought forth into the world.
V: To you, O Virgin Mary, who were never touched by any spot of original sin or actual sin.
R: I commend and entrust the purity of my heart.
V: O Mary, you entered the world without stain.
R: Obtain from God that I may leave it without sin.
V: O Mary, conceived without sin.
R: Pray for us who have recourse to you.
Let us Pray. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin made ready a fitting dwelling for your Son, we beseech you, who kept her unspotted from all stain, by the foreseen precious death of your same Son, grant to us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain union with you. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
All: Blessed by the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

HYMN

Hail Holy Queen enthron'd above, O Maria
Hail Mother of Mercy and of love O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Our life our sweetness here below O Maria
Our hope in sorrow and in woe O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

We honour you for Christ, your Son, O Maria!
Who has for us redemption won, O Maria!

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Day 7: Immaculate Conception Novena

We are now down to the last third of the Immaculate Conception Novena. I hope everyone is having a blessed Advent. The prayers follow:

HYMN

Immaculate Mary, thy praises we sing;
Who reignest in splendor with Jesus our King.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

In heaven, the blessed thy glory proclaim;
On earth we, thy children, invoke thy fair name.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for God's glory; may His kingdom come;
We pray for His vicar, our father, and Rome.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth,
And bless, dearest Lady, the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

READING

Dec. 5 (Is. 7:10-16)

Lec. From the book of the prophet Isaiah.

Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, "I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!" Then he said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall be living on curds and honey by the time he learns to reject the bad and choose the good. For before the child learns to reject the bad and choose the good, the land of those two kings whom you dread shall be deserted.

V. O God,
who espoused the inviolate Virgin,
whom you had preserved from sin
from the moment of her Conception,
deign to lead us who honor her Immaculate Conception
to join you at the wedding feast of heaven,
through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

LITANY OF LORETO

Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy

God our Father in heaven have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God have mercy on us

Holy Mary pray for us
Holy Mother of God pray for us
Most honored of virgins pray for us
Mother of Christ pray for us
Mother of the Church pray for us
Mother of divine grace pray for us
Mother most pure pray for us
Mother of chaste love pray for us
Mother and Virgin pray for us
Sinless Mother pray for us
Dearest of Mothers pray for us
Model of motherhood pray for us
Mother of good counsel pray for us
Mother of our Creator pray for us
Mother of our Savior pray for us
Virgin most wise pray for us
Virgin rightly praised pray for us
Virgin rightly renowned pray for us
Virgin most powerful pray for us
Virgin gentle in mercy pray for us
Faithful Virgin pray for us
Mirror of justice pray for us
Throne of wisdom pray for us
Cause of our joy pray for us
Shrine of the Spirit pray for us
Glory of Israel pray for us
Vessel of selfless devotion pray for us
Mystical Rose pray for us
Tower of David pray for us
Tower of ivory pray for us
House of gold pray for us
Ark of the covenant pray for us
Gate of heaven pray for us
Morning Star pray for us
Health of the sick pray for us
Refuge of sinners pray for us
Comfort of the troubled pray for us
Help of Christians pray for us
Queen of angels pray for us
Queen of patriarchs and prophets pray for us
Queen of apostles and martyrs pray for us
Queen of confessors and virgins pray for us
Queen of all saints pray for us
Queen conceived without sin pray for us
Queen assumed into heaven pray for us
Queen of the rosary pray for us
Queen of families pray for us
Queen of peace pray for us

Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
V. Pray for us, Holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Eternal God, let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body. Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary free us from the sorrows of this life and lead us to happiness in the life to come. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER

V: In your conception, O Virgin Mary, you were immaculate.
R: Pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, after He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, you brought forth into the world.
V: To you, O Virgin Mary, who were never touched by any spot of original sin or actual sin.
R: I commend and entrust the purity of my heart.
V: O Mary, you entered the world without stain.
R: Obtain from God that I may leave it without sin.
V: O Mary, conceived without sin.
R: Pray for us who have recourse to you.
Let us Pray. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin made ready a fitting dwelling for your Son, we beseech you, who kept her unspotted from all stain, by the foreseen precious death of your same Son, grant to us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain union with you. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
All: Blessed by the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

HYMN

Hail Holy Queen enthron'd above, O Maria
Hail Mother of Mercy and of love O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Our life our sweetness here below O Maria
Our hope in sorrow and in woe O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

We honour you for Christ, your Son, O Maria!
Who has for us redemption won, O Maria!

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

The Upcoming Christmas Novena

I feel a little stupid looking over the antiphons for the Magnificat for the Liturgy of the Hours during Dec. 17-23. As it turns out, they already have the "O" antiphons. I don't know why I never realized this.

If doing the novena according to the specifications of the Directory of Popular Piety, there may be a problem for me putting it on this site. For one thing, it would be using the text of Vespers (Evening Prayer) from the Liturgy of the Hours.

The full text of what the Directory says on this novena are as follows:

103. The Christmas novena began as a means of communicating the riches of the Liturgy to the faithful who were unable easily to grasp it. It has played a very effective role and can continue to play such a role. At the same time, in current conditions where the faithful have easier access to the Liturgy, it would seem desirable that vespers from the 17-23 of December should be more solemn by adopting the use of the "major antiphons", and by inviting the faithful to participate at the celebration. Such a celebration, held either before of after which the popular devotions to which the faithful are particularly attached, would be an ideal "Christmas novena", in full conformity with the Liturgy and mindful of the needs of the faithful. Some elements, such as the homily, the use of incense, and the intercessions, could also be expanded within the celebration of Vespers.

Therefore, since I don't have permission from ICEL, it might be best to only do a traditional Christmas Novena. This would consist of the "O"Antiphon for the day, followed by one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be, from December 16-24. I also hope to add an original hymn for Las Posadas during this same period. A description of this devotion will be given later.

Day 6: Immaculate Conception Novena

Off we go to Day 6. I hope that everyone is having a blessed a fruitful Advent.

HYMN

Immaculate Mary, thy praises we sing;
Who reignest in splendor with Jesus our King.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

In heaven, the blessed thy glory proclaim;
On earth we, thy children, invoke thy fair name.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for God's glory; may His kingdom come;
We pray for His vicar, our father, and Rome.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth,
And bless, dearest Lady, the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

READING

Dec. 4 (Is. 61:9-11)
Lec. From the book of the prophet Isaiah

Their descendants shall be renowned among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; All who see them shall acknowledge them as a race the LORD has blessed. I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, So will the Lord GOD make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.

V. All-loving God,
who robed the Virgin with the salvation of Christ
from the moment of her Conception,
grant to us, entrusted to her by Christ,
the grace to honor you
by commending her Holy and Immaculate Conception
through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

LITANY OF LORETO

Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy

God our Father in heaven have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God have mercy on us

Holy Mary pray for us
Holy Mother of God pray for us
Most honored of virgins pray for us
Mother of Christ pray for us
Mother of the Church pray for us
Mother of divine grace pray for us
Mother most pure pray for us
Mother of chaste love pray for us
Mother and Virgin pray for us
Sinless Mother pray for us
Dearest of Mothers pray for us
Model of motherhood pray for us
Mother of good counsel pray for us
Mother of our Creator pray for us
Mother of our Savior pray for us
Virgin most wise pray for us
Virgin rightly praised pray for us
Virgin rightly renowned pray for us
Virgin most powerful pray for us
Virgin gentle in mercy pray for us
Faithful Virgin pray for us
Mirror of justice pray for us
Throne of wisdom pray for us
Cause of our joy pray for us
Shrine of the Spirit pray for us
Glory of Israel pray for us
Vessel of selfless devotion pray for us
Mystical Rose pray for us
Tower of David pray for us
Tower of ivory pray for us
House of gold pray for us
Ark of the covenant pray for us
Gate of heaven pray for us
Morning Star pray for us
Health of the sick pray for us
Refuge of sinners pray for us
Comfort of the troubled pray for us
Help of Christians pray for us
Queen of angels pray for us
Queen of patriarchs and prophets pray for us
Queen of apostles and martyrs pray for us
Queen of confessors and virgins pray for us
Queen of all saints pray for us
Queen conceived without sin pray for us
Queen assumed into heaven pray for us
Queen of the rosary pray for us
Queen of families pray for us
Queen of peace pray for us

Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
V. Pray for us, Holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Eternal God, let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body. Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary free us from the sorrows of this life and lead us to happiness in the life to come. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER

V: In your conception, O Virgin Mary, you were immaculate.
R: Pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, after He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, you brought forth into the world.
V: To you, O Virgin Mary, who were never touched by any spot of original sin or actual sin.
R: I commend and entrust the purity of my heart.
V: O Mary, you entered the world without stain.
R: Obtain from God that I may leave it without sin.
V: O Mary, conceived without sin.
R: Pray for us who have recourse to you.
Let us Pray. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin made ready a fitting dwelling for your Son, we beseech you, who kept her unspotted from all stain, by the foreseen precious death of your same Son, grant to us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain union with you. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
All: Blessed by the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

HYMN

Hail Holy Queen enthron'd above, O Maria
Hail Mother of Mercy and of love O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Our life our sweetness here below O Maria
Our hope in sorrow and in woe O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

We honour you for Christ, your Son, O Maria!
Who has for us redemption won, O Maria!

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Progress Continues . . .

Owing to the Thanksgiving Holiday, I have not spent as much time on the Prayerbook Project as I would have hoped. I knew that to start the Advent Season that I would want to post the prayers for the Immaculate Conception Novena. All of the blogposts are already written, but I thought that it might be more fun for all of you who read this to introduce the prayers day by day.

I have thought about posting a Christmas Novena as well. It is still very much under construction, but it can certainly be issued soon. The difficulty is the Directory of Popular Piety requested that this particular Novena be an expansion of the prayer of Vespers (adding in the "O" Antiphons, expanding the intercessions, using incense). In theory this sounds easy, but one would need to account for all the possible psalms that could fall on all the possible days. Such would be difficult in the prayer book iteslf, but might be handled in an annual booklet.

The solution from A Prayer Book of Catholic Devotions was simply create something perhaps inspired by Vespers. It starts with a hymn, omits any psalms, then proceeds with a reading, the O Antiphon, Magnificat, Litany of Loreto, and concluding prayer. I understand the temptation to do something of the sort, but I don't think that it would suffice. Of course, there is simply praying (reciting or singing) the O Antiphons, followed by the one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be. While I will certainly include this option, especially for families, it seems to me that there should be something more substantial for parishes.

I don't yet know how to solve this problem. I will, however, have to find an answer soon. Stay tuned!

Day 5: Immaculate Conception Novena

And thus we move on. I hope everyone is having a blessed Advent.

HYMN

Immaculate Mary, thy praises we sing;
Who reignest in splendor with Jesus our King.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

In heaven, the blessed thy glory proclaim;
On earth we, thy children, invoke thy fair name.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for God's glory; may His kingdom come;
We pray for His vicar, our father, and Rome.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth,
And bless, dearest Lady, the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

READING

Dec. 3 (1 Chr. 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2)
Lec. From the first book of Chronicles.

Then David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring the ark of the LORD to the place which he had prepared for it. David also called together the sons of Aaron and the Levites. The Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders with poles, as Moses had ordained according to the word of the LORD. David commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brethren as chanters, to play on musical instruments, harps, lyres, and cymbals, to make a loud sound of rejoicing. They brought in the ark of God and set it within the tent which David had pitched for it. Then they offered up holocausts and peace offerings to God. When David had finished offering up the holocausts and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

V. God our Father,
as the people of Israel welcomed the ark
into the Holy City of Jerusalem,
grant us the courage to welcome
the ark of the New Covenant into our hearts
through whom Jesus our Salvation has come,
through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

LITANY OF LORETO

Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy

God our Father in heaven have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God have mercy on us

Holy Mary pray for us
Holy Mother of God pray for us
Most honored of virgins pray for us
Mother of Christ pray for us
Mother of the Church pray for us
Mother of divine grace pray for us
Mother most pure pray for us
Mother of chaste love pray for us
Mother and Virgin pray for us
Sinless Mother pray for us
Dearest of Mothers pray for us
Model of motherhood pray for us
Mother of good counsel pray for us
Mother of our Creator pray for us
Mother of our Savior pray for us
Virgin most wise pray for us
Virgin rightly praised pray for us
Virgin rightly renowned pray for us
Virgin most powerful pray for us
Virgin gentle in mercy pray for us
Faithful Virgin pray for us
Mirror of justice pray for us
Throne of wisdom pray for us
Cause of our joy pray for us
Shrine of the Spirit pray for us
Glory of Israel pray for us
Vessel of selfless devotion pray for us
Mystical Rose pray for us
Tower of David pray for us
Tower of ivory pray for us
House of gold pray for us
Ark of the covenant pray for us
Gate of heaven pray for us
Morning Star pray for us
Health of the sick pray for us
Refuge of sinners pray for us
Comfort of the troubled pray for us
Help of Christians pray for us
Queen of angels pray for us
Queen of patriarchs and prophets pray for us
Queen of apostles and martyrs pray for us
Queen of confessors and virgins pray for us
Queen of all saints pray for us
Queen conceived without sin pray for us
Queen assumed into heaven pray for us
Queen of the rosary pray for us
Queen of families pray for us
Queen of peace pray for us

Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
V. Pray for us, Holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Eternal God, let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body. Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary free us from the sorrows of this life and lead us to happiness in the life to come. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER

V: In your conception, O Virgin Mary, you were immaculate.
R: Pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, after He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, you brought forth into the world.
V: To you, O Virgin Mary, who were never touched by any spot of original sin or actual sin.
R: I commend and entrust the purity of my heart.
V: O Mary, you entered the world without stain.
R: Obtain from God that I may leave it without sin.
V: O Mary, conceived without sin.
R: Pray for us who have recourse to you.
Let us Pray. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin made ready a fitting dwelling for your Son, we beseech you, who kept her unspotted from all stain, by the foreseen precious death of your same Son, grant to us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain union with you. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
All: Blessed by the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

HYMN

Hail Holy Queen enthron'd above, O Maria
Hail Mother of Mercy and of love O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Our life our sweetness here below O Maria
Our hope in sorrow and in woe O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

We honour you for Christ, your Son, O Maria!
Who has for us redemption won, O Maria!

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Day 4: Immaculate Conception Novena

We now move on to the fourth day of the Immaculate Conception Novena. As with all things in Advent, the time quickly approaches. Even if you have not followed the previous days, feel free to pray these novena prayers. Also, feel free to leave suggestions as to how they may be improved, in light of how the novena might be celebrated in your family or parish. I would recommend singing the two hymns, as well as the Litany (sung like the Litany of Saints). And now for the prayer itself:

HYMN

Immaculate Mary, thy praises we sing;
Who reignest in splendor with Jesus our King.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

In heaven, the blessed thy glory proclaim;
On earth we, thy children, invoke thy fair name.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for God's glory; may His kingdom come;
We pray for His vicar, our father, and Rome.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth,
And bless, dearest Lady, the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

READING

Dec. 2 (Ex. 25:10-16)

Lec. From the book of Exodus.

"You shall make an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. Plate it inside and outside with pure gold, and put a molding of gold around the top of it. Cast four gold rings and fasten them on the four supports of the ark, two rings on one side and two on the opposite side. Then make poles of acacia wood and plate them with gold. These poles you are to put through the rings on the sides of the ark, for carrying it; they must remain in the rings of the ark and never be withdrawn. In the ark you are to put the commandments which I will give you.”

V. Lord God,
who ordered that the Ark of the Covenant
be made of immaculate wood,
prefiguring the Immaculate dwelling of our Lord,
grant that our hearts be renewed
to provide a fitting dwelling for your Spirit,
through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

LITANY OF LORETO

Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy

God our Father in heaven have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God have mercy on us

Holy Mary pray for us
Holy Mother of God pray for us
Most honored of virgins pray for us
Mother of Christ pray for us
Mother of the Church pray for us
Mother of divine grace pray for us
Mother most pure pray for us
Mother of chaste love pray for us
Mother and Virgin pray for us
Sinless Mother pray for us
Dearest of Mothers pray for us
Model of motherhood pray for us
Mother of good counsel pray for us
Mother of our Creator pray for us
Mother of our Savior pray for us
Virgin most wise pray for us
Virgin rightly praised pray for us
Virgin rightly renowned pray for us
Virgin most powerful pray for us
Virgin gentle in mercy pray for us
Faithful Virgin pray for us
Mirror of justice pray for us
Throne of wisdom pray for us
Cause of our joy pray for us
Shrine of the Spirit pray for us
Glory of Israel pray for us
Vessel of selfless devotion pray for us
Mystical Rose pray for us
Tower of David pray for us
Tower of ivory pray for us
House of gold pray for us
Ark of the covenant pray for us
Gate of heaven pray for us
Morning Star pray for us
Health of the sick pray for us
Refuge of sinners pray for us
Comfort of the troubled pray for us
Help of Christians pray for us
Queen of angels pray for us
Queen of patriarchs and prophets pray for us
Queen of apostles and martyrs pray for us
Queen of confessors and virgins pray for us
Queen of all saints pray for us
Queen conceived without sin pray for us
Queen assumed into heaven pray for us
Queen of the rosary pray for us
Queen of families pray for us
Queen of peace pray for us

Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
V. Pray for us, Holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Eternal God, let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body. Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary free us from the sorrows of this life and lead us to happiness in the life to come. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER

V: In your conception, O Virgin Mary, you were immaculate.
R: Pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, after He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, you brought forth into the world.
V: To you, O Virgin Mary, who were never touched by any spot of original sin or actual sin.
R: I commend and entrust the purity of my heart.
V: O Mary, you entered the world without stain.
R: Obtain from God that I may leave it without sin.
V: O Mary, conceived without sin.
R: Pray for us who have recourse to you.
Let us Pray. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin made ready a fitting dwelling for your Son, we beseech you, who kept her unspotted from all stain, by the foreseen precious death of your same Son, grant to us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain union with you. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
All: Blessed by the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

HYMN

Hail Holy Queen enthron'd above, O Maria
Hail Mother of Mercy and of love O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Our life our sweetness here below O Maria
Our hope in sorrow and in woe O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

We honour you for Christ, your Son, O Maria!
Who has for us redemption won, O Maria!

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Day 3: Immaculate Conception Novena

We are now on Day 3 of Advent, as well as Day 3 of the Immaculate Conception Novena. If you have any comments on how this devotion may be improved, please feel free to comment. Also, please pray this devotion. Even if you have not held the last two days, there's no shame in preparing for this great feast for the rest of the week! May Our Lady guide us toward Christ.

HYMN

Immaculate Mary, thy praises we sing;
Who reignest in splendor with Jesus our King.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

In heaven, the blessed thy glory proclaim;
On earth we, thy children, invoke thy fair name.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for God's glory; may His kingdom come;
We pray for His vicar, our father, and Rome.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth,
And bless, dearest Lady, the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

READING

Dec. 1 (Sngs. 4:6-8)

Lec. From the Song of Songs.

Until the day breathes cool and the shadows lengthen,
I will go to the mountain of myrrh,
to the hill of incense. You are all-beautiful, my beloved,
and there is no blemish in you. Come from Lebanon, my bride,
come from Lebanon, come!
Descend from the top of Amana,
from the top of Senir and Hermon,
From the haunts of lions,
from the leopards' mountains.

V. O God,
who made the Virgin without blemish,
that she might in turn be espoused to the Holy Spirit,
grant, we ask, that our endeavor to give you honor
for the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin
will bear much fruit
through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

LITANY OF LORETO

Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy

God our Father in heaven have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God have mercy on us

Holy Mary pray for us
Holy Mother of God pray for us
Most honored of virgins pray for us
Mother of Christ pray for us
Mother of the Church pray for us
Mother of divine grace pray for us
Mother most pure pray for us
Mother of chaste love pray for us
Mother and Virgin pray for us
Sinless Mother pray for us
Dearest of Mothers pray for us
Model of motherhood pray for us
Mother of good counsel pray for us
Mother of our Creator pray for us
Mother of our Savior pray for us
Virgin most wise pray for us
Virgin rightly praised pray for us
Virgin rightly renowned pray for us
Virgin most powerful pray for us
Virgin gentle in mercy pray for us
Faithful Virgin pray for us
Mirror of justice pray for us
Throne of wisdom pray for us
Cause of our joy pray for us
Shrine of the Spirit pray for us
Glory of Israel pray for us
Vessel of selfless devotion pray for us
Mystical Rose pray for us
Tower of David pray for us
Tower of ivory pray for us
House of gold pray for us
Ark of the covenant pray for us
Gate of heaven pray for us
Morning Star pray for us
Health of the sick pray for us
Refuge of sinners pray for us
Comfort of the troubled pray for us
Help of Christians pray for us
Queen of angels pray for us
Queen of patriarchs and prophets pray for us
Queen of apostles and martyrs pray for us
Queen of confessors and virgins pray for us
Queen of all saints pray for us
Queen conceived without sin pray for us
Queen assumed into heaven pray for us
Queen of the rosary pray for us
Queen of families pray for us
Queen of peace pray for us

Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
V. Pray for us, Holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Eternal God, let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body. Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary free us from the sorrows of this life and lead us to happiness in the life to come. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER

V: In your conception, O Virgin Mary, you were immaculate.
R: Pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, after He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, you brought forth into the world.
V: To you, O Virgin Mary, who were never touched by any spot of original sin or actual sin.
R: I commend and entrust the purity of my heart.
V: O Mary, you entered the world without stain.
R: Obtain from God that I may leave it without sin.
V: O Mary, conceived without sin.
R: Pray for us who have recourse to you.
Let us Pray. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin made ready a fitting dwelling for your Son, we beseech you, who kept her unspotted from all stain, by the foreseen precious death of your same Son, grant to us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain union with you. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
All: Blessed by the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

HYMN

Hail Holy Queen enthron'd above, O Maria
Hail Mother of Mercy and of love O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Our life our sweetness here below O Maria
Our hope in sorrow and in woe O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

We honour you for Christ, your Son, O Maria!
Who has for us redemption won, O Maria!

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Day 2: Immaculate Conception Novena

Here is the second installment of the Immaculate Conception Novena, for this, the 30th of November (Feast of St. Andrew).

HYMN

Immaculate Mary, thy praises we sing;
Who reignest in splendor with Jesus our King.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

In heaven, the blessed thy glory proclaim;
On earth we, thy children, invoke thy fair name.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for God's glory; may His kingdom come;
We pray for His vicar, our father, and Rome.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth,
And bless, dearest Lady, the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

READINGS

Nov. 30 (Gen. 28: 10-17)

Lec. From the book of Genesis.

Jacob departed from Beer-sheba and proceeded toward Haran. When he came upon a certain shrine, as the sun had already set, he stopped there for the night. Taking one of the stones at the shrine, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep at that spot. Then he had a dream: a stairway rested on the ground, with its top reaching to the heavens; and God's messengers were going up and down on it. And there was the LORD standing beside him and saying: "I, the LORD, am the God of your forefather Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you are lying I will give to you and your descendants. These shall be as plentiful as the dust of the earth, and through them you shall spread out east and west, north and south. In you and your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing. Know that I am with you; I will protect you wherever you go, and bring you back to this land. I will never leave you until I have done what I promised you." When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he exclaimed, "Truly, the LORD is in this spot, although I did not know it!" In solemn wonder he cried out: "How awesome is this shrine! This is nothing else but an abode of God, and that is the gateway to heaven!"God almighty

V. God almighty,
as all nations have found blessing in Israel
by your providing a dwelling for your Son
in the womb of the Virgin,
deign to give us,
who were born or grafted into tree of Israel
the joy of celebrating
the conception of his first earthly dwelling
through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

LITANY OF LORETO

Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy

God our Father in heaven have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God have mercy on us

Holy Mary pray for us
Holy Mother of God pray for us
Most honored of virgins pray for us
Mother of Christ pray for us
Mother of the Church pray for us
Mother of divine grace pray for us
Mother most pure pray for us
Mother of chaste love pray for us
Mother and Virgin pray for us
Sinless Mother pray for us
Dearest of Mothers pray for us
Model of motherhood pray for us
Mother of good counsel pray for us
Mother of our Creator pray for us
Mother of our Savior pray for us
Virgin most wise pray for us
Virgin rightly praised pray for us
Virgin rightly renowned pray for us
Virgin most powerful pray for us
Virgin gentle in mercy pray for us
Faithful Virgin pray for us
Mirror of justice pray for us
Throne of wisdom pray for us
Cause of our joy pray for us
Shrine of the Spirit pray for us
Glory of Israel pray for us
Vessel of selfless devotion pray for us
Mystical Rose pray for us
Tower of David pray for us
Tower of ivory pray for us
House of gold pray for us
Ark of the covenant pray for us
Gate of heaven pray for us
Morning Star pray for us
Health of the sick pray for us
Refuge of sinners pray for us
Comfort of the troubled pray for us
Help of Christians pray for us
Queen of angels pray for us
Queen of patriarchs and prophets pray for us
Queen of apostles and martyrs pray for us
Queen of confessors and virgins pray for us
Queen of all saints pray for us
Queen conceived without sin pray for us
Queen assumed into heaven pray for us
Queen of the rosary pray for us
Queen of families pray for us
Queen of peace pray for us

Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
V. Pray for us, Holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Eternal God, let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body. Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary free us from the sorrows of this life and lead us to happiness in the life to come. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER

V: In your conception, O Virgin Mary, you were immaculate.
R: Pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, after He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, you brought forth into the world.
V: To you, O Virgin Mary, who were never touched by any spot of original sin or actual sin.
R: I commend and entrust the purity of my heart.
V: O Mary, you entered the world without stain.
R: Obtain from God that I may leave it without sin.
V: O Mary, conceived without sin.
R: Pray for us who have recourse to you.
Let us Pray. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin made ready a fitting dwelling for your Son, we beseech you, who kept her unspotted from all stain, by the foreseen precious death of your same Son, grant to us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain union with you. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
All: Blessed by the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

HYMN

Hail Holy Queen enthron'd above, O Maria
Hail Mother of Mercy and of love O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Our life our sweetness here below O Maria
Our hope in sorrow and in woe O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

We honour you for Christ, your Son, O Maria!
Who has for us redemption won, O Maria!

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Comments for how we might improve this devotion to Our Lady are welcome.

Day 1: Immaculate Conception Novena

As promised, the Immaculate Conception Novena is here. I apologize for the delay. A five hour trip from Atlanta to Tallahassee took about eight hours (not to mention leaving a day late). Anyway, here it is:

HYMN

Immaculate Mary, thy praises we sing;
Who reignest in splendor with Jesus our King.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

In heaven, the blessed thy glory proclaim;
On earth we, thy children, invoke thy fair name.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for God's glory; may His kingdom come;
We pray for His vicar, our father, and Rome.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

We pray for our Mother, the Church upon earth,
And bless, dearest Lady, the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave, Maria! Ave, ave, Maria!

READINGS

Nov. 29 (Gen. 3:6-15) Lec. From the book of Genesis. The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. When they heard the sound of the LORD God moving about in the garden at the breezy time of the day, the man and his wife hid themselves from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. The LORD God then called to the man and asked him, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself." Then he asked, "Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!" The man replied, "The woman whom you put here with me--she gave me fruit from the tree, so I ate it." The LORD God then asked the woman, "Why did you do such a thing?" The woman answered, "The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it." Then the LORD God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; On your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel."

V. Lord God,
just as you did not abandon us
when our First Parents rejected you
but foreshadowed our redemption
brought by the New Adam, born of the New Eve,
who would strike down the serpent and the sting of death
grant, we beg, the perseverance
to give due honor
as we prepare for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception,
through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

LITANY OF LORETO

Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy
God our Father in heaven have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God have mercy on us
Holy Mary pray for us
Holy Mother of God pray for us
Most honored of virgins pray for us
Mother of Christ pray for us
Mother of the Church pray for us
Mother of divine grace pray for us
Mother most pure pray for us
Mother of chaste love pray for us
Mother and Virgin pray for us
Sinless Mother pray for us
Dearest of Mothers pray for us
Model of motherhood pray for us
Mother of good counsel pray for us
Mother of our Creator pray for us
Mother of our Savior pray for us
Virgin most wise pray for us
Virgin rightly praised pray for us
Virgin rightly renowned pray for us
Virgin most powerful pray for us
Virgin gentle in mercy pray for us
Faithful Virgin pray for us
Mirror of justice pray for us
Throne of wisdom pray for us
Cause of our joy pray for us
Shrine of the Spirit pray for us
Glory of Israel pray for us
Vessel of selfless devotion pray for us
Mystical Rose pray for us
Tower of David pray for us
Tower of ivory pray for us
House of gold pray for us
Ark of the covenant pray for us
Gate of heaven pray for us
Morning Star pray for us
Health of the sick pray for us
Refuge of sinners pray for us
Comfort of the troubled pray for us
Help of Christians pray for us
Queen of angels pray for us
Queen of patriarchs and prophets pray for us
Queen of apostles and martyrs pray for us
Queen of confessors and virgins pray for us
Queen of all saints pray for us
Queen conceived without sin pray for us
Queen assumed into heaven pray for us
Queen of the rosary pray for us
Queen of families pray for us
Queen of peace pray for us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
V. Pray for us, Holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Eternal God, let your people enjoy constant health in mind and body. Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary free us from the sorrows of this life and lead us to happiness in the life to come. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER

V: In your conception, O Virgin Mary, you were immaculate.
R: Pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, after He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, you brought forth into the world.
V: To you, O Virgin Mary, who were never touched by any spot of original sin or actual sin.
R: I commend and entrust the purity of my heart.
V: O Mary, you entered the world without stain.
R: Obtain from God that I may leave it without sin.
V: O Mary, conceived without sin.
R: Pray for us who have recourse to you.
Let us Pray. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin made ready a fitting dwelling for your Son, we beseech you, who kept her unspotted from all stain, by the foreseen precious death of your same Son, grant to us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain union with you. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
All: Blessed by the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

HYMN

Hail Holy Queen enthron'd above, O Maria
Hail Mother of Mercy and of love O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

Our life our sweetness here below O Maria
Our hope in sorrow and in woe O Maria

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

We honour you for Christ, your Son, O Maria!
Who has for us redemption won, O Maria!

Triumph all ye Cherubim
Sing with us ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve Salve Salve Regina

This isn't the best formatting. I hope you find it useful for your prayer. I plan to do better tomorrow.

Prophecies for Immaculate Conception Novena

I have begun arranging a Novena for the Immaculate Conception. While there are several versions of an Immaculate Conception Novena already available, I took to heart the text from the Directory on Popular Piety, n. 102, which states that

"The novena of the Immaculate Conception, wherever it is celebrated, should highlight the prophetical texts which begin with Genesis 3,15, and end in Gabriel's salutation of the one who is "full of grace" (Lk 1, 31-33). (Popular Piety, n. 102)

Clearly, this gives me two of nine texts. I thought that I would be able to use the types given in Pius IX's Ineffabilis Deus, which, in addition to providing the above two texts, also provides some eight others pointing toward the Immaculate Conception. If any of them may appear unsatisfactory, I can always include the "Emmanuel" prophecy.

I thought it also good to base this around a preexisting Immulate Conception Novena prayer. Then, I have added the Litany of Loreto at the beginning as an option to use for the Novena, and a recommendation for a Marian hymn at the end ("Immaculate Mary" or the Magnificat).

I am almost done with the Advent section. I still do not know what to do for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Suggestions are welcome. Meanwhile, I do have some ideas of my own.