Novena Day 5

 Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help - Day 5

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

ACT OF CONTRITION

My Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, my Father and Redeemer,

Behold at Thy feet, a poor sinner who has so grievously afflicted Thy Loving Heart.

O Lovable Jesus! How could I have offended Thee and filled with bitterness that heart that loves me so and has spared no effort to attain my love?

How great has been my ingratitude! But, O my Savior, be consoled, be consoled; I say to Thee

Now I find myself repentant, such grief I feel for the affliction I have caused Thee, that I would like to die of pure sorrow and contrition.

O my Jesus! Who could make me weep for sin as Thou has wept for it in Thy mortal life!

My soul is oppressed for having offended Thee. 

Eternal Father, in satisfaction for my offenses, I offer Thee the affliction and the sorrow the heart of Thy Divine Son has felt for them.

And thou O Loving Jesus! Give me such a horror for sin that from now on it make me avoid even the most trifling of faults. 

Depart from my heart, earthly affections; I do not want to love anything now but my most bountiful Redeemer.

O my Jesus, help me, strengthen me and pardon me.

My Mother of Perpetual Help, intercede for me and obtain for me the pardon of my sins. Amen!

PREPARATORY PRAYER

O Most Blessed Virgin Mary!

Who to inspire us with boundless confidence has been pleased to take the sweet name of Mother of Perpetual Help.

I implore Thee to come to my aid always and everywhere, in my temptations, after my falls, in my difficulties, in all the miseries of life, and, above all, at the hour of my death.

Give me, O Loving Mother, the desire nay more, the habit always to have recourse to thee; for I feel assured that if I am faithful in invoking thee, Thou wilt be faithful in coming to my assistance.

Obtain for me, then, this grace of graces, the grace to pray to thee without ceasing, and with childlike trust.

That by means of my constant plea, I may ensure Thy Perpetual Help and final perseverance.

Bless me, O tender and solicitous Mother,

Pray for me now and at the hour of my death.

Amen! 

MEDITATION

Link to meditation. . . Recite the Joys

EJACULATORY PRAYER

In all my difficulties and miseries come to my aid, O Mother most kind!

EXERCISE

When some labor is presented, say, O Mother of Perpetual Help! Take this chalice from me or grant me virtue and fortitude to bear it for the love of my God.

PRAYER

O Mother of Perpetual Help! In the same manner as a poor, ragged and wounded one presents himself to a great queen, I present myself to Thee, Who art the Queen of Heaven and earth. From the exalted throne where Thou art seated, I beg Thee, do not disdain to turn Thy merciful eyes toward this unhappy sinner. For that is why God has enriched Thee so much, to help the poor, and He has established Thee, Queen of Mercy, so Thou mayest alleviate the miserable.

Behold me, then, and have mercy on me. I am not unaware that Thy merciful Heart finds consolation in aiding the miserable. Today, then, console Thy pious Heart and console me, too, because Thou hast occasion to assist me. See, O tender Mother, the afflictions of my heart, see the needs of my family. There are so many causes for affliction in my own home and so much persecution on the part of my neighbors. Illness torments my body and interior pains devour my soul. In these afflictions to Whom must I have recourse, O my Lady and Mother, but to Thee Who art Mother of Perpetual Help? Allow me, then, to say with St. Bernard:

"Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help or sought Thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother! To Thee I come, before Thee I kneel, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in Thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen."

RECITE THE MEMORARE

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. . . Amen!