November 2012
Novena
Today begins the popular novena of the Immaculate Conception, which last for 9 days until the feast of Mary’s Immaculate Conception on 8 December.
The novena prayer for today opens as follows:
Behold me at thy sacred feet, O Immaculate Virgin. I rejoice with thee, because from all eternity thou wast elected to be the Mother of the Eternal Word, and wast preserved stainless from the taint of original sin.
Complete novena text
Listen
Inviolata is an 11th century hymn of praise for Mary. It is sung here by the Benedictine monks of the abbey of Saint Maurice and Saint Maur of Clervaux.
Inviolate, spotless and pure art thou,
O Mary, who wast made
the radiant gate of the King.
Holy mother of Christ most dear,
receive our devout hymn and praise.
Our hearts and tongues now ask of thee,
that our souls and bodies may be pure.
By thy sweet sounding prayers,
obtain for us forgiveness forever.
O gracious one, O queen, O Mary,
who alone among women art inviolate.
Medal
All who wear the Miraculous Medal around their neck will receive great graces, especially those who wear it with confidence.
- Mary to St Catherine Labouré, 1830
Praise
With concordant mirth inspired,
All our sadness now retired,
Mary let the Church recall,
Heralding her praise to all:
Virgo Maria.
- Concordi Laetitia, 13th century hymn
Mother of God
You are the Queen of heaven, the mistress of the universe; in short, you are the Mother of God. You are great, but your greatness does not prevent, nay, even it inclines you to greater compassion towards us in our miseries.
- St Alphonsus Liguori
