Novena
Novena to the Immaculate Conception
Nine-day novena · begins November 30, concluding December 8
The traditional novena in preparation for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, prayed once a day from November 30 to December 8. The same received prayer, versicles and collect are said on each of the nine days; the subject for meditation changes.
Background
Blessed Pius IX defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in the bull Ineffabilis Deus on 8 December 1854: from the first instant of her conception the Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved free from all stain of original sin, by a singular grace and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ. Four years later, at Lourdes, Our Lady told St. Bernadette, I am the Immaculate Conception. Pius XII recounted this history in the encyclical Fulgens Corona (1953). This is a devotional novena for private or parish use; the day-by-day distinction below lies in the meditation, since the received prayer is the same each day.
Days
Intention
purity of heart and confidence in the intercession of Mary Immaculate
Usually begun
November 30, concluding December 8
Structure
nine_days
Duration
9 days