Archbishop Eamon is inviting priests and bishops to join with him, after the Angelus on the Feast of the Annunciation on 25 March, in consecrating Ireland and her people to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for protection from the coronavirus.
From Saint Patrick’s Day, in preparation for the Feast, you are invited to pray a daily Novena to help us reflect on God’s Word especially so in the absence of public Mass. The faithful are encouraged to prepare a suitable prayer space with a crucifix, holy picture, or simply a candle. The Rosary can be prayed after the Gospel and before the Novena prayer given for each of the nine days.
Act of Consecration for 25 March
Click here to download the Act of Consecration for use on 25 March.
Daily Novena Prayer and Gospel
Please see below the daily Novena Prayer and the Gospel for today.
Introduction
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“In truth I tell you once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it
will be granted to you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three meet in my
name, I am there among them.” Mt: 18:19-20
The Word was made Flesh in the Womb of the Virgin Mary and she presented to the World the One who is the source of life. We are invited to welcome the word of God in our hearts, as Mary did, so that we can bring to others the life and hope that we ourselves have received.
In these days, beginning on the Evening of St. Patrick’s Day and leading up to the Feast of the Annunciation, we hope that these Novena Prayers may help you to ponder God’s Word, even in the absence of public Mass. If possible, prepare a suitable prayer space with a crucifix, holy picture or even a simple candle. Feel free, if time allows, to add the Rosary after the Gospel and before the Novena prayer given for each day.
As you may be aware, of course, Mass is being broadcast on web-cam or parish radio from many Churches and we encourage you to participate if you can.
As you light the candle pray:
Lord Jesus you came as a light that shines in darkness and a light that darkness cannot overpower (Jn: 1:5) – enlighten our hearts and minds to your presence in our midst.
Act of Penance
For the times when we have failed to love God and to love each other we ask for
God’s forgiveness.
Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy,
Lord have mercy.
We Pray
Jesus, for our salvation You willingly humbled Yourself, becoming Man in the womb
of the Virgin Mother, grant me through the mystery of Your holy Incarnation the
virtue of humility that I may ever please God as Your Mother did, by meekness and
lowliness in this world, and be exalted by You in eternity.
Novena Prayers
Mary, dear Mother of my Saviour, I greet you and I thank you for having received
the message of the Archangel Gabriel: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee”
(Luke I:28) and for having answered with your consent, “Behold the handmaid of
the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38) Intercede for me
that God the Father, who accepted you as His Daughter and the Mother of His Son
because of your humility at the Annunciation, may accept me as His humble child.
Amen
Third Day: Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted
Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean. (Luke I:29). Let us pray:
With the help of our Mother of the Word Incarnate, grant us Your mercy and consolation to lighten the burden and give comfort and strength to all who are suffering now. Dear Lord, we ask Your Blessed Mother to teach us to be compassionate. Help Your children, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to conquer the menace of evil and sin in all its manifestations. Through the intercession of the Our Lady of the Annunciation, we ask You to help us welcome the Word into the world, that we may all experience a rebirth. Through Mary, Your reign has dawned, a reign of compassion and mercy, born from the depths of the Word made flesh. Amen.