Light and Devotion: Discover What the Powerful Novena to Our Lady of Aparecida Is and How to Pray It

Our Lady of Aparecida: A Symbol of Faith and Hope for Brazil

Our Lady of Conceição Aparecida is the Patroness of Brazil, a beacon of faith and hope for millions of Brazilians. Her image, found in the waters of the Paraíba do Sul River in 1717, has become one of the greatest symbols of national religiosity and identity. Devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida has grown exponentially over the centuries, and the Novena to Our Lady of Aparecida is one of the most beautiful and effective ways to express this faith, preparing the hearts of the faithful for the celebration of her feast day on October 12th.

What Is the Novena to Our Lady of Aparecida?

A novena is a nine-day period of prayer and devotion, usually in preparation for a liturgical feast or to ask for a special grace. The Novena to Our Lady of Aparecida is, therefore, a time dedicated to Our Lady, in which the faithful meditate on her life, her attributes, and her intercession, seeking to draw closer to Jesus through Mary.

Praying the novena is an act of deep faith and perseverance. It is a nine-day commitment to strengthen your spirituality, reflect on Our Lady's message, and present your intentions and supplications to her, trusting in her powerful intercession with God.

When to Pray the Novena?

The Novena to Our Lady of Aparecida is most commonly prayed in the nine days leading up to her feast day, that is, from October 3rd to 11th. However, it can be prayed at any time of the year, whenever the faithful feel the desire to approach the Virgin Mary and ask for her intercession for a specific cause.

How to Pray the Novena to Our Lady of Aparecida: A Step-by-Step Guide

The structure of the novena may vary slightly among different prayer books and traditions, but the essential elements remain the same. Here is a basic and complete template for you to pray the Novena to Our Lady of Aparecida:

Preparation for Each Day of the Novena (Optional, but recommended):

• Choose a quiet place.

• Light a candle (if desired).

• Make the Sign of the Cross.

• State your General Intention (e.g., "Lord, through the intercession of Our Lady of Aparecida, I offer this novena for [your intention], for the Church, for my family, for peace in the world...").

Daily Structure of the Novena:

1. Opening Prayer (for all days):

   "O incomparable Lady of Conceição Aparecida, Mother of God, Queen of the Angels, Advocate of sinners, Refuge and Consolation of the afflicted and troubled, Most Holy Virgin, full of power and goodness, cast upon us a favorable look, that we may be aided in all necessities. Remember, O Most Clement Mother Aparecida, that it is not known that any who have recourse to you, invoked your most holy name, and implored your singular protection, have ever been abandoned by you. Encouraged by this confidence, we come to you, we take you forever as our Mother, our protector, our consolation and guide, hope and light at the hour of death. Deliver us from all that may offend you and your Most Holy Son, Jesus. Preserve us from all dangers of soul and body; guide us in all spiritual and temporal matters, so that, through you, Most Holy Mother, we may reach Heaven, to love and enjoy you for all eternity. Amen."

2. Daily Reading and Reflection:

   Each day of the novena has a specific theme that generally addresses aspects of Mary's life, Christian virtues, or the mission of Our Lady of Aparecida. You can use a dedicated Novena to Our Lady of Aparecida prayer book that contains readings and reflections for each of the nine days.

   • After the reading, take a moment of silence and meditation on what was read.

3. Specific Daily Prayer (example, to be adapted from a novena prayer book):

   Here you would pray a prayer related to the day's theme. For example, on the day of humility, a prayer asking for this virtue.

4. Prayer to Our Lady of Aparecida (for all days):

   "O Most Holy Mary, who in your miraculous image of Aparecida spread so many benefits over all of Brazil, I, though unworthy to belong to the number of your children, but desirous of participating in the benefits of your mercy, prostrate at your feet, consecrate to you my understanding, that it may always think of the love you deserve; I consecrate to you my tongue, that it may always praise you and propagate your devotion; I consecrate to you my heart, that, after God, it may love you above all things. Receive me, O incomparable Queen, into the blessed number of your sons and daughters; shelter me under your protection; assist me in all my necessities, spiritual and temporal, and, above all, at the hour of my death. Bless me, O celestial cooperator, and by your powerful intercession, make me worthy to possess and enjoy Jesus, your beloved Son, forever. Amen."

5. Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be:

   • Pray 1 Our Father.

   • Pray 3 Hail Marys.

   • Pray 1 Glory Be to the Father.

6. Consecration to Our Lady of Aparecida (for all days, or as a Closing Prayer):

   "O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of God and our Mother, in contemplating you in your miraculous image, we recognize in you the tenderness and love of Jesus. Today, in your presence and trusting in your intercession, we dedicate ourselves entirely to your Son and to you. May your powerful hand guide and protect us in all moments of our lives. May your maternal gaze always be upon us, guiding us on the path of faith, hope, and charity. May our family, our homeland, and the entire Church be blessed and guarded by your love. Grant us the grace to love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen."

7. Sign of the Cross.

Tips for Praying the Novena with Fervor

• Perseverance: Try to pray the novena every day at the same time.

• Devotion: Pray with faith and sincerity, meditating on the words and their meaning.

• Clear Intention: Keep your specific intention for the novena in mind.

• Confidence: Trust in the intercession of Our Lady.

• Novena Book: Acquire a novena prayer book. They are easily found in Catholic bookstores and often contain the daily reflections and specific prayers.

Praying the Novena to Our Lady of Aparecida is an opportunity to renew your faith, ask for graces, and feel the maternal love of the Patroness of Brazil. May this practice strengthen your spiritual life and bring you ever closer to Jesus.

Deepen Your Devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida!

Do you feel inspired to connect even more with the Mother of God? To accompany your novena and have the presence of Our Lady in your daily life, a rosary or a beautiful image of Our Lady of Aparecida are perfect companions.

Click here to check out a beautiful image of Our Lady of Aparecida on Amazon and strengthen your faith!