
A novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the healing of addictions
After each day’s reflection, pray the Novena Prayer (see bottom)
Day 1: The Annunciation
Mary, you were troubled and confused when the angel Gabriel proposed God’s plan to you, but you knew that whatever lay ahead, the trials would be nothing compared to the joys of living God’s will. With your “Yes,” you started a kind of novena yourself – a nine-month preparation to meet Jesus. Please walk with us and those we carry in our hearts over these nine days of prayer. Show us how to say “Yes” to whatever God wants to do in our lives.
(Novena Prayer)
Day 2: The Visitation
Mary, your unexpected pregnancy brought all sorts of difficulties: the societal danger of being with child before marriage and the whispers of relatives, friends and neighbours, in addition to the physical toll of the first trimester. But in the midst of all this you forgot about your own needs and went straight to the home of Elizabeth. Help me to overcome myself by opening my eyes to the needs of those around me, and to carry Jesus within me like you did, so that everyone who encounters me encounters Him.
(Novena Prayer)
Day 3: The Birth of Jesus
Mary, in that stable far from home, nothing felt right… until the moment when you came face to face with the Love of your life. When you held Jesus in your arms, there was nowhere else in the world you would rather have been. Love transforms everything! Please bring Jesus into each area of our lives that needs His healing touch, and lead us to interior freedom no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.
(Novena Prayer)
Day 4: The Flight into Egypt
Mary, even after the incredible joy of Jesus’ birth, God’s will for your family was full of difficult twists and turns. You had to escape to Egypt, always remembered by your people as the dreaded place of enslavement. But in God’s time, he brought your Holy Family home again. You feel the pain of everyone who lives in exile in the Egypt of addiction. You know how much they desire to be free. Please be the guiding star that leads them home.
(Novena Prayer)
Day 5: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Mary, it must have been such an agony not to know where your Son was for three long days. Maybe you blamed yourself for not paying more attention. After one whole day and then another passed without any sign of Jesus, you had to fight off terrifying thoughts of what might have happened and you chose to hope in God’s goodness. Your motherly heart is anxious to bring us safely home too. Come and find us wherever we’ve wandered, and help us to watch and pray with determination and trust like yours for those who need your healing touch.
(Novena Prayer)
Day 6: The Wedding Feast at Cana
Mary, many of the guests at this wedding banquet would have looked into their empty goblets and announced, “I have no wine.” But you, as always, were more focused on the needs of others than your own. You felt the humiliation this shortage would cause the young couple, and you trusted Jesus to transform the situation, even before the appointed time. This gives us the courage to make a bold request: Please ask Jesus to break the addictions of all those we’re praying for even sooner than he plans to. His heart is always moved by your trust in him.
(Novena Prayer)
Day 7: The Agony in the Garden
Mary, as Jesus began to feel the agony of his Passion, maybe you knew in your heart that something was wrong and you started to pray. Maybe it was at your prayer that an angel was sent to comfort and strengthen him. We can often sense when something isn’t right with someone we love. Help us to be observant and available to support those in difficult situations, and send your angels to strengthen us in the battles we face.
(Novena Prayer)
Day 8: The Road to Calvary
Mary, you watched and prayed as your Son struggled with fading strength to carry his cross. Over and over his desire to carry it was frustrated by the weakness of his human body and he fell. Every time this happened, the soldiers tried to motivate Jesus with their whips, instead bringing him closer to death. Finally a moment of relief was on its way as Veronica pushed through the crowds. There was little she could do to ease his physical pain, but as she pressed her veil to the face of Jesus she warmed his heart and yours with her brave act of kindness. People with addictions carry a heavy cross. Help me never to approach them with cold condemnation, remembering the times I’ve experienced my own weakness. Let my heart be broken with compassion for what they suffer. Let them encounter the life-changing love of Jesus in me.
(Novena Prayer)
Day 9: The Resurrection
Mary, since you shared in Jesus’ suffering and death to a greater extent than anyone else, no one rejoiced more than you did when after three long days he finally overcame death! Now, knowing that nothing is impossible, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that the addiction in each person I’ve been praying for would be broken, and I now entrust myself and my loved ones to your Immaculate Heart. Thank you for the chains you’re breaking now and for the healing that will be coming in the days ahead!
Novena Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially …(special intention).
We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us, Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever.
Amen.