Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Begins Today (June 18)

June 18, 2025: Today, the Church invites the faithful to begin the nine-day novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help—a powerful devotion that has brought comfort, healing, and hope to millions over the centuries. Whether you are praying for a miracle, a breakthrough, or simply the grace to keep going, now is the time to turn to her with trust. The novena leads up to her feast, celebrated on June 27, a day that honours her unfailing intercession and motherly care.

Background

The image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, is a revered 15th-century Byzantine icon that depicts Mary holding the Child Jesus, while angels present Him with the instruments of His Passion. It is a visual reminder of Mary’s role as a comforter in suffering and a guide in trials. In 1866, Pope Pius IX entrusted the original icon to the Redemptorist Fathers, with the instruction: “Make her known throughout the world.” Since then, devotion to her has grown widely, especially through novenas held in churches and homes across the globe.

Countless Miracles

For generations, people have testified to the miracles and graces received through this novena. From healing life-threatening illnesses to restoring broken families, from providing peace in times of deep anxiety to guiding people back to God, Our Lady of Perpetual Help has shown herself as a mother who truly cares. Her intercession has brought light into darkness and strength to the weary. These miracles aren't just from the past—they continue today in the lives of those who turn to her with faith.

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (To be said once a day for 9 days)

O Mother of Perpetual Succour, behold me, a miserable sinner at thy feet. I have recourse to thee and put my trust in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity upon me, I hear thee called by all, the refuge and the hope of sinners, be then my refuge and my hope. Succour me for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to me, a poor sinner, who recommend and dedicate myself to thee, as thy perpetual servant. I bless and thank God, for, having in his Mercy given me this confidence in Thee, the pledge, as I believe, of my eternal salvation.

Alas, too often in past times have I miserably fallen, because I had not recourse to thee, I know that with thy help I shall conquer. I know that thou will help me, if I recommend myself to thee, but I fear lest in the occasion of falling, I should cease to call upon thee, and, so should lose my soul. This then is the grace I seek from thee, and I beg of thee, as far as I know how and can, to obtain it for me, namely, in the assaults of hell, always to have recourse to thee and to say to thee; O Mary, help me, Mother of Perpetual Succour, suffer me not to lose my God. Amen.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us.

As we begin this novena, let us pray with open hearts, confident that Mary walks with us and will never abandon us. Invite your family, friends, or parish community to join you in these nine days of prayer. Let this be a time of renewal, trust, and surrender to a mother who is always near.

By Catholic Connect Reporter