Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Together as a community of faith, let us join our voices in prayer with a Novena of Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary for St. Benedict Parish. Pray daily with us at every Mass, privately or in common beginning August 7 and concluding on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. Together as a parish community of faith, we pray this novena as we entrust our parish, school, and community into the hands of Our Lady as we begin this new chapter.
In addition to our daily opening prayer, there will be a daily Scripture, reflection and prayer to commemorate each day.
Opening Prayer (each day)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, source of all holiness and grace, we turn to you with trust and love. As we prepare to consecrate St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we ask that you pour out your Holy Spirit upon our parish. May our hearts be renewed, our faith be deepened, and our mission as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ, be strengthened. Through Mary our Mother, we give ourselves to you. Amen.
Daily Scripture & Reflection
Day 1 (August 7): Mary, Chosen Daughter of the Father
Scripture: Luke 1:26–28
Reflection: Mary was chosen before the foundation of the world to be the Mother of God. We ask her intercession to help our parish live in the Father’s love.
Prayer: Blessed Mother, chosen by the Father, pray for us, that we may always live as beloved sons and daughters of God.
Day 2 (August 8): Mary, Mother of the Word Made Flesh
Scripture: John 1:14
Reflection: The Word became flesh in Mary’s womb. May our parish become a place where the Word is welcomed, lived, and proclaimed.
Prayer: Mary, bearer of the Word, help us to love and live the Gospel with joyful hearts.
Day 3 (August 9): Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit
Scripture: Luke 1:35
Reflection: Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary conceived Jesus. May the Spirit stir into flame the gifts He has poured into our parish.
Prayer: Mary, open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, that our parish may be set ablaze with faith, hope, and love.
Day 4 (August 10): Mary, Handmaid of the Lord
Scripture: Luke 1:38
Reflection: Mary’s yes changed the world. May we imitate her fiat in our own lives and in the life of our parish.
Prayer: Mary, humble servant of the Lord, teach us to say yes to God’s will, no matter the cost.
Day 5 (August 11): Mary, Mother of the Church
Scripture: John 19:26–27
Reflection: From the Cross, Jesus gave us His Mother. May we welcome her into our hearts and parish with loving devotion.
Prayer: Mary, Mother of the Church, protect and guide our parish family with your maternal love.
Day 6 (August 12): Mary, Refuge of Sinners
Scripture: Luke 15:20
Reflection: Mary always leads us to her Son, the source of mercy. May our parish be a refuge of healing, reconciliation, and peace.
Prayer: Mary, lead us ever closer to Jesus, the Divine Mercy.
Day 7 (August 13): Mary, Queen of Families
Scripture: Colossians 3:12–15
Reflection: Mary watched over the Holy Family with love and care. May every household in our parish be united in faith, forgiveness, and peace.
Prayer: Mary, Queen of Families, strengthen every home in our parish and help us grow in love and holiness.
Day 8 (August 14): Mary, Model of Discipleship
Scripture: Luke 2:19, 51
Reflection: Mary pondered all things in her heart. Teach us to listen to the Lord and follow Him faithfully.
Prayer: Mary, perfect disciple, help us to be faithful followers of your Son.
Day 9 (August 15 – Solemnity of the Assumption): Mary, Assumed into Heaven
Scripture: Revelation 12:1
Reflection: In her Assumption, Mary shows us the destiny of all who follow Christ. May our parish always fix its eyes on Heaven.
Prayer: Mary, assumed body and soul into Heaven, draw us closer to your Son and help us live with hearts set on eternity.
Prayer of Consecration (August 15)
To be prayed after Mass or communally following the final day of the novena:
Prayer of Consecration of St. Benedict Catholic Church to the Blessed Virgin Mary
O Mary, Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God and our most loving Mother,
we, your children at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Chicago,
gather before you on this great feast of your Assumption,
to consecrate our parish to your Immaculate Heart.
With trust in your maternal love, we give you all that we are and all that we have—
our priests and deacons, our staff and volunteers,
our ministries and missions, our families and children,
our elderly and sick, our poor and forgotten.
We place them all in your hands.
O Mother of the Church, form us into a living temple of the Holy Spirit.
Make our parish a beacon of truth, a fountain of mercy,
a refuge for the weary, and a home of Eucharistic love.
Lead us always to Jesus, and teach us to do whatever He tells us.
Through your intercession, may this parish bear abundant fruit
in holiness, vocations, and missionary zeal.
Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth,
we entrust St. Benedict Parish to your motherly care today and always.
Amen.
Mary, Queen of Heaven and our Mother, pray for us!
St. Benedict, pray for us!