Holy Family Novena
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are one of the heavenly patrons of the Life-Giving Wounds ministry, along with St. John Paul II. Below is text for a novena to the Holy Family. This novena could be prayed at any time, or you could pray it with the end date landing on the Feast of the Holy Family.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us!
(Not sure what a novena IS? Check out these explanations from Blessed is She and Hallow.)
All the intentions and prayers for the novena below are listed below:
Day 1
Intention: For all children of divorce or separation
Today we pray for all children of divorce or separation, who have lost the love of their parents together, no matter when, how, or why. We pray that as we approach Christmas, they will know the closeness of the Holy Family of Nazareth, who welcome them into their family with open arms and loving hearts.
Novena Prayer:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendor of true love,
to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic Churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again
experience violence, rejection and division:
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God’s plan. (1)
St. Joseph, just man, tireless worker,
and upright guardian of those entrusted to his care,
pray for us.
Blessed Mother Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of the Church of the home,
Sorrowful Mother at the foot of the Cross,
you comfort the sufferings and dry the tears of those in distress
because of the difficulties of their families,
pray for us.
Christ the Lord, Universal King and King of Families,
you are present in every Christian home as you were at Cana,
bestowing light, joy, serenity and strength.
Hear our prayers. (2)
Amen.
(1) Pope Francis, Angelus, December 29, 2013
(2) Adapted from St. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio, no. 86
Day 2
Intention: For all abandoned spouses
Today we pray for all husbands and wives who were divorced or abandoned against their will, who courageously strive to honor their marriage vows in isolation and suffering. We pray that they know the tremendous value of their witness for their children, and that they are strengthened by the Holy Family’s example of steadfast love.
Day 3
Intention: For all who have a strained or non-existent relationship with one or both parents
Today we pray for all who feel abandoned by their father or their mother, who have a difficult relationship with them, or who never knew them in any meaningful way. We pray that St. Joseph, faithful and loving father, and Our Blessed Mother, shining example of maternal love, hold them close to their sacred hearts and begin to mend the relationships with their parents.
Day 4
Intention: For all who have lost contact or have a strained relationship with siblings or step-siblings
Today we pray for all those who have difficult relationships with their siblings or step-siblings, or who have lost contact with siblings or step-siblings following a divorce or separation. We pray for healing in those relationships and that the Holy Family would bring peace and reconnection to family bonds.
Day 5
Intention: For all those who experience anxiety and sadness about family visits around the holidays
Today we pray for anyone who is feeling anxious, fearful, sad, or uneasy about encounters with family members over the holidays. We pray that the Holy Family would keep them at peace, give them wisdom, and free their hearts from anxiety, so they can welcome the Christ Child with peace and joy.
Day 6
Intention: For all who have a parent who struggles with mental illness, trauma, or past wounds
Today we pray for anyone who has a parent (or parents) who experiences mental illness, the residual effects of trauma, or past wounds, especially when that impedes healthy relationships with their children and others. We pray that all those living with these challenges find the help and support they need, and that their children, too, find spiritual strength in the Holy Family.
Day 7
Intention: For all who fear marriage or doubt their ability to love
Today we pray for any adult children of divorce who have anxiety and fear about their own future relationships, current dating relationships, or marriages, because of their family backgrounds. We pray that the Holy Family encourages them to trust that lasting love is possible and worth the effort, despite the difficulties and obstacles along the way, and to grant them holy and joyful marriages to break the cycle of divorce in their own lives.
Day 8
Intention: For all who have experienced pain, hurt, abandonment, or abuse by family members
Today we pray for anyone who has experienced deep hurt in the midst of their family, in that place meant to be a safe haven and secure home. We pray that they would find the healing they desire and deserve, and that they would embrace their truest home in the welcoming abode of the Holy Family.
Day 9
Intention: For the conversion, healing, and ongoing sanctification all families, especially married couples on the brink of divorce or couples who are seeking to reconcile after separation or divorce
Today we pray for all families around the world, no matter their circumstances, no matter their needs, that the Holy Family of Nazareth would bring them abundant joy and peace, at Christmas time and always. In a particular way, we pray for those married couples contemplating divorce or couples who are seeking to reconcile after a separation or divorce, that they may receive the graces, sound advice, and healing that they need to persevere through difficulties and thrive again in marital love for their good and the good of their children.
Optional Closing Prayer, for the Feast of the Holy Family
We pray today, on the Feast of the Holy Family, in thanksgiving for the graces the Lord has bestowed through the praying of this novena to the Holy Family, and in thankful anticipation of all the Lord has yet to do in our hearts and our families. We entrust all our concerns for our families to the loving hearts of the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, in whom we find our true home and steadfast haven.
(And we humbly ask for prayers for the ongoing ministry of Life-Giving Wounds, too!)
Final words from one of our best heavenly friends:
“How I would like the peace, harmony and love of the house in Nazareth to exist in families today! … Every Christian family is called to show convincingly that it is possible to live marriage fully in keeping with God’s plan and with the true good of the human person – of the spouses, and of the children who are more fragile.
“A united family that follows these principles will more easily overcome the trials and difficulties it encounters on its way. … Today let us entrust to the Holy Family of Nazareth the families of the whole world, especially those that have been most harshly tried by suffering or are in difficulty.” – St. John Paul II, Angelus, December 29, 2002
God bless you all!