Novena to Our Lady of Aparecida
On October 12 the Church in Brazil celebrates the Patroness of Brazil, Our Lady of Aparecida. The image found in the waters of the Paranaíba river in 1717 by three fishermen has become, over three centuries, the heart of Brazilian faith. This novena is the spiritual preparation for the national feast.
Offering Prayer (every day)
O Mother of Aparecida, Lady found in the waters, we offer you this novena for the needs of our country, our families, and every heart that has recourse to you. Present us to your Son as fishermen who trust in your motherly net. Amen.
The Nine Days
Day 1 — The miraculous catch
The three fishermen, after a whole day of fruitless labour, cast the net once more through Mary’s intercession. They found the image of the Lady — first the body, then the head — and immediately an abundance of fish.
Mother of Aparecida, teach us to trust in you when our efforts seem in vain. Where life is barren, give us the fruitfulness of faith. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 2 — The dark-skinned image
The small image found was dark — both from the time in the waters and from the local terracotta. Mary showed herself to Brazil with the face that resembles her people.
Lady of our colour, remember those who suffer because of their origin; console the marginalised; gather us as one People of God. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 3 — The first little chapel
In 1745, the first chapel in honour of Aparecida was built on Filipe Pedroso’s property. Popular devotion grew silently, without decrees, fed by the graces received.
Mother of the little churches, bless our parishes, our communities, our homes where you are venerated. May the simple faith of the Brazilian people endure. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 4 — Patroness of Brazil
In 1930, Pius XI officially proclaimed Our Lady of Aparecida Patroness of Brazil. In 1980, St John Paul II consecrated in Aparecida the new Basilica, today the second largest in the world.
Patroness of our Nation, intercede for Brazil; obtain for our rulers wisdom, for our people peace, for the Brazilian Church holiness. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 5 — Mother of pilgrims
Millions of faithful climb to Aparecida every year — on foot, by bus, by bicycle. They are mothers asking for their children, sick asking for healing, young asking for direction. Mary receives them all.
Mother of pilgrims, listen to the steps of our journey. Give us the grace we need today and perseverance until the end. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 6 — Refuge of the sick
The history of Aparecida is filled with witnessed healings and fulfilled promises. Suffering Brazil has always found in Mary a Mother who hears the moan of the sick.
Health of the sick, intercede for the ill in our family, especially for (state the intention). If it be God’s will, restore their health; if not, give them peace. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 7 — Mother of the Brazilian family
The heart of the Brazilian family is Mary. Grandmothers who pray the rosary, children who receive their first prayer, marriages renewed — all passes through the mantle of Aparecida.
Mother of our families, restore peace in wounded homes; preserve joy in faithful homes. Defend Christian marriage. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 8 — Mother who hears the poor
Aparecida was found by poor fishermen. Ever since, she has been the refuge of the forgotten, the voiceless, the discarded of society. In her dark face is the hope of the little ones.
Mother of the poor, hear the cry of those without bread, of the homeless, of the unemployed, of the migrants. Kindle in our hearts practical charity. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 9 — Immaculate Aparecida
The image is of the Immaculate Conception — Mary treading on the serpent, without stain from the first instant. The Patroness of Brazil is the same Immaculate of Lourdes, of Guadalupe, of the whole Church.
Immaculate Aparecida, conceived without sin, free Brazil from the structures of sin that oppress the people; obtain for us deep conversion and the joy of your graces. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Final Prayer (every day)
O God, who under the title of the Immaculate Conception Aparecida gave the Mother of your Son as Patroness to Brazil, grant us, through her motherly protection, the grace to keep the faith, to persevere in hope, and to grow in charity, until we one day reach the heavenly homeland. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.