NOVENA PRAYER

Dear Mother of Perpetual Help 

* from the cross * Jesus gave you to us for our Mother. * You are the kindest,* the most loving of all mothers. * Look tenderly on us your children * as we now ask you to help us in all our needs * especially this one (Pause to recall your petitions).

While you were on earth, dear Mother * you willingly shared in the sufferings of your Son.* Strengthened by your faith and
confidence * in the fatherly love of God * *you accepted the mysterious designs of His Will.* We, too, have our crosses and trials.* Sometimes they almost crush us to the ground.* 

Dearest Mother, * share with us your abundant faith and confidence in God.* Make us aware that God never ceases to love us; * that He answers all our prayers * in the way that is best for us. * Strengthen our hearts to carry the cross * in the footsteps of your Divine Son. Help us to realize * that he who shares the cross of Christ * will certainly share His resurrection.

Dearest Mother,* as we worry about our own problems * let us not forget the needs of others.* You always love others so much; * help us to do the same. 

While praying for our own intentions * and for the intentions of all making this Novena * we earnestly ask you, our Mother * to help us comfort the sick and the dying * give hope to the poor and unemployed * heal the broken-hearted * walk in solidarity with the oppressed * teach justice to their oppressors* and bring back to God all those who have offended Him.

Dearest Mother, * help us to avoid sin * which separates us * from our heavenly Father * and from one another. * 

Full of trust in you * we place ourselves under the mantle of your maternal protection * and confidently hope * for your compassionate intercession. * Amen.