Novena Jan. 24 - Feb. 1

This is one of the oldest feasts of Our Lady, to go to Jerusalem forty days after the birth of Jesus to offer the prescribed sacrifice of a lamb or two doves.  It was in the arms of His Blessed Mother that Jesus offered Himself to His Heavenly Father as Mediator and Victim for the redemption of the world.  Through Mary, you, too, should dedicate all times - in joy as well as in sorrow.  Offer the works and sufferings of your life to God through Mary's hands for the salvation of souls, especially your own.

Hail Mary...

Mary speaks:

"I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: We will go into the house of the Lord"

(Ps. 121, 1).

  And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, His Mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted,=.  And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thought of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2, 35).

HYMN

O QUEEN of all the virgin choir

Enthroned above the starry sky,

Who with your bosom's milk didst feed,

Your own Creator, Lord most high.

  What man had lost in hapless Eve,

Your sacred womb to man restores;

You to the wretched here below,

Have opened heaven's eternal doors.

O hail, resplendent Hall of light,

Hail, Gate sublime of Heav'n's high King!

Through thee redeemed to endless life,

Thy praises let all the nations sing!

O Jesus, born of Virgin bright,

Immortal glory be to Thee,

Praise to the Father Infinite,

And Holy Ghost eternally.  Amen.

PRAYER

Almighty, everlasting God, we humbly beg Your Majesty, that, as Your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the form of our flesh, so grant that we, too, may be presented to You with hearts made pure.  Through the same Christ our Lord.  Amen.

-This Novena is from Mary, My Hope prayer book.