Happy Birthday, Mary! A Novena of Beauty

In honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I am posting “a novena of beauty” for nine straight days–starting today! I’ll be sharing quotes on authentic beauty and its importance, links to articles on beauty, pieces of beautiful music, copies of beautiful works of art, and short videos that teach about beauty as seen through the eyes of the Church.

Showing gratitude to Our Lady

Last summer, my daughter and I used Father Michael Gaitley’s wonderful book, 33 Days to Morning Glory, to pray the consecration to Jesus through Mary. It changed my life! For the next several months, I was inundated with signs and blessings that clearly had to do with the motherhood of Mary. When we turn our lives over to her guidance and protection, healing abounds! And with every step closer to Our Lady, I have grown closer to Jesus. Why? Because the graces our Blessed Mother pours into our souls prepare our hearts to receive Jesus more fully. It’s important to thank her for her maternal care.

Not another litany…

I used to think Litanies were BORING and had to force myself to slog through them. And then one day I received an insight that changed my attitude completely and made the experience rewarding and fruitful.

With the pronouncement of each of her titles, I felt God was encouraging me to look at Mary lovingly and ponder a different aspect of her character. Try it! Think of Mary as a “mystical rose,” “a singular vessel of devotion,” and the “morning star”! It really changes things up and brings the prayer to life–at least for me. I hope it helps you, too!

Please join me in praying the Litany of Loreto, today, which helps us to know the Blessed Mother a little better as we give honor to her courageous willingness to say YES to God’s divine will. We honor her love of the Trinity, love of the Church, and love of every soul.

You might enjoy praying along with the EWTN video below, which is very reverent and uses beautiful sacred artwork to help us draw closer to Our Lord and Our Lady.

May our beautiful Queen Mother shower you with graces as you spend a few minutes with her on her birthday.

Litany of Loreto

V. Lord, have mercy. R. Christ have mercy.

V. Lord have mercy. Christ hear us. R. Christ graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Holy Virgin of Virgins, [etc.]

Mother of Christ,

Mother of the Church,

Mother of divine grace,

Mother most pure,

Mother most chaste,

Mother inviolate,

Mother undefiled,

Mother most amiable,

Mother most admirable,

Mother of good Counsel,

Mother of our Creator,

Mother of our Savior,

Virgin most prudent,

Virgin most venerable,

Virgin most renowned,

Virgin most powerful,

Virgin most merciful,

Virgin most faithful,

Mirror of justice,

Seat of wisdom,

Cause of our joy,

Spiritual vessel,

Vessel of honor,

Singular vessel of devotion,

Mystical rose,

Tower of David,

Tower of ivory,

House of gold,

Ark of the covenant,

Gate of heaven,

Morning star,

Health of the sick,

Refuge of sinners,

Comforter of the afflicted,

Help of Christians,

Queen of Angels,

Queen of Patriarchs,

Queen of Prophets,

Queen of Apostles,

Queen of Martyrs,

Queen of Confessors,

Queen of Virgins,

Queen of all Saints,

Queen conceived without original sin,

Queen assumed into heaven,

Queen of the most holy Rosary,

Queen of families,

Queen of peace,

V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, R. Spare us, O Lord.

V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, R. Graciously hear us, O Lord.

V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we thy servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be freed from present sorrow, and rejoice in eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

Happy Birthday, Blessed Mother! We love you!