The Novena begins by reciting the official prayers of the Novena in honor of Our Sorrowful Mother.
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
For a Particular Grace
O most blessed Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, you stood generously beneath the cross and felt the sword of sorrow pierce your soul. Look now with a mother’s understanding and tenderness, as I kneel before you to commemorate your sorrows, and to present my petition to you with childlike confidence. I beg of you, O Mother, to plead for me with your Son, so to touch his Sacred Heart, that I may obtain my request… (here pause to make your request)… For to whom shall I turn in my time of need, if not to you, O Mother of Mercy, who having so deeply drunk the chalice of your Son, can surely tell Him of my needs. Amen.
For a Happy Death
O Mary, my sweet mother, you witnessed the death of your Son on the cross. Intercede for me at the hour of my death. Be my comfort at that hour. Ask your Son to grant, in His infinite mercy, that I may die saying with my last breath: “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.” Amen.
For Our Sick Relatives and Friends
Queen of Martyrs and Mother of Consolation, you felt the sword of sorrow when your Son Jesus was raised upon the cross. Pray for these sick persons… (here pause to make your request) … that they may by your powerful intercession be cured of their illness, and thus we may both in time and eternity give you heartfelt thanks. Amen.
For Our Beloved Dead
O most Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear mother, I turn to you in prayer, and beseech your help for the holy souls who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, particularly those for whom we now pray… (here pause to make your request)… Mother of Sorrows, for the love of your Divine Son, whose precious blood was shed for us, pray for our beloved dead, and pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
An Act of Consecration to the Sorrowful Mother
Holy Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Martyrs, I do this day choose you as my model, protectress, and advocate. Receive me as your special servant, as a partaker in your sufferings. Give me strength always to remain close to Jesus your Son who died on the cross for me. Accept every good work that I may perform and offer it to your Son for me. Dear Mother, stand by me in all my actions, that they may be directed to the glory of God. Amen.
An Act of Contrition
O Mother of Sorrows, how ungrateful have I been in the past to my loving God. Now, I repent, humbly asking pardon for the offence done to God in His infinite goodness, and I resolve by the help of His grace to offend Him no more. Obtain for me that I may live and die in the love of my Lord and share eternally in that glory which He has won for me through His death and resurrection. Amen.