What is the Miraculous Medal Novena? How do I pray it?

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What is a Novena?

The word novena is derived from the Latin word ‘novem’ meaning ‘nine’. A novena is a traditional Roman Catholic devotion consisting of a powerful set of prayers prayed publicly or privately, most commonly on nine consecutive days, and usually for a special intention. One does not have to be Catholic to pray a novena, all who desire to become closer to our Lord are welcome to experience the many blessings this special form of prayer can bestow. Novenas are often prayed when going through difficulty and crisis in one’s life or at any other time one is seeking special graces, guidance or intercession. Virtually all novenas can be said at any time of the year but some are also particularly appropriate for certain times of the year.
 
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History of the Miraculous Medal**

The Miraculous Medal, originally known as the medal of the Immaculate Conception, was shown to Saint Catherine Labouré on November 27, 1830 by the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catherine saw Our Lady standing on a globe, with Brilliant rays of light streaming down from her outstretched fingers. Around the figure was the inscription: O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Mary instructed Catherine: *“Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck.”
*
On the reverse she was shown the letter M with a cross monogram, below it was the Sacred Heart of Jesus crowned with thorns, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary pierced with a sword.

The medals were first made and distributed in Paris in 1832, upon approval by the Catholic Church. Almost immediately many blessings were bestowed upon wearers of the medal, just as Mary had promised. Use of the medal today is worldwide, and the stories of the blessings continue to be spread.

Devotion to and wearing of the Miraculous Medal is second to the Rosary in popularity among traditional Catholic devotions. The below set of prayers is but one of the novenas which come from the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal. It may be said daily for nine consecutive days.
 
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Opening Prayer**

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
 
Let Us Pray

O God who did instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation, through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times)

O Lord Jesus Christ, who have vouchsafed to glorify by numberless miracles the Blessed Virgin Mary, immaculate from the first moment of her conception, grant that all who devoutly implore her protection on earth, may eternally enjoy Your presence in heaven, who, with the Father and Holy Spirit, live and reign, God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, who for the accomplishment of Your greatest works, has chosen the weak things of the world, that no flesh may glory in Your sight; and who for a better and more widely diffused belief in the Immaculate Conception of Your Mother, has wished that the Miraculous Medal be manifested to Saint Catherine Labouré, grant, I beseech You, that filled with like humility, I may glorify this mystery by word and work.
Amen.
 
Memorare

Remember, O most compassionate Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy assistance, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother. To thee I come; before thee I kneel, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer them.
Amen.
 
Novena Prayer

O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus and my Mother, penetrated with the most lively confidence in your all-powerful and never-failing intercession, manifested so often through the Miraculous Medal. I, your loving and trustful child, implore you to obtain for me the graces and favors I ask during this Novena, if they be beneficial to my immortal soul, and the souls for whom I pray. (here privately form your prayer requests) You know, O Mary, how often my soul has been the sanctuary of your Son who hates iniquity. Obtain for me then a deep hatred of sin and that purity of heart which will attach me to God alone so that my every thought, word and deed may tend to His greater glory. Obtain for me also a spirit of prayer and self-denial that I may recover by penance what I have lost by sin and at length attain to that blessed abode where you are the Queen of angels and of all people.
Amen.
 
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An Act of Consecration
to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal**

O Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, I dedicate and consecrate myself to you under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May this Medal be for me a sure sign of your affection for me and a constant reminder of my duties toward you. Ever while wearing it, may I be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your Son. O most powerful Virgin, Mother of my Savior, keep me close to you every moment of my life. Obtain for me, your child, the grace of a happy death; so that, in union with you, I may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever.
Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin. Pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times)
 
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