The Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the belief that Mary, from the very moment of her conception, was preserved free from original sin by the grace of God. This doctrine was formally defined by Pope Pius IX on December 8, 1854, in the papal bull Ineffabilis Deus, though the belief itself had been held by the Church for centuries.
The idea of Mary’s Immaculate Conception has roots in early Christian tradition, with the Church Fathers recognizing Mary’s purity and holiness. Over time, the faithful grew to understand that for Mary to be the worthy Mother of Jesus, she would have to be free from sin. The devotion to the Immaculate Conception became widespread, particularly in the Middle Ages, and it was eventually proclaimed as a dogma by Pope Pius IX, affirming that Mary’s purity was a unique grace from God.
Today, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8th and is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church, inviting all to reflect on Mary’s role in salvation history and her purity as a model of holiness for the faithful.
Novena to the Immaculate Conception
DAY 1: MARY, THE NEW EVE
Immaculate Conception Novena – Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Mary, the New Eve, chosen by God to bring life and salvation into the world, we honor your Immaculate Conception and your unique role in God’s plan. Just as Eve’s disobedience brought sin, your obedience brought redemption through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Intercede for us, dear Mother, that we may reject sin and follow your example of faith and trust in God’s promises. Amen.
Reading: GENESIS 3:1-6,13-15
Now the serpent was more subtle than any other wild creature that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, and he ate.
Then the Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this that you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent beguiled me, and I ate.’ The Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, cursed are you above all cattle, and above all wild animals; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.’
Novena Prayer
O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by your blessed Immaculate Conception, from the first moment of your conception did crush the head of the enemy, receive our prayers as we implore you to present at the throne of God the favor we now request.
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will. Amen.
(Mention your personal intentions here.)
Our Father, who art in Heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory Be to the Father…
Closing Prayer
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
(The Holy Rosary may be prayed.)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY 2: MARY, FULL OF GRACE
Immaculate Conception Novena – Day 2
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Mary, Full of Grace, you were chosen to carry the Son of God and were filled completely with His divine life. Your purity and holiness remind us of the beauty of a soul united with God.
Intercede for us, dear Mother, that we may open our hearts to God’s grace and allow His love to transform our lives. Teach us to walk in humility and obedience, always reflecting His light to the world. Amen.
Reading: LUKE 1:26-33
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And he came to her and said, ‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!’ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.
And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.’
Novena Prayer
O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by your blessed Immaculate Conception, from the first moment of your conception did crush the head of the enemy, receive our prayers as we implore you to present at the throne of God the favor we now request.
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will. Amen.
(Mention your personal intentions here.)
Our Father, who art in Heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory Be to the Father…
Closing Prayer
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
(The Holy Rosary may be prayed.)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY 3: MARY, THE HANDMAID OF THE LORD
Immaculate Conception Novena – Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Mary, Handmaid of the Lord, you gave your life completely to God’s plan with humility and trust. You accepted His will without hesitation, showing us the beauty of selfless service.
Intercede for us, dear Mother, that we may surrender our hearts to God’s will and serve Him faithfully in all that we do. Teach us to respond to God’s call with the same humility and courage that you showed. Amen.
Reading: LUKE 1:34-38
And Mary said to the angel, ‘How shall this be, since I have no husband?’
And the angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.’
And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.
Novena Prayer
O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by your blessed Immaculate Conception, from the first moment of your conception did crush the head of the enemy, receive our prayers as we implore you to present at the throne of God the favor we now request.
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will. Amen.
(Mention your personal intentions here.)
Our Father, who art in Heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory Be to the Father…
Closing Prayer
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
(The Holy Rosary may be prayed.)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY 4: MARY, BLESSED AMONG WOMEN
Immaculate Conception Novena – Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Mary, Blessed Among Women, you are honored above all others because of your willingness to say ‘yes’ to God’s call. You humbly accepted the great responsibility of being the Mother of the Savior and were blessed with the grace to fulfill this sacred mission.
Intercede for us, dear Mother, that we may accept God’s plan for our lives with the same humility and grace. Help us to recognize and embrace the blessings He offers us each day. Amen.
Reading: LUKE 1:34-38
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
And why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.’
Novena Prayer
O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by your blessed Immaculate Conception, from the first moment of your conception did crush the head of the enemy, receive our prayers as we implore you to present at the throne of God the favor we now request.
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will. Amen.
(Mention your personal intentions here.)
Our Father, who art in Heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory Be to the Father…
Closing Prayer
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
(The Holy Rosary may be prayed.)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY 5: MARY, MODEL OF FAITH
Immaculate Conception Novena – Day 5
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Mary, Model of Faith, your life was a continual response to God’s calling. Through moments of joy and sorrow, you always believed in His promises. You teach us that faith is not just belief, but also trust and surrender to God’s will.
Intercede for us, dear Mother, that we may grow in faith each day, trusting in God’s plan even when it is difficult to understand. May we follow your example and walk by faith, not by sight. Amen.
Reading: LUKE 1:45-56
And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.
And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaid.
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm,
he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,
he has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent empty away.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his posterity forever.’
And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.
Novena Prayer
O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by your blessed Immaculate Conception, from the first moment of your conception did crush the head of the enemy, receive our prayers as we implore you to present at the throne of God the favor we now request.
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will. Amen.
(Mention your personal intentions here.)
Our Father, who art in Heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory Be to the Father…
Closing Prayer
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
(The Holy Rosary may be prayed.)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY 6: MARY, CO-REDEMPTRIX
Immaculate Conception Novena – Day 6
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Mary, Co-Redemptrix, you stood beneath the cross of your Son, united with Him in His suffering for the salvation of the world. You willingly participated in the great work of redemption by your unwavering love, suffering, and sacrifice.
Intercede for us, dear Mother, that we may unite our own sufferings with those of Christ. May we, like you, offer ourselves fully to God’s plan of salvation, no matter the cost. Help us to find grace in our suffering and to trust in God’s redemptive love. Amen.
Reading: LUKE 2:25-35
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
‘Lord, now let your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.’
And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.
Novena Prayer
O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by your blessed Immaculate Conception, from the first moment of your conception did crush the head of the enemy, receive our prayers as we implore you to present at the throne of God the favor we now request.
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will. Amen.
(Mention your personal intentions here.)
Our Father, who art in Heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory Be to the Father…
Closing Prayer
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
(The Holy Rosary may be prayed.)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY 7: MARY, THE FIRST OF THOSE WHO HEARD THE WORD OF GOD AND DID IT
Immaculate Conception Novena – Day 7
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Mary, First of Those Who Heard the Word of God and Did It, you heard the message of the angel and responded with perfect obedience and faith. You gave your ‘yes’ to God’s call, not only in word but in action. You are the model for us in following God’s Word with open hearts and hands, ready to serve Him.
Intercede for us, dear Mother, that we may always listen attentively to God’s Word and live it faithfully in our lives. Help us to be doers of the Word, like you, and not just hearers. Amen.
Reading: LUKE 11:27-28
As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!’
But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!
Novena Prayer
O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by your blessed Immaculate Conception, from the first moment of your conception did crush the head of the enemy, receive our prayers as we implore you to present at the throne of God the favor we now request.
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will. Amen.
(Mention your personal intentions here.)
Our Father, who art in Heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory Be to the Father…
Closing Prayer
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
(The Holy Rosary may be prayed.)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY 8: MARY, MEDIATRIX OF ALL GRACES
Immaculate Conception Novena – Day 8
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces, through your unique role as the Mother of the Savior, you have been entrusted with the power to intercede for us with your Son. You bring our prayers before the throne of God, and through your maternal love, you help us receive the graces we need for salvation.
Intercede for us, dear Mother, that we may receive the abundant graces God desires to give us. Help us to open our hearts to His gifts and to rely on your intercession in every moment of our lives. Amen.
Reading: JOHN 2:1-11
On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples.
When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’
Now six stone jars were standing there, for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim.
He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast.’ So they took it. When the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.’
This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Novena Prayer
O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by your blessed Immaculate Conception, from the first moment of your conception did crush the head of the enemy, receive our prayers as we implore you to present at the throne of God the favor we now request.
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will. Amen.
(Mention your personal intentions here.)
Our Father, who art in Heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory Be to the Father…
Closing Prayer
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
(The Holy Rosary may be prayed.)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY 9: MARY, MOTHER OF GOD AND OUR MOTHER
Immaculate Conception Novena – Day 9
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Mary, Mother of God and Our Mother, you were chosen by God to bear His Son, and through your “yes,” you became the mother of our Savior. At the foot of the cross, Jesus entrusted us to you as our Mother. With great love and care, you intercede for us before the throne of God.
Intercede for us, dear Mother, that we may grow in our relationship with your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to imitate your love, humility, and obedience in our daily lives. May we turn to you in every need, trusting that you will guide us closer to Christ, our Savior and King. Amen.
Reading: JOHN 19:23-27
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and made four parts, one for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; so they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.’ This was to fulfill the scripture, ‘They parted my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.’
So the soldiers did this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
Novena Prayer
O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the Lord and became His mother, immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by your blessed Immaculate Conception, from the first moment of your conception did crush the head of the enemy, receive our prayers as we implore you to present at the throne of God the favor we now request.
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from Him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will. Amen.
(Mention your personal intentions here.)
Our Father, who art in Heaven…
Hail Mary, full of grace…
Glory Be to the Father…
Closing Prayer
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so, through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
(The Holy Rosary may be prayed.)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.