Novena to Blessed Alphonse Marie
for the salvation of immortal souls
Why should we pray for nine days?
Why should we pray the Novena?
The word novena comes from the Latin novem, which means nine. Its supporters say that this practice arose when Jesus was ascending into heaven and commanded his disciples to pray for nine days. The Acts of the Apostles remind us of the period after Christ’s ascension, when at his command the apostles returned to the upper room and prayed in the simple community which was the first core of the Church (cf. Acts 1:12–14): “While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father. All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers” (Acts 1:4.14). The disciples prayed for nine days and on the tenth day – at Pentecost – received the Holy Spirit.
Every year after the Ascension the Church relives this first novena – the Novena to the Holy Spirit. The apostles gathered in the upper room with Christ’s mother and prayed that the promise given them by the risen Christ would be fulfilled: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). This first apostolic Novena to the Holy Spirit is the model of every celebration in the Church: Veni, Creator Spiritus! – Come, Holy Spirit…
This Novena to Blessed Alphonse Marie is an urgent plea for the salvation of souls. She said to the Lord: “My Divine Spouse, I do not want honour and respect for myself; I want honour only for you and the salvation of souls.” She strongly recommended to her Sisters: “Do not hesitate; choose the opportune moment, because the salvation of a soul is at stake.” Why do we hesitate to embrace the cross and let ourselves be nailed to it, when our reward is happiness for all eternity?
We pray for her canonization
Pray with us
She was beatified in 2018. For her to be declared a saint, a miracle through her intercession is needed — and the prayer of those who ask for it.
If you have received an extraordinary grace through her intercession, please report it to the Postulation. Contact →