Novena to the Holy Family – Day 1: Love for Holy Church
Join in praying the Novena to the Holy Family to seek the intercession of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Today's Focus: Love for Holy Church
On this first day of the Novena to the Holy Family, we focus on praying for the grace to love Holy Church above every earthly thing. We ask Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to help us show our love for the Church by our deeds.
Prayer for Day 1
Novena Prayer:
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless me and grant me the grace of loving Holy Church as I should, above every earthly thing, and of ever showing my love by deeds.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless me and grant me the grace of openly professing as I should, with courage and without human respect, the faith that I received as your gift in holy Baptism.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless me and grant me the grace of sharing as I should in the defense and propagation of the Faith when duty calls, whether by word or by the sacrifice of my possessions and my life.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless me and grant me the grace of loving my family and others in mutual charity as I should, and establish us in perfect harmony of thought, will, and action, under the rule and guidance of the shepherds of the Church.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless me and grant me the grace of conforming my life fully as I should to the commandments of God's law and those of His Holy Church, so as to live always in that charity which they set forth.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I ask in particular this special favor:
(Mention your favor).
Dedication of One's Family:
Most loving Jesus, by Your sublime and beautiful virtues of humility, obedience, poverty, modesty, charity, patience, and gentleness, You blessed with peace and happiness the family which You chose on earth. In Your mercy look upon my family. We belong to You, for we have received Your many blessings over many years and we entrust ourselves to Your loving care.
Look upon my family in Your loving kindness, preserve us from danger, give us help in time of need, and grant us the grace to persevere to the end in imitation of Your holy Family, so that having revered You and loved You faithfully on earth, we may praise You eternally in heaven.
Mary, dearest Mother, to your intercession we have recourse, knowing that your Divine Son will hear your prayers. Glorious patriarch, Saint Joseph, help us by your powerful prayers and offer our prayers to Jesus through Mary's hands. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, being subject to Mary and Joseph, You sanctified family life by Your beautiful virtues. Grant that we, with the help of Mary and Joseph, may be taught by the example of Your holy Family, and may after death enjoy its everlasting companionship.
Lord Jesus, help us ever to follow the example of Your holy Family, that in the hour of our death Your glorious Virgin Mother together with Saint Joseph may come to meet us, and we may be worthy to be received by You into the everlasting joys of heaven. You live and reign forever. Amen.
Reflection
The Holy Family teaches us to love the Church as our spiritual family. Jesus established the Church, Mary is its Mother, and Joseph is its protector. Our love for the Church should be demonstrated through our actions and fidelity to her teachings.
As we reflect on this aspect of the Holy Family's life and virtues, let us ask ourselves how we can apply these lessons to our own families and grow in holiness.
May the Holy Family continue to be our model and intercessor, helping us to build strong, faith-filled families that reflect their love and harmony.
How to Make an Excellent Novena
Trust in the Holy Family
Trust completely in the intercession of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Turn to the Holy Family with confidence for all family needs and spiritual growth.
Be Persistent
Pray this novena with persistence and faith. The Holy Family will not fail to help those who turn to them with trust and confidence.
Be Specific
Present your specific family needs and intentions to the Holy Family. They want to help you with the particular difficulties your family faces.
Be Grateful
Thank the Holy Family for their intercession and for the graces you receive. Gratitude opens our hearts to receive more blessings and family harmony.
Closing Prayer
O Holy Family, help me to love Holy Church above every earthly thing and to show my love by deeds. May I always be faithful to the Church that Jesus established. Amen.
Share this novena
How strong is your faith journey?
Take the quiz and receive a complete assessment of your Catholic life.
Join 10,000+ Catholics who have already discovered their level of faith practice.
Instant results • Discover your faith level