Novena in Honor of the Immaculate Conception

In honor of Our Lady. 

O Immaculate Virgin!  Mary, conceived without sin! Remember, you were miraculously preserved from even the shadow of sin, because you were destined to become not only the Mother of God, but also the mother, the refuge, and the advocate of man; penetrated therefore, with the most lively confidence in your never failing intercession, we most humbly implore you to look with favor upon the intentions of this novena, and to obtain for us the graces and the favors we request.  You know, O Mary, how often our hearts are the sanctuaries of God, who abhors iniquity.  Obtain, for us, then, that angelic purity which was your favorite virtue, that purity of heart which will attach us to God alone, and that purity of intention which will consecrate every thought, word, and action to His greater glory.  Obtain also for us a constant spirit of prayer and self denial, that we may recover by penance that innocence which we have lost by sin, and at length attain safely to that blessed abode of the saints, where nothing defiled can enter.

O Mary, conceived without sin,

pray for us who have recourse  to thee.