December Devotion: The Immaculate Conception

As we continue our monthly devotion to the Immaculate Conception, here is another prayer which can be used either by itself or as a novena of nine days of prayer for a specific intention.
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NOVENA IN HONOR OF THE SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
V. In your conception, O Virgin Mary, you were immaculate.
R. Pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, after He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, you brought forth into the world.
V. To you, O Virgin Mary, who were never touched by any spot of original sin or actual sin.
R. I commend and entrust the purity of my heart.
V. O Mary, you entered the world without stain.
R. Obtain from God that I may leave it without sin.
V. O Mary, conceived without sin.
R. Pray for us who have recourse to you.
Let us pray. O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin made ready a fitting dwelling for your Son, we beseech you, who kept her unspotted from all stain, by the foreseen precious death of your same Son, grant to us in like manner to be made clean through her intercession and so attain union with you. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessed be the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

Novena Prayers for the Immaculate Conception
Immaculate Virgin Mary, you were pleasing in the sight of God from the first moment of your conception in the womb of your mother, Saint Anne. You were chosen to be the Mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I believe the teaching of Holy Mother the Church, that in the first instant of your conception, by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, in virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ. Savior of the human race and your beloved Son. you were preserved from all stain of original sin. I thank God for this wonderful privilege and grace He bestowed upon you as I honor your Immaculate Conception. Look graciously upon me as I implore this special favor: (Mention your request).

Virgin Immaculate, Mother of God and my Mother, from your throne in heaven turn your eyes of pity upon me. Filled with confidence in your goodness and power, I beg you to help me in this journey of life, which is so full of dangers for my soul. I entrust myself entirely to you, that I may never be the slave of the devil through sin, but may always live a humble and pure life. I consecrate myself to you forever, for my only desire is to love your Divine Son, Jesus. Mary , since none of your devout servants has ever perished, may I, too, be saved. Amen.
 
(This article is part of a series that will appear over the course of this year on the Monthly Devotions of the Church’s year).
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