Novena to Our Lady of Czestochowa O God, Whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating upon these mysteries of salvation, we may both imitate what is saintly in them and obtain what they have obtained from Thee; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God for ever and ever.
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Novena Prayer To Our Lady Of Czestochowa
Our Lady of Czestochowa, Mother of God, Queen of Poland and the world, we pray to you that you will intercede for us with your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Look down upon us who are gathered here today in your honor. Touch our hearts with the warmth of your love as you did so many years ago when you appeared to Wojciech Bobola.
We ask that you guide us on our journey towards salvation and give us strength to follow in your footsteps. Grant us wisdom to know what is right and wrong for us so that we may live a holy life pleasing to God and make others happy through the example we set for them. Lord Jesus Christ has promised that He would always be with those who strive to do His will. Help us to do His will in all things so that we may receive His blessing upon ourselves and all those around us.
Mother Mary, pray for us!
O Virgin of Czestochowa, Mother of the Church,
you were given to us by God as a sign of His infinite love.
We beg you to help us turn to Jesus with faith and trust,
to conform our lives to His teaching and example,
and to make Him known and loved by all.
Obtain for us from your Son the grace to share the joys and sufferings of others, so that we may be united in heart and mind with those who belong to Him.
Grant that we may be worthy of this privilege through our fidelity to prayer and penance, through unceasing union with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and through fidelity to His image in others.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
I turn to you with all my heart, O Blessed Virgin Mary! I love you more than everything else in the world! I need your help now more than ever before in my life! During this novena I promise to make a sacrifice for nine consecutive days in order to obtain your protection and intercession with God’s mercy for me and my family (mention names).
St. Jude pray for me! St. Jude intercede for me in all things that are difficult for me; St. Jude help me with your prayers so that I can become holy
Our Lady, who art in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Dear Mother Mary,
We pray to you today in honor of your feast day. We thank you for the many blessings and graces you have bestowed upon us throughout our lives. We ask that you continue to intercede on our behalf and guide us in our decisions.
We pray for all those who have lost loved ones and are missing them dearly. We pray for parents who cannot see their children grow up, for children who long for their parents’ touch, for spouses who are missing their partners. We pray for those who have lost their homes and businesses, their health, and everything that has been dear to them.
Please help us to be patient with each other when things are difficult or we struggle with life’s challenges! In times like these, we need each other more than ever before. Let us reach out with compassion to others in need while also seeking God’s mercy through prayer and penance; may He give us strength to carry on despite our anguish over losses suffered during this time of economic collapse.
our lady of czestochowa miracles
The painting of Our Lady is the very heart of Jasna Gora (Hill of Light) Częstochowa [chen-sta-ho-va], drawing crowds of pilgrims to it. This Sanctuary was not built after a Marian apparition, as is usually the case for major holy sites. The painting itself is the mystery, the fulcrum and the atmosphere of the Jasna Gora Shrine.
It was painted on a wood panel measuring 1222 x 822 x 35mm (1). Mary’s face dominates the painting and observers find themselves immersed in her eyes. Regardless of the angle they look at Mary, she looks back at them. The face of the Child is also turned towards the pilgrim, but his eyes are looking elsewhere. The two faces have a serious and thoughtful expression adding to the emotional tone of the painting. There are two parallel slashes and a third horizontal cut mark our Lady’s right cheek. On Mary’s neck there are six scratches, two more visible than others. Jesus, dressed in a scarlet tunic and supported by his Mother’s left arm, has his right hand raised in a magisterial gesture, of sovereignty and benediction. His right hand holds the Bible. The right hand of the Virgin rests on her breast, as if she were indicating the Child (Hodigitria type icon). The Virgin’s blue robe and mantle are decorated with lilies, symbol of royalty. A six-pointed star is featured on Mary’s brow. Important features are the auras around Virgin and Child since their brightness contrasts with the dark facial tones. The background is dark green.
The painting is frequently called the “Black Madonna”. It refers to skin tones of Mary and Jesus. The image was painted with colours diluted with fused wax, which were subject to natural darkening due to age. Additionally countless pots of incense and wax candles were burnt in the proximity of the picture, and it survived a fire in 1690, all of this contributed to it’s darkening.
The icon belongs to the “Hodigitria” type (literally “Waypointer” or “Leader”), which amongst the various types of images of Mary is most popular [2]. The Blessed Virgin points with her right hand to Christ, who said of himself: “I am the way (to the Lord)”. Therefore, in this kind of depiction “Hodigitria” never appears without the Child Jesus. Thus conforming to Orthodox belief, that the Conceiver of God (Mother of God) only has validity as a “Pointer of Way” to Heaven or as a “Preparer of the Way to Salvation” in conjunction with her Son.
The iconographical original of the “Hodigitria” comes from Antioch in the Orient [2]. From there, through Jerusalem it went to Constantinople in the 5th century. It has survived the iconoclasm of the 8th century, when Emperor Leo III, the Syrian, forbade the veneration of images in Byzantium and ordered that they be destroyed. However it was eventually destroyed and lost during the Turks’ conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Only a few copies survived to these days, among them Our Lady of Czestochowa is the most famous one.
The icon was painted by unknown artist on canvas covered wood board. Canvas was removed during the restoration following the damage to it in 1430. This restoration took place at the court of King Jagiello and Queen Jadwiga (canonised in 1997) in Cracow, then capital of Poland. Restoring specialists added ornaments to the Mother’s and Child’s robes and some light and shade effects to the picture [1][3][5]. They also used paint to highlight gently the sword cuttings on Mary’s face. They had to overcome the problem with unsuccessful application of the tempera colours on the image obtained with coloured fused wax.
For a long time it was believed that, the restorers scraped away the ancient image and painted a completely new one over the miraculous panel. However the most recent studies of the Icon, done by the rector of Warsaw Art Academy, professor W. Kurpik, revealed that the restoration and conservation works, apart from the mentioned additions, were narrowed down to the filling of dents and missing paint fragments only [1].
The Icon’s age or pictorial and historical values are of no great importance for Christianity. But the ability to be the source of miracles based on a religious conversion is all that matters. These miracles and conversions can happen on a personal level with God through Mary, but it can also influence the life of the whole nation. In Poland we have a good example of it.
A Legend
We are told that St Luke the Evangelist was an artist, and he had the happiness of knowing Mary personally. We also know that Mary, after the death of her Son remained upon earth for twelve years, and must have been seen and remembered by many. As God’s own Mother she was the masterpiece of His creation. So there were early Chris tians who asked St Luke to depict the most Blessed among women. The religious meaning of it can be read that the picture was born of the faith of the Church [3][4).
So St. Luke painted it on the top of a cypress wood table, which came from the home of the Holy Family. When Mary saw it, she was so pleased that she wished her blessing to accompany it wherever it went [4].
St Luke was said to have painted two images of Mary, one of which found its way to Italy and was kept in Bologna where it is still venerated [1].
The other was said to have been removed from Jerusalem where it was for nearly 300 years. It was brought to Constantinople (now Istanbul) by the mother of Constantine the Great (first Christian Emperor of Rome; *~280; +337) and placed in a specially built church. The portrait remained there for five centuries.
Over the years, many enemies laid siege to Constantinople and the icon became a centre of hope for the people of the city. Once when the city was under attack and the chapel caught fire, everything was destroyed except a small section of the wall with the painting of Mary and Jesus. The intense heat and soot from the fire had darkened the already dark olive features of Mary and Jesus.
Eventually it was given as a gift by the Byzantine Emperor to a Ruthenian (a Russian from Polish eastern provinces) nobleman Lev in acknowledgement of his military achievements [1]. The portrait was installed in the Royal Palace of Belz, where it remained until 1382.
Due to frequent threats of invasion of Tartars and concerned for the safety of the painting, Prince Ladislaus Opolski, the governor of Ruthenia, decided to move it to one of his castles in Upper Silesia.
On the brow of limestone hill called Jasna Gora within a few paces of the town of Czestochowa, the horses drawing the wagon with the painting stopped. No amount of coaxing or goading could make them go on. Mary appeared to Ladislaus in a dream and told him this was to be Her new home. The Miraculous Image was placed in a small wooden church and given to the care of the Latin Rite Hermits of Saint Paul who are still there to this day.
The legend tells us further, that after the sacking of the Jasna Gora shrine by robbers in 1430 the picture was placed on a cart with other booty, but the horses could not move the wagon. The looters threw the painting off the wagon and the horses moved. One of the riders seeing the jewels and gold covering the painting slashed it twice with the sword. When he went to strike it a third time he fell dead. The other riders fled for fear of Divine Retribution.
Repeated efforts by skilled artists to patch the scars failed. Each time the facial cuts reappeared. It is believed, that it was the will of Mary so the scars should remain as a sign to all that would want desecrate Her Shrine.
The History
In the year 1382 begins the remarkable history of this miraculous painting. That year, while in the castle of Belz the icon was reported to have been damaged during Tartar invasions of the eastern Polish province of Rus (Ruthenia). An arrow pierced it, leaving a scar, which is still visible on the Madonna’s neck [3]. After defeating the Tartars the governor of Ruthenia, Prince Ladislaus Opolski brought the painting to Czestochowa. He presented it to the Pauline Monks, whom he had brought to Jasna Gora to found a monastery earlier that year [1][3].
After bringing it from Belz to Czestochowa, the fame of the picture of Our Lady soon spread far and wide. This monastery became the site of constant pilgrimages and the custodian of numerous, priceless votive offerings. Unfortunately, such valuable gifts attracted a gang of Bohemian, Moravian, and Silesian (Husite) robbers who sacked the monastery on Easter Day, April 14 [1] and 1430 [5]. They stole all the painting’s valuable gift offerings and disfigured it by slashing it with the sword, cutting twice into the right cheek of Mary. They also broke it into three pieces by throwing it to the ground. The icon was restored in Cracow, then the capital of Poland and the king’s residence.
In 1466 Jasna Gora was attacked again, this time by the army of the Bohemian King. These raids convinced Polish King Ladislaus IV to erect a wall around the monastery and work was begun in 1638 transforming the sanctuary into a Marian Fortress’ [1][5). As history shows, these fortifications sur rounding the shrine were finished just in time before another danger.
In July 1655 Poland was invaded by Swedes coming from the north with the aim of building a Grand Baltic Empire, bonded by Protestant faith. On November 18th, 1655 after capturing most of the country and forcing the Polish King to hide abroad, Swedes approached Jasna Gora. “We will have that hen-house in three days”, the Swedish General Muller said contemptuously as he stood beneath the ramparts of the monastery [5].
However, despite heavy artillery assault of 36 cannons, attacks and tight siege by 3000 strong Swedish regiment, the monastery with only 70 monks, 170 soldiers and 20 Polish noblemen (1) held out. After forty days the Swedes withdrew. The attack on Jasna Gora was considered more as a violation of religious sentiments then as of political or military importance. So, although the Pauline Abbot Father Augustyn Kordecki led the defence, its success was attributed to the protective influence of Our Lady of Czestochowa. This was of tremendous significance for the entire Kingdom as after this victory the whole country rose up against the Swedes, who had to retreat.
This led to a proclamation that the Mother of God be Patroness and Queen of Poland declared by King John Casimir returning from exile in 1656. This was an act without precedence for a political figure and it took place in the cathedral of Lvov. He pronounced his vow to consecrate the country to the protection of the Mother of God, and the nation’s destiny was entrusted to Her from that moment [1]. The king’s vow was duly confirmed and ratified by the two houses of the Polish Parliament (5). Jasna Gora became therefore a symbol of religious and political liberty for the Polish people. But the fortifications of the monastery had to stave off more attacks in 1656, 1702, 1704 and 1705.
In 1683 King Jan III Sobieski prayed here for success in his crusade against the Turks, who invading Christian Europe, laid siege to Vienna at the time. He put himself and his army under the command of Our Lady. It is said that after the famous Vienna victory, when Europe was saved for Christianity, he stated “I came, I saw, God won” [3]. On his return he visited Jasna Gora again, gave thanks to the Black Madonna and laid some trophies from the battle as a votive offering.
The popularity of Blessed Mother of Czestochowa during the 16th and 17th centuries is visible in growing numbers of copies of the painting then being produced. As was the custom of the time, the painting was decorated by costly dresses’ of silver, gold and precious stones (5]. It was to protect an especially venerated icon from dust, soot and smoke [2]. The most famous is ‘the dress’ covered with diamonds and rubies. Currently Jasna Gora posses seven of such dresses, each with its own name [3]. They are displayed at different times, hence the difference on various depictions of the Icon. The painting is encased in a triple, richly embellished ivory frame. The importance of Jasna Gora is in being a shrine for the veneration of the Virgin Mary. Kings, the gentry and the common folk in ever increasing numbers visited the shrine. The icon was the reason and a witness of numerous miracles of healing of the soul and body of the pilgrims. Over 1000 recognised miracles have occurred here, accounts of which are being kept in the monastery with the dates as far back as 1402 [5]. The icon is therefore known as the miraculous picture.
In 1716, Pope Clement XI signed the Act of Coronation and it took place on September 8th, 1717 in the presence of about 200 000 faithful.
During the tragic decline of the Polish State (18th and 19th centuries) Jasna Gora continued to serve as a fortress against the enemies. It was used by Casimir Pulaski and Confederates against the Russians for three years 1769-72, and in the times of Napo leon’s wars 1806-13 [1]. But of more significance it was a point of reference for the oppressed nation, so the image of Our Lady became a pledge for a free Poland.
In 1909, vandals again tore off the gold crown and the ‘dress’ of pearls. This sacrilege was repaired with the help of Pope, St. Pius X, who furnished a new crown [1][5]. The new coronation took place on May 22nd, 1910. Pope after Pope had granted spiritual favours to pilgrims visiting the Shrine, enriching it with many privileges.
The victory over Bolshevik armies in the battle of Warsaw, so called “Miracle of the Vistula” on the Feast of Assumption, August 15th 1920 was attributed to Our Lady’s intercession. This victory saved not only the newly reborn Polish State but also prevented invasion by communists into Europe, devastated by the Great War. It is also believed she helped in the successful struggle against communism in 1980-89. Thus the Nobel Peace Prize received by Lech Walesa was offered by him to the Black Madonna and is kept in the monastery treasury.
Both the shrine and the famous picture it houses have survived two World Wars, a Nazi and a Communist occupation in recent times.
During the 44 years of Communist rule in Poland, the state police entered the shrine only once – on July 21s, 1958, when they alleged Catholic publications were being issued there without approval of the state censor (5).
Today the Jasna Gora fulfils various functions. It is primarily the destination of countless pilgrims from all over Poland and other countries. It is the spiritual home of Pope John Paul II (a copy of Our Lady of Czestochowa adorns the altar of his private chapel at Castel Gandolfo). As a Pope, he visited Czestochowa six times. During the 1979 visit he entrusted the faith of the Universal Church, his entire homeland, all mankind and all of himself to the Virgin and proclaimed “Mother I am yours and all that I have is yours.” [1]. He made an offering of a golden rose and set it on the altar of the Mother of God. In 1981, after the assassination attempt on his life, he deposited there the blood stained part of his robe.
The monastery often hosts conferences of the Episcopate and scientific sessions. There are three museum expositions there.
Three times a day the cover of the picture is raised, when Pauline Brothers play a solemn fanfare of trumpets. The Holy Mass is celebrated eight times a day (3). Every 50 years the picture of Our Lady of Czestochowa is taken out and carried in a procession around the ramparts of the monastery. Although it was not the due time for such a ceremony, it occurred in 1956, the 300th anniversary of the proclamation of Mary as the Queen of Poland, when the picture was exposed to more than a million people (5).
Today, Our Lady of Czestochowa looks out from her shrine at Jasna Gora and inspires faithful throughout the world.
Modern day saints who also had an affiliation with this shrine, Our Lady of Czestochowa include St. Faustyna Kowalska and St. Maksymilian Kolbe.
most powerful novena prayers
Novena prayers are known for being very powerful in helping with specific problems. If you are seeking urgent help in your life, recite one of these Novenas for special favors to help you.
Trinity Novena Prayer
Glory be to the Father, who created me in the image and likeness of God. Glory be to the Son, who through his death and resurrection, triumphed over hell and opened the way to heaven. Glory be to the Holy Spirit, who blesses me with new mercies every day. Glory be to the Holy Trinity. Bless me with your gifts. Please give me wisdom so that I may recognize the importance of others and keep God central in my life. I bring my intentions before you now. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Special Favor Prayer
Lord, my Rock and Redeemer, thank you that you are my ever-present help in times of trouble. You have promised that you have plans and a purpose for me, plans to prosper me not to harm me. Hear my prayer for special favor and listen to my intentions that I bring before you today. May the love of the Father, the tenderness of the Son, and the presence of the Spirit, gladden my heart and bring peace to my soul, today and for all days. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Compassionate Power Novena Prayer
Wonderful Counselor, thank you that you can satisfy my every desire and need. You have said that my faith will never be put to shame when my trust is in you. I declare your compassion and power as I state my particular intention before you now. Hear my prayer. Let the majesty of the Father be the light that guides me, the compassion of the Son be the love that inspires me and the presence of the Spirit be the strength that empowers me. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Supply My Needs Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that your work is perfect, your ways are just, you are a God of faithfulness. You have promised that you are able to bless me abundantly, so that in all things at all times, you will supply everything I need, and I will abound in every good work. Hear my prayer for special favor today. May your love be the passion in my heart. May your joy be my strength when times are hard. May your presence be my peace that overflows. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Special Intentions Prayer
King of Kings, Lord of Lords, thank you that your word revives my soul, gives wisdom to my mind and produces joy in my heart. You have said that, to those who ask, it will be given, to those who seek, it will be found and to those who knock, the door will be opened. Hear my prayer as I bring my intentions before you now. May I find the comfort I desire in you and the strength I need in your name. May your presence be with me every hour of the day. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Truthful Calling Prayer
Creator God, thank you that your word enlightens my eyes, purifies my soul and preserves me for eternal life. You have promised that you are near to all who call on you, to all who call on you in truth. As I lay my particular intention before you now, please hear my prayer. May your love surround me, your Spirit guide me, your voice cheer me, your peace calm me, your shield protect me, your wisdom arm me, wherever you may lead me. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Eternal King Novena Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior and our King, thank you that your reign is eternal. I pray for help to place you above the powers of this world in all things. May Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer my prayers as I bring my intentions before you now. As I await your second, glorious coming, I ask that you to show me mercy and give me the grace to follow you. I pray that I will spend eternity with you. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Compassionate Presence Prayer
Gracious Father, thank you that it is your nature to have compassion on us and to forgive us. Do not look upon my sins but upon my faith which I place in your infinite goodness. Draw me into your compassionate presence, and never let me escape from it. I pray for special favor today. I ask this of you on the basis of your love, with which you have loved within Father, Son and Holy Spirit from eternity past. I pray to you, the God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Special Request Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your beautiful virtues of humility, obedience, poverty, modesty, charity, patience, and gentleness, You bless your people with peace and happiness in your body, the church. In your mercy look upon my family, and hear my request for special favors today. We belong to you, you have been faithful to us over many years and we entrust ourselves to your loving care. Preserve us from danger, give us help in time of need, and grant us the grace to persevere to the end, that we may praise You eternally in heaven. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Empowerment Novena Prayer
Graciously loving Father, I turn to you with confidence and seek your powerful intercession. Hear my prayer as I bring my special intention before you now. I praise you that I am made in your image. Help me to conquer the temptations of the evil one. Empower me to love you and others with my whole heart. I pray with faith in your desire to listen and faith in your power to act. Help me to live in accordance with your will for the rest of my days. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Perfect Sacrifice Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, my Divine Redeemer, I thank you for coming to the earth for my sake. I thank you for your infinite majesty and beauty, which your angels delight to behold, so that I might have the courage to approach the throne of your mercy. I thank you for uniting me to yourself through your Holy Spirit. I thank you that you offered yourself as a perfect sacrifice for my salvation. I thank you that you are seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for me. Hear my particular intention today. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Hear My Request Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, I’m grateful for what you did on Calvary, where justice and mercy meet. I thank you that, on the basis of your merit, I have inherited a full, abundant, and eternal life. Awaken confidence in me so that I may receive all the blessings that you have prepared for me. In union with you, I ask for this special favor today. Grant my request and fix my gaze on you, if it is Your holy will, so that I may honor and glorify your name. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen.