The shrine saw an opportune time to revise the novena during the celebrations of the 150th Jubilee of the icon in 2016. In the spirit of the 150th Jubilee of the Icon, a new version of the novena was published. This latest version aims to:

 

• Help in the renewal towards an authentic devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help
• Adopt the novena to the signs of the times particularly the new issues and challenges that our world is confronted today.
• Express a more healthy and meaningful understanding and practice of devotion to our Blessed Mother.
• Incorporate an inclusive language into the novena.

 

An interesting feature of the 2016 novena is the return of the contemplation of the meaning and spirituality of the icon and its parts as an essential part of praying the novena.

 

 

How to Pray the Novena

 

1. Attend the Perpetual Novena devotions to our Mother of Perpetual Help for nine consecutive Wednesdays.  If possible, assist at Mass on Novena days.  Those unable to go to the Church because of sickness or the like, may pray the Novena at home before the picture of our Mother of Perpetual Help.
2. At the conclusion of the Novena there may be Benediction or Holy Mass.  “That practice in a special manner is to be highly commended by which many exercises of piety, customary among the faithful,   and with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.”  (Litt. Encycl. Mediator Dei, Par II. ch. 4)
3. Bring this booklet with you and join in the prayers and hymns.
4. Write your petition to our Blessed Mother and place it in the box marked, “Petitions.”
5. During the Novena make a good confession.
6. Receive Holy Communion as often as possible.
7. When your petition has been answered, write a letter of thanksgiving to our Blessed Mother and place it in the box marked, “Thanksgiving Letters”, so that others also may be inspired to experience God’s perpetual help through the prayers of our Blessed Mother.