Each year, Catholics around the world prepare for the Feast of the Assumption on August 15 by praying a nine-day novena beginning on August 6. As we reflect on Mary’s humility, faith and complete trust in God, we ask for her intercession and strive to imitate her example.
The Assumption reminds us of one of the greatest promises of our faith: that through Christ, death is not the end. Because of Christ’s victory over sin and death, heaven is our true home. In Mary’s Assumption, we catch a glimpse of the glory that God desires for all who faithfully follow His Son.
Praying the Assumption Novena is a beautiful way to prepare your heart for this great feast and to entrust your intentions to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who always leads us closer to her Son.
What Is the Assumption Novena?
The Assumption Novena is traditionally prayed on the nine days leading up to the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The feast commemorates the Church’s belief that, at the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. This singular privilege was given to Mary because of her unique role as the Mother of God and because she was preserved from original sin through the grace of Christ.
The Assumption points beyond Mary herself. It reminds us that Christ has conquered sin and death and that heaven is the destiny God desires for all His people. Mary’s Assumption is a sign of hope and a promise of the resurrection that awaits those who remain faithful to Christ.
New to praying novenas? Learn what they are, why Catholics pray them and how to get started in our guide: What Are Novenas?
Why Should You Pray It?
Mary’s life was one of complete trust in God’s plan. From her “yes” at the Annunciation to her faithful presence at the foot of the Cross, she remained obedient even when she could not fully understand what God was doing.
The Assumption Novena invites us to ask for that same trust and perseverance. It is especially meaningful if:
- You want to grow closer to Jesus through Mary.
- You’re seeking greater hope in God’s promise of eternal life.
- You desire to imitate Mary’s humility, faith and obedience.
- You’re praying for your family, your vocation or a deeper relationship with God.
Mary’s Assumption reminds us that the Christian life does not end with death. Christ has opened the way to eternal life, and Mary’s entrance into heaven is a foretaste of the resurrection promised to all who follow Him.
How to Pray the Assumption Novena
The Assumption Novena is traditionally prayed from August 6 through August 14, concluding on the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption.
Begin each day by making the Sign of the Cross. Read the daily novena prayer, bringing your intentions before Our Lady and asking for her intercession. You may also choose to pray a Hail Mary, entrusting your intentions to Our Lady’s maternal care, before ending with the Sign of the Cross.
If you’d like to pray the traditional Assumption Novena using the same prayer each day, we recommend this version from EWTN.
If you prefer a novena with a unique meditation and prayer for each of the nine days, we recommend this version from Pray More Novenas.
Whichever version you choose, let these nine days be an opportunity to prepare your heart for the Feast of the Assumption, entrusting your intentions to Our Lady and asking her to lead you ever closer to her Son.
Additional Resources
Continue growing in your prayer life and devotion to the Blessed Mother with these resources:
-
- How to Pray the Rosary — Meditate on the life of Christ through the eyes of Mary in one of the Church’s most beloved prayers.
- How to Pray: Novenas — Learn the history of novenas and how these nine-day prayers can deepen your spiritual life.
- 5 Ways to Pray to Mary — Discover 5 meaningful ways to grow in your devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Give
