Novena
IN PREPARATION FOR THE FEAST OF OUR LADY’S NATIVITY.
(Commencing August 30th).
Come, O Holy Ghost, &c., p. 566.
MOST holy Mary, Lady elect, predestined from all eternity by the Most Holy Trinity to be mother of the only-begotten Son of the Eternal Fattier, foretold by the Prophets, sighed for by the Patriarchs, desired by all nations, Sanctuary and living Temple of the Holy Ghost, Sun without blemish, because conceived free from original sin, Mistress of Heaven and of Earth, Queen of Angels; humbly prostrate at thy feet we give thee our homage, rejoicing that the year has brought round again the memory of thy sweet Nativity: then with all our hearts we pray thee, Lady, vouchsafe in thy goodness now to come down again and be reborn spiritually in our souls, that, led captive by thy loveliness and sweetness, we may ever live united to thy most sweet and loving heart.
1. So now with nine angelic salutations here we hail thy coming, pondering the while upon the nine months thou didst pass within the cloister of thy Mother’s womb; and we tell thee of thine origin from David’s royal house, and how thou didst come forth to the light of heaven with high honour from the womb of holy Anna, thy most happy mother. Ave Maria.
2. We hail thee, heavenly Babe, white Dove of purity; who, despite the serpent, wast conceived free from the taint of Adam’s sin. Ave Maria.
