Introduction
St Josemaria Escriva (1902-1975), priest and founder of Opus Dei, believed that “those who are called to the married state will, with the grace of God, find within their state everything they need to be holy, to identify themselves each day more with Jesus Christ, and to lead those with whom they live to God.”
The Novena for a Happy and Faithful Marriage is inspired by St Josemaria’s desire to help all married couples, and those preparing for marriage, to find meaning and encouragement in their vocation through a commitment to daily prayer and friendship with God, especially when facing inevitable difficulties and times of trial.
The novena reflections are all taken from the homily by St Josemaria Escriva, “Marriage: A Christian Vocation”, published in the book Christ is Passing By (Scepter Publishers, 1974).
To order copies of the booklet for The Novena for a Happy and Faithful Marriage from the St. Josemaria Institute, click here. Download a PDF of this Novena.
What is a Novena?
A novena is a personal commitment that one makes to pray for nine consecutive days to ask God for answers to a specific request, struggle, or intention. The novena prayer is repeated each day and can be accompanied by reading and reflection. Novenas can be prayed throughout the year and are often prayed in preparation for a feast day of the Church.
Who should pray this novena?
The Novena for a Happy and Faithful Marriage is ideal for engaged couples and for married couples. St Josemaria’s reflections on marriage would also be helpful in guiding those who are discerning their state in life.
How to pray this novena:
- Choose a date and time (e.g. end of day, after dinner) to start the novena
- Read the reflection of the day slowly in front of a crucifix or image of the Holy Family
- Meditate on the reading and ask God to let you see what you need to understand
- Pray one of the two prayers indicated for the day (for the married or engaged)
- End with the Prayer for the Family and ask God for your specific request(s)
Day 1
The Vocation To Marriage: A Supernatural Calling
Prayer for the Day
For the Married
Lord Jesus Christ, You have elevated the covenant of marriage between man and woman to the dignity of a sacrament, making of our relationship a true pathway to holiness. Help us never to lose sight of the holiness of our bond. You will that husband and wife should image Your own spousal relationship with the Church. May we always reflect the beauty of that relationship by the holiness of our lives and our fidelity to each other. Amen.
For the Engaged
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to appreciate how great the calling to marriage is, as we together prepare for the great sacrament (cf. Eph 5:32). Grant that we might seek to reflect the love that You have for Your Church by our sincere and sacrificing love for each other. May we be pure in our hearts, chaste in our bodies, and generous in our service to one another, so that our love for each other may truly imitate the love with which You laid down Your life for Your bride, the Church. Amen.
Prayer for the Family
(concluding prayer)
O God our Loving Father,
Creator of all things, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, into the home of Mary and Joseph forming the Holy Family of Nazareth; inspire us by their example to imitate their selfless charity in our family life.
Through the intercession of St Josemaria, help our families to be united in the heart of Christ, enjoying a loving communion with each other, recognizing and upholding the sacredness of marriage, generously welcoming the gift of life, and valuing the inestimable gift of each family member.
Help us to dedicate ourselves in generous service to our families and to reflect the love that Christ had for Mary and Joseph, making our family a true domestic Church with Christ at its center.
Teach us to find Christ in the crosses that occur in family life and help us to find joy in them and unite them to him.
Watch over and protect our family so that each member will be faithful to the Gospel and never stray from the path of holiness. We ask you, through the intercession of St Josemaria, to grant us the favor of (make your request). Amen.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give our hearts and souls to you.
Day 2
The Sacredness Of Marriage: One Flesh Of Two Bodies.
Prayer for the Day
For the Married
Lord Jesus Christ, as spouses we are no longer two, but one flesh. As we are united in body, may we always be united in heart, mind, and spirit as well: seeking to grow in holiness together, seeking to give ourselves more to You as we give ourselves to each other. May we cherish each other’s bodies as Your temple, never dishonoring the place where You are most pleased to dwell. Amen.
For the Engaged
Lord Jesus Christ, as we prepare to be united as two in one flesh, grant that we might grow in mutual respect and understanding of each other. Help us to deepen our union of mind and heart, so that we will better appreciate our union of body as the privileged expression of that spiritual union which Your Spirit accomplishes in us. Amen.
Prayer for the Family
(concluding prayer)
O God our Loving Father,
Creator of all things, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, into the home of Mary and Joseph forming the Holy Family of Nazareth; inspire us by their example to imitate their selfless charity in our family life.
Through the intercession of St Josemaria, help our families to be united in the heart of Christ, enjoying a loving communion with each other, recognizing and upholding the sacredness of marriage, generously welcoming the gift of life, and valuing the inestimable gift of each family member.
Help us to dedicate ourselves in generous service to our families and to reflect the love that Christ had for Mary and Joseph, making our family a true domestic Church with Christ at its center.
Teach us to find Christ in the crosses that occur in family life and help us to find joy in them and unite them to him.
Watch over and protect our family so that each member will be faithful to the Gospel and never stray from the path of holiness. We ask you, through the intercession of St Josemaria, to grant us the favor of (make your request). Amen.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give our hearts and souls to you.
Day 3
Husband & Wife Are Called To Holines
Prayer for the Day
For the Married
Lord Jesus Christ, You provide us with many opportunities in married life to grow in holiness by growing in charity. Grant that we might never overlook these occasions for growth, especially when they challenge us. May we never tire in our daily struggle to accept all things, the great and small trials as well as the greater and lesser joys, as ways in which we might praise You and deepen our share in Your Cross and Resurrection. Amen.
For the Engaged
Lord Jesus Christ, we are preparing to enter into married life, where times of joy are often mingled with moments of sorrow and difficulty. Grant that we may see all of these occasions as opportunities to grow in holiness and fidelity. By striving now to accept all things for love of You, may we strive ever more zealously to pursue holiness when we are united together in You. Amen.
Prayer for the Family
(concluding prayer)
O God our Loving Father,
Creator of all things, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, into the home of Mary and Joseph forming the Holy Family of Nazareth; inspire us by their example to imitate their selfless charity in our family life.
Through the intercession of St Josemaria, help our families to be united in the heart of Christ, enjoying a loving communion with each other, recognizing and upholding the sacredness of marriage, generously welcoming the gift of life, and valuing the inestimable gift of each family member.
Help us to dedicate ourselves in generous service to our families and to reflect the love that Christ had for Mary and Joseph, making our family a true domestic Church with Christ at its center.
Teach us to find Christ in the crosses that occur in family life and help us to find joy in them and unite them to him.
Watch over and protect our family so that each member will be faithful to the Gospel and never stray from the path of holiness. We ask you, through the intercession of St Josemaria, to grant us the favor of (make your request). Amen.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give our hearts and souls to you.
Day 4
The Sacredness Of Human Love: Living Chastity In Marriage
Prayer for the Day
For the Married
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for the gift of human sexuality and the power you have given us to cooperate in bringing new life into this world. Help us to see our intimacy as a privilege. Help us to see each other as Your gift to us. Grant that we may have the courage to struggle against our selfish impulses so that our love may be truly a gift of self, a chaste and pure love, that only seeks the good of the other. Amen.
For the Engaged
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to prepare for a chaste married life by living chastity right now. As we work toward self-mastery, let us never lose sight of the beautiful gift of pure married love. Let us always remember that the quality of our married love depends upon our willingness to sacrifice ourselves for each other. Beginning now, give us strength to deny ourselves so that we can affirm the great dignity of the love to which You call us. Amen.
Prayer for the Family
(concluding prayer)
O God our Loving Father,
Creator of all things, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, into the home of Mary and Joseph forming the Holy Family of Nazareth; inspire us by their example to imitate their selfless charity in our family life.
Through the intercession of St Josemaria, help our families to be united in the heart of Christ, enjoying a loving communion with each other, recognizing and upholding the sacredness of marriage, generously welcoming the gift of life, and valuing the inestimable gift of each family member.
Help us to dedicate ourselves in generous service to our families and to reflect the love that Christ had for Mary and Joseph, making our family a true domestic Church with Christ at its center.
Teach us to find Christ in the crosses that occur in family life and help us to find joy in them and unite them to him.
Watch over and protect our family so that each member will be faithful to the Gospel and never stray from the path of holiness. We ask you, through the intercession of St Josemaria, to grant us the favor of (make your request). Amen.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give our hearts and souls to you.
Day 5
Self-giving & Being Open To Children
Prayer for the Day
For the Married
Lord Jesus Christ, You will that children be the precious fruit of married love. We praise and thank you for the irreplaceable gift of new human life. May we always accept as a unique blessing each child that You wish to give us, seeing in them a sign of Your trust in our loving care. Grant that we might never allow fear or selfishness to restrict our openness to new life, but trusting in Your goodness and mercy, may we receive with gratitude and generosity the new lives that You entrust to us. Amen.
For the Engaged
Lord Jesus Christ, we ask You to prepare us for parenthood by enlarging our hearts. Deepen our love and generosity so that we will gratefully receive the children whom You wish to give us. Prepare us to make the necessary sacrifices that will not only ensure their wellbeing, but assure them that they are loved by You through our loving care. Amen.
Prayer for the Family
(concluding prayer)
O God our Loving Father,
Creator of all things, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, into the home of Mary and Joseph forming the Holy Family of Nazareth; inspire us by their example to imitate their selfless charity in our family life.
Through the intercession of St Josemaria, help our families to be united in the heart of Christ, enjoying a loving communion with each other, recognizing and upholding the sacredness of marriage, generously welcoming the gift of life, and valuing the inestimable gift of each family member.
Help us to dedicate ourselves in generous service to our families and to reflect the love that Christ had for Mary and Joseph, making our family a true domestic Church with Christ at its center.
Teach us to find Christ in the crosses that occur in family life and help us to find joy in them and unite them to him.
Watch over and protect our family so that each member will be faithful to the Gospel and never stray from the path of holiness. We ask you, through the intercession of St Josemaria, to grant us the favor of (make your request). Amen.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give our hearts and souls to you.
Day 6
Suffering & Forgiveness
Prayer for the Day
For the Married
Lord Jesus Christ, You permit suffering to be a part of every human life, but You will that our afflictions be fruitful and redemptive. Help us to receive the trials and sufferings of our married life in a truly Christian spirit: as a way of making up for our sins and of bringing down many graces upon ourselves and others. May we, as husband and wife, be present to each other during times of suffering; may we never willingly cause each other to suffer. But grant that we might be strong with the strength of Your love, persevering and growing in our love until death. Amen.
For the Engaged
Lord Jesus Christ, we ask You to prepare us for the self-giving that marriage will ask of us. We know that our married life will be joyful and fulfilling only to the extent that we model our love on Your self-sacrificing love. Especially in times of trial and hardship, may we embrace the difficulties that You permit with a spirit of love and courage. Enlighten our minds and strengthen our hearts to receive all of the sufferings of married life with confidence in Your providence and mercy. Amen.
Prayer for the Family
(concluding prayer)
O God our Loving Father,
Creator of all things, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, into the home of Mary and Joseph forming the Holy Family of Nazareth; inspire us by their example to imitate their selfless charity in our family life.
Through the intercession of St Josemaria, help our families to be united in the heart of Christ, enjoying a loving communion with each other, recognizing and upholding the sacredness of marriage, generously welcoming the gift of life, and valuing the inestimable gift of each family member.
Help us to dedicate ourselves in generous service to our families and to reflect the love that Christ had for Mary and Joseph, making our family a true domestic Church with Christ at its center.
Teach us to find Christ in the crosses that occur in family life and help us to find joy in them and unite them to him.
Watch over and protect our family so that each member will be faithful to the Gospel and never stray from the path of holiness. We ask you, through the intercession of St Josemaria, to grant us the favor of (make your request). Amen.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give our hearts and souls to you.
Day 7
Creating A Bright Home Through Faith & Affection
Prayer for the Day
For the Married
Lord Jesus Christ, grant that our home may be a place of peace, a place where You are always welcome, a place where charity and understanding are never absent. You call us to make our home a bright and cheerful place by taking advantage of every opportunity, both small and great, to serve each other. Help us to build up our home and our relationships by this attentive and constant love, loving one another as You have loved us. Amen.
For the Engaged
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to be devoted to Our Lady and St Joseph, who will teach us how to make our future home into a place where You are pleased to dwell. The Psalm tells us: “If the Lord does not build the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Ps 127:1). May we always allow You to build up our family and home life by accepting from Your hand all of the opportunities You give us to serve each other and grow in mutual love. Amen.
Prayer for the Family
(concluding prayer)
O God our Loving Father,
Creator of all things, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, into the home of Mary and Joseph forming the Holy Family of Nazareth; inspire us by their example to imitate their selfless charity in our family life.
Through the intercession of St Josemaria, help our families to be united in the heart of Christ, enjoying a loving communion with each other, recognizing and upholding the sacredness of marriage, generously welcoming the gift of life, and valuing the inestimable gift of each family member.
Help us to dedicate ourselves in generous service to our families and to reflect the love that Christ had for Mary and Joseph, making our family a true domestic Church with Christ at its center.
Teach us to find Christ in the crosses that occur in family life and help us to find joy in them and unite them to him.
Watch over and protect our family so that each member will be faithful to the Gospel and never stray from the path of holiness. We ask you, through the intercession of St Josemaria, to grant us the favor of (make your request). Amen.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give our hearts and souls to you.
Day 8
Creating A Cheerful Home — Friendship With Your Children
Prayer for the Day
For the Married
Lord Jesus Christ, children are Your gift to us. Grant that we might receive them gratefully as gifts, while especially striving to remain open to how You speak to us through them. With both their strengths and weaknesses, help us to embrace them with love and patience, accepting them as You also mercifully accept us. May we teach and correct them lovingly, always remembering that we have the responsibility of forming them in the freedom of the children of God. Amen.
For the Engaged
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to appreciate deeply our status as adopted children of God. Help us to call upon God as Our Father with great tenderness and confidence. By learning to treasure our own dignity as God’s children, we will also know better how to love and form the children that You wish to give us, in the same Spirit that has made us all Your brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father. Amen.
Prayer for the Family
(concluding prayer)
O God our Loving Father,
Creator of all things, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, into the home of Mary and Joseph forming the Holy Family of Nazareth; inspire us by their example to imitate their selfless charity in our family life.
Through the intercession of St Josemaria, help our families to be united in the heart of Christ, enjoying a loving communion with each other, recognizing and upholding the sacredness of marriage, generously welcoming the gift of life, and valuing the inestimable gift of each family member.
Help us to dedicate ourselves in generous service to our families and to reflect the love that Christ had for Mary and Joseph, making our family a true domestic Church with Christ at its center.
Teach us to find Christ in the crosses that occur in family life and help us to find joy in them and unite them to him.
Watch over and protect our family so that each member will be faithful to the Gospel and never stray from the path of holiness. We ask you, through the intercession of St Josemaria, to grant us the favor of (make your request). Amen.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give our hearts and souls to you.
Day 9
United With Christ: Becoming Sowers Of Peace & Joy
Prayer for the Day
For the Married
Lord Jesus Christ, You will that our marriage be truly apostolic, that is, a relationship so loving and joyful that we naturally reach out to others in order to share what You have given us. Grant us true joy in You; grant us true joy in each other; grant us Your peace. Then we will more fully live the sacrament of holy matrimony, the more we draw souls to You by the witness of our married love, which is a true re ection of the surpassing love that You have for Your bride, the Church. Amen.
For the Engaged
Lord Jesus Christ, You call us to live a life of Christian witness in the world, reflecting the joy and peace that comes from belonging to You and to Your Church. Grant that our married love may radiate outward to many souls, inspiring them to come to You and to the Church. May we prepare for this by living authentically Christian lives right now— lives of generosity, self-restraint, and purity—so that by our example, the light of the Gospel may shine brightly before all. Amen.
Prayer for the Family
(concluding prayer)
O God our Loving Father,
Creator of all things, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, into the home of Mary and Joseph forming the Holy Family of Nazareth; inspire us by their example to imitate their selfless charity in our family life.
Through the intercession of St Josemaria, help our families to be united in the heart of Christ, enjoying a loving communion with each other, recognizing and upholding the sacredness of marriage, generously welcoming the gift of life, and valuing the inestimable gift of each family member.
Help us to dedicate ourselves in generous service to our families and to reflect the love that Christ had for Mary and Joseph, making our family a true domestic Church with Christ at its center.
Teach us to find Christ in the crosses that occur in family life and help us to find joy in them and unite them to him.
Watch over and protect our family so that each member will be faithful to the Gospel and never stray from the path of holiness. We ask you, through the intercession of St Josemaria, to grant us the favor of (make your request). Amen.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give our hearts and souls to you.
