Our school year begins on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary–the day we remember that Our Lady was taken, body and soul, into heaven.

This feast reminds us of the Blessed Mother's role in salvation history: How Mary said "yes" to God in order to ensure our salvation. We give thanks to her and strive to follow her example in our own lives through prayer. We also lovingly turn to Mary, seeking her powerful intercession for the needs in our lives.  
 

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Let's pray the Novena in Honor of the Assumption of Mary together, as a St. Anthony Community, for a blessed, safe, and successful school year!

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Novenas are a beautiful way to add powerful prayer to your daily life. Lasting for nine days (typically leading up to a Feast Day), these prayers are offered for special intentions and in gratitude. These beautiful and brief prayers can be life-changing. We invite you to pray with your kids for the St. Anthony Community and consider how your life might be transformed in some way over the 9 days.
Read more about the history of novenas here.
 

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Novena Prayer in Honor of the Assumption of Mary
Start: August 7 and End: August 15, 2019

Supplied by the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Mary, full of grace, all generations rejoice to call you blessed and to acknowledge the great things that God your Savior has done for you. In preserving you from the stain of sin, God already prepared you to be taken to the place that had been readied for you in heaven. as we commemorate the Assumption of your body and soul into heaven, we recall that you intercede for us powerfully in your reign as Queen of the Universe, and that you remember us tenderly as Mother of the Church. Seeking the help of your power and consolation of your gentle compassion, we ask that you join us in praying for the intentions that we now entrust to your loving attention: (Mention your prayer requests here.) 

As you join in presenting these petitions to our Father in heaven, pray too that we may accept God's response to our petitions with the spirit of joy that marked your life on earth and which now fills your soul in heaven. Help us to long for our own heavenly inheritance, so that we might join with you in praising God's goodness forever. Amen. 
 

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How to Pray this Novena

Pray this prayer each of nine days, starting on Wednesday, August 7 and ending on Thursday, August 15. Reflect on the words and include your personal prayer intentions as well as those of our school and parish community. 

Click for a printable version with 3 prayers per page, so you can cut and share with family and friends.