The Novena of St. Ann has been a cherished devotion among parishioners of St. Ann's Hamilton since the parish's establishment in 1906. This prayer to our parish patron prayer is annually observed over the nine days leading up to her feast day, from July 18 to July 26.
However, it is important to note that the Novena can be prayed at any time during the year. Many find solace and strength in St. Ann's intercession for various needs and intentions, embracing the devotion as a means of drawing closer to God through her example of faith and virtue.
Regardless of when it is prayed, the Novena remains a powerful expression of our love and devotion to St. Ann, Our Lady, and Our Lord. The prayers for each day are available below.
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Dear Saint Ann, though I am but a poor prodigal child, I have recourse to thee and place myself under thy motherly care. Lend a favorable ear to my prayers and in pity refuse not to hear me. Turn not away from me at the sight of my sinful heart, but show thy never failing goodness toward me, a repentant sinner.
Vouchsafe, sweet Mother, to plead for me with the Supreme Judge of Heaven, whose wrath I have provoked by my offenses. Be my advocate: recommend me to His infinite mercy, obtain for me the forgiveness of my sins, the grace of a humble and lasting repentance, the strength to begin a new life and to persevere to the end.
Blessed Saint Ann, I also implore of thee the graces to love, to serve, and to honor thy daughter, the most holy Virgin Mary, that I may share in her prayers and her favors. Recommend me to her and pray to her for me. She refuses none of your petitions, welcomes with loving kindness all those for whom thou intercedes, and leads them to the land of eternal bliss.
May Mary look down with tender solicitude upon we who love and serve her mother; may she obtain salvation for me from her divine Son; may she take me under her special care for the rest of my life; may she come to my aid so that her enemies may never boast of having enslaved me, her child, nor may ever rejoice over the loss of my immortal soul.
Sweet Mother Saint Ann, direct me in my actions, strengthen me in my temptations, console me in my afflictions, assist me in my needs, and be with me always in life and in death.
O Good Jesus, be merciful to the faithful servants of Thy grandmother, Saint Ann, show them Thy mercy and for her sake extend to them a helping hand in all their necessities.
O Mary, Mother of God, vouchsafe always to protect those who pay homage to thy holy mother and serve her with a devout heart.
O Jesus, Holy Mary, Saint Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.
Practice: Several times a day during this Novena, I will pray ejaculations to Saint Ann.Ejaculation: Saint Ann, obtain for me the grace of a holy death.
(Here mention your intention of prayer.)*Finish with “Conluding Daily Prayers” available below this section
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From the depths of my heart, O noble Lady Saint Ann, I pay thee my homage this day and ask of thee to shelter me under the mantle of thy maternal protection. Thou knowest the many dangers that beset me. I beseech thee, therefore, to be my protectress and to save me from spiritual ruin. Thou knowest, amiable Mother, how greatly I revere thee, how gladly I serve thee, how it pleases me to praise thee, and how it helps me to call upon thee in my distress.
O Good Saint Anne, show thyself then toward me a tender mother and powerful patroness. Thou beholdest me groaning under the weight of my sins. Pray then for me, a sinner! Watch over my soul lest it be lost! I need thy help and I expect it from thy clemency.
With a childlike trust, I look up to thee and desire to live and to die in thy holy service.
O sweet advocate, pray for me to the God of all majesty that I may obtain pardon for the evil I have done, strength henceforth to overcome my passions, and grace to spend all my days in good works; let me feel the effects of thy power and bounty; may I root out of my heart its wicked tendencies and develop holy virtues in their stead.
Sweet Jesus, I thank Thee for all the graces which in Thy infinite goodness Thou hast lavished upon Saint Ann; for having chosen her, among all women, to be Thy grandparent on earth and exalted her in Heaven with so great a power of working miracles. In the name of her great merits, I humbly recommend myself to the infinite mercy of Thy divine heart; let Saint Ann be my gentle mother, advocate, and protectress during this life and the hour of death.
Most holy Mother Saint Ann, be pleased to take me under thy tender care in all my wants; extend to me a helping hand and defend me against my enemies. Hasten to hear my prayers; in thy bounty, I place my trust. Make righteous and godly all the desires of my heart and intercede with Jesus for me.
O Jesus, Holy Mary, Saint Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.
Practice: To my prayers during this Novena I will join good resolutions.
Ejaculation: Good Saint Ann, beloved protectress, obtain for me from Jesus the gift of prayer.
(Here mention your intention of prayer.)
*Finish with “Conluding Daily Prayers” available below this section
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Hail, sweet Mother Saint Ann! Thou who didst give the earliest cares to Mary, Mother of the Savior and Queen of the Angels! Hail both thou and thy holy spouse, Joachim, who watched over her infancy, presented her to the Lord in the temple and, according to thy promise, consecrated her to the service of God.
Hail, Mother Saint Ann! Thou art the powerful advocate of those who call on thee, and serve thee, for thou takest them under thy protection, preservest them from danger, providest for their needs in life, and leadest them to their eternal reward.
Hail Saint Ann, mighty and powerful! Generously reward thy servants by guiding all their undertakings. Bring sinners to repentance. Show thyself especially tender to those who are in sorrow or tribulation, and bestow temporal favors on those who place their confidence in thee.
Hail, Saint Ann, blessed Mother! I rejoice in the numerous miracles thou dost perform constantly, because they encourage all to have recourse to thee in their necessities.
Holy Mother Saint Ann, by the great power which God has given thee, show thyself my mother, my consoler, and my advocate; reconcile me to the God whom I have so deeply offended; console me in all my trials, strengthen me in all my combats; aid me in my day of need; deliver me from all danger; help me at the hour of my death and open to me the doors of paradise. Amen.
O Jesus, Holy Mary, Saint Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.
Practice: During this Novena I will, in honor of Saint Ann, give alms to the poor or for another charitable purpose, and I will practice an act of mortification.
Ejaculation: O dear Saint Ann, beloved protectress, obtain for me from Jesus crucified, the grace always to forgive my enemies.
(Here mention your intention of prayer.)
*Finish with “Conluding Daily Prayers” available below this section
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Hail, holy Mother Saint Ann! I rejoice in the faith, piety and love with which thou didst offer thy pure and holy Daughter, Mary, in the temple. By the happiness which then filled thy heart, I pray thee to present me to thy Grandson, Jesus; so that being offered by thee, I may be agreeable in His sight. Present me also to thy holy Daughter, Mary, so that I may enjoy the fruits of her intercession and learn from her how to act always comformably to the Will of God.
Hail, holy Mother Saint Ann! Take me forever under thy protection! Deliver me from the temptations which are constantly assailing me; defend me from the assaults of my enemies lest I be overcome; save me from all the numberless dangers that surround me lest I perish. Above all, assist me at my last hour; do thou and thy daughter Mary come then to my help, and though I do not deserve it, vouchsafe, both of you to be present at my deathbed in order to console and strengthen me; holy Mary and Saint Ann, show yourselves to be mothers indeed, by obtaining for me the grace of a good death. When my soul shall go forth from this world, present it at God’s tribunal, so that by your powerful help and intercession, it may obtain a favorable judgment. Amen.
O Jesus, Holy Mary, Saint Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.
Practice: Several times in the course of the day, I will honor Saint Ann’s holy image.
Ejaculation: Good Saint Ann, obtain for me generosity in the service of God.
(Here mention your intention of prayer.)
*Finish with “Conluding Daily Prayers” available below this section
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Hail, all-powerful Lady who, by a special favor from God, dost console the hearts of those who invoke thee, by procuring for them not only the eternal riches of Heaven, but also, like a good mother, success in their temporal affairs.
Holy Mother Saint Ann, forget not that I am thy servant, and reject me not on account of my sins. My iniquities are great, but I now repent of them all; and though I do not deserve that my prayers should be granted, yet I have recourse to thee, knowing thee to be a good mother that will not repulse a repentant child; regain for me the favor of my Lord and God whom I have offended, and obtain my deliverance from the punishment which my sins have deserved; obtain for me success in my temporal affairs, but above all, see to the salvation of my soul. Saint Ann, by thy influence with Jesus, the Son of Mary, thy Daughter, thou hast obtained the gift of conversion for many sinners. Must I then, who have chosen thee for my mother, be the only sinner abandoned by thee?
No, Saint Ann, thy name alone, which signifies Grace, assures me the help of thy prayers, and by these prayers I am certain of obtaining pardon and mercy form Jesus. Yes, thou will pray for me now and at the hour of my death; at that decisive moment, thou will come to me with Jesus and Mary, thou will defend me against the attacks of the evil one, and thou will open to me the gates of Heaven. Amen
O Jesus, Holy Mary, Saint Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.
Practice: I will assist as often as possible at Holy Mass.
Ejaculation: Good Saint Ann, obtain for me that I may dread sin more than death.
(Here mention your intention of prayer.)
*Finish with “Conluding Daily Prayers” available below this section
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Good Saint Ann, thou knowest my pitiable state, thou knowest my want, how little good there is in me, and how prone I am to evil. I beg of thee to have pity on my wretchedness and not to suffer that my soul, the work of God, be lost forever. Through thy prayers and merits, obtain that I may be found worthy of becoming a faithful instrument for the glory of God and the salvation of others. Pride, vanity, and self-love have taken possession of my soul and have stifled therein the graces and inspirations of God. Free my heart of these defects and put in their stead the holy virtue of humility, so that I may know and despise myself, and learn meekness and simplicity of heart. Thus only will I become agreeable in the eyes of the Most High. Then will His divine grace freely refresh my soul and make it bring forth the blessed fruit of good works.
Alas! The inclinations of my heart and will are to the vanity and sensuality of the world. The great love which God bears me, the many benefits He has bestowed upon me, neither touch nor rouse me from my guilty sloth.
Good Saint Ann, change these unholy dispositions. Let self-love and the love of the world perish in me that henceforth the love of God may inflame my soul, and reign alone therein, and that I may show the presence of this sweet love within me by exterior works of mercy and charity toward my neighbor. The fires of evil have consumed the precious gifts wherewith Heaven had enriched my soul. O Saint Ann, in thy boundless charity, come to my aid and banish far from me every vicious thought and evil longing. Let the spotless lily of chastity flourish in my heart. Help me to contend against the power of darkness, that the fear of God and His hallowed love may supplant in my heart the lure of the empty pleasures of the world; that I may mortify and discipline my rebellious flesh. Let me gain a complete victory over my unruly passions that I may thus merit the glorious crown which is given only to those who have fought with steadfast manliness against the world, the flesh, and the devil. In this severe contest, do thou, O Saint Ann, assist thy child. Let not the assaults of the enemy nor any temptation overcome me; let me forever preserve purity of heart and body; together with thy most holy daughter Mary and her divine Son Jesus, protect me at all times. Amen
O Jesus, Holy Mary, Saint Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.
Practice: In order to be a worthy child of Saint Ann, I will approach regularly the holy tribunal of penance and use the means of salvation there provided for me.
Ejaculation: Good Saint Ann, by thy great reverence for God, destroy in me the habit of taking His holy name in vain.
(Here mention your intention of prayer.)
*Finish with “Conluding Daily Prayers” available below this section
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Again today, most amiable Lady Saint Ann, I choose thee for my advocate and have recourse to thy intercession. Thou seest in me but little good and much evil. By the power and the grace wherewith God has invested thee, extend to me thy helping hand.Deliver thy devoted servant from the wiles of Satan. Renew my mind and my heart; may I for the future lead such a Christian life that the remainder of my days will be the beginning of an eternity of celestial glory. My dear Mother Saint Ann, I have unbounded confidence in thy prayers; in thy blessed hands I place my soul, my body and all my hopes both for this world and for the next. Direct my actions the way is seems good and wise to thee. I place myself under thy motherly care, and with all the ardor of my soul I commit to thy guidance my course through life, and above all recommend to thy patronage the important work of my salvation.
Receive me, O good Mother, cover me with the mantel of thy goodness; show me thy solicitude and thy tenderness. Look kindly upon me and come to my assistance. By thy earnest entreaty and thy great merits, may I obtain grace and mercy from God and all I stand in need of both for body and soul. Free me from all danger, O kind Mother; be thou the stay of my soul, and be my mediatress before the offended majesty of my God. Obtain for me the remission of my offenses; ward off from me the chastisement I have deserved for them; help me to master my principle sins; procure for me purity and humility, and the grace to lead so devout a life here upon earth that I may secure the everlasting reward of Heaven. Amen.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
O Jesus, Holy Mary, Saint Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.
Practice: I will today, in honor of Saint Ann, keep a guard on my tongue, that I may not offend by speech.
Ejaculation: Good Saint Ann, obtain for me true devotion to Mary.
(Here mention your intention of prayer.)
*Finish with “Conluding Daily Prayers” available below this section
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Hail, most blessed Mother Saint Ann! I rejoice at thy great dignity; thou gavest birth to Mary, that precious flower, whose blessed fruit, Jesus, has brought salvation to a lost world by fulfilling the desire of all pious hearts, conquering death, and restoring life and hope to sinners. Vouchsafe to intercede for me with Jesus Christ and obtain for me pardon of my sins and a real change of life.
Exalted Lady, glorious Saint Ann, deliver me from everything that is displeasing in the sight of God; let thy bounteous hand enrich thy client with grace and virtue; strengthen me against the attacks of Satan, the wicked world, and my own perverse nature.
Dear Saint Ann, Mother of Mary, deign, with thy blessed daughter, to watch over and make prosperous all my interest. Good Mother, pray to Him Who for love of us deigned to clothe Himself with human flesh in the chaste womb of thy daughter. Yes, pray to this gentle and mighty Grandson that He may wash away the stains of my soul in His precious Blood, that He may send His Holy Spirit to enlighten me and direct me in all that I do, and to make my heart and will always obedient to His holy inspirations.
O my Mother, keep a watchful eye upon my soul; cause to flourish therein every virtue; help me in all my crosses and difficulties. Give me of the fullness of thy bounty, sustain my courage by thy favors, and lead me to a happy end. Amen.
O Jesus, Holy Mary, Saint Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.
Practice: I will be faithful to invoke Saint Ann every day, even though I should have had the misfortune of displeasing her by sin.
Ejaculation: Good Saint Ann, obtain for me the most strict fidelity to all the duties of my state of life.
(Here mention your intention of prayer.)
*Finish with “Conluding Daily Prayers” available below this section
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Dear Good Saint Ann, I have reached the end of the Novena which I have undertaken in thy honor. I have asked, and this day again implore of thee, dear Mother, to obtain for me forgiveness of my many trespasses, true sorrow, a sincere and lasting amendment of life, and a good death; also such temporal and spiritual favors as I stand in need of for soul and body. But my miseries being endless, O holy Patroness, my prayers also must be unceasing. Let not, I beseech thee, O Mother, let not thy kind ear grow weary of my prayers, though I repeat them so often. May thy many favors conquer my obdurate heart and endear me forever to thy faithful service and to that of my God. Yes, dear Patroness, cause my heart to relish the sweetness of divine love and things spiritual; fill my soul with true piety enlighten my mind; purify my inclinations; give uprightness to my will and holiness to my intentions.
O bounteous Lady, secure for me perseverance in my good resolutions; resignation in adversities, Christian humility in my conduct, and prudence in all my actions. Through thy mediation, obtain that for love of Jesus I may despise the world and its vanities; grant that I may overcome all the wiles of Satan and be filled with the love of God and neighbor. Do not fail, O my amiable Mother, to implore for me from divine Providence all the help I need through life. May I receive from thy bounteous hand means sufficient not only to answer my own wants, but also to enable me through thy goodness to help the poor and contribute to the good works of our holy religion.
Dear Saint Ann, obtain for me, from our merciful Lord, health of body and soul, freedom from every misfortune, and peace of heart. Assist me at the hour of my death that I may depart this life with a heart truly repentant, filled with a lively faith, a firm hope, and an ardent love, and fortified by the last Sacraments of holy Church. With thy holy Daughter Mary, do thou, O Saint Ann, protect me in my last moments; shield me from the snares of the evil one and his bad angels; secure for me at the judgment seat of God a favorable sentence, and lastly, grant me a happy admission into the company of the Blessed, into the ever-enduring kingdom of Heaven, there to glorify and thank the adorable Trinity, thy Grandson Christ Jesus, thy glorious Daughter Mary, and thyself, O dear Saint Ann, during endless ages. Amen.
O Jesus, Holy Mary, Saint Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death.
Practice: As the concluding act of the Novena, I will perform some good work in honor of Saint Ann.
Ejaculation: Good Saint Ann, by thy motherly intercession lead me to Paradise, where thou art, there to praise and thank thee forever.
(Here mention your intention of prayer.)
*Finish with “Conluding Daily Prayers” available below this section
Concluding Daily Prayers
PRAYER TO OBTAIN SOME SPECIAL FAVOUR
O Glorious Saint Ann, thou are filled with compassion for those who invoke thee and with love for those who suffer! Heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I therefore cast myself at thy feet and humbly beg of thee to take under thy special protection the present affair which I recommend to thee.
Vouchsafe to recommend it to thy Daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day to behold my God face to face, and with thee and Mary and all the Saints to praise and bless Him for all eternity. Amen.
IMPORTANT REQUESTS TO SAINT ANN
Good Saint Ann, obtain for me ardent love of my God and of thy daughter, the Most Holy Virgin Mary.
Good Saint Ann, obtain for me lively faith and unbounded confidence in the Divine Goodness.
Good Saint Ann, obtain for me the spirit of compunction and the sanctifying courage of holy penance.
Good Saint Ann, beloved protectress, obtain for me from Jesus the gift of prayer.
O dear Saint Ann, holy Mother of Mary, be my refuge and my consolation.
Great Saint Ann, be forever the consolation and support of mothers, and the protection of their children
Good Saint Ann, obtain for me generosity in service of God.
Good Saint Ann, obtain for me, from Jesus crucified, the grace always to pardon my enemies.
Good Saint Ann, recommend me to Mary.
O Mary, with thy holy Mother, obtain for me the grace of purity and a sincere desire to master my wicked passions.
Saint Joachim and Saint Ann, obtain for me the grace of graces, that of a good death.
Good Saint Ann, obtain for me my requests.
Good Saint Ann, by thy motherly intercession lead me to Heaven.
Amen