Novena to the Holy Face of Jesus

This novena prayer may be said at any time, but especially for the Feast of the Holy Face on Shrove Tuesday - start two Sundays before the beginning of Lent. (Devotion approved by the Vatican)

"I firmly wish that my face reflecting the intimate pains of my soul, the suffering and love of my heart, be more honored! Whoever gazes upon me already consoles me."

(Our Lord Jesus Christ to Sister Maria Pierina de Michelli)

"All those who, attracted by my love, and venerating my countenance, shall receive, by virtue of my humanity, a brilliant and vivid impression of my divinity. This splendor shall enlighten the depths of their souls, so that in eternal glory the celestial court shall marvel at the marked likeness of their features with my divine countenance." (Our Lord Jesus Christ to St. Gertrude)

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

Say this prayer to begin each day of the novena

O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, through the intercession of Holy Mary, whose soul was pierced through by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of her Divine Son, we ask your help in making a perfect Novena of reparation with Jesus, united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.
We now implore all the Angels and Saints to intercede for us as we pray this Holy
Novena to the Most Holy Face of Jesus and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

DAY ONE

Recite the above Daily Preparatory Prayer

Psalm 51:3-4
Have mercy on me, O God in your goodness, in your great tenderness wipe away my faults: wash me clean of my guilt, purify me from my sin.

O most Holy Face of Jesus, look with tenderness on us who are sinners. You are a merciful God, full of love and compassion. Keep us pure of heart, so that we may see Thee always. Mary, our Mother, intercede for us; Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face,
O Jesus, grant us our petition.................. Pardon and mercy.

Prayer to Our Almighty Father

Almighty Father, come into our hearts, and so fill us with your love that forsaking all evil desires, we may embrace you, our only good. Show us, O Lord our God, what you are to us. Say to our souls, I am your salvation, speak so that we may hear. Our hearts are before you; open our ears; let us hasten after your voice. Hide not your Face from us, we beseech you, O Lord. Open our hearts so that you may enter in. Repair the ruined mansions, that you may dwell therein. Hear us, O Heavenly Father, for the sake of your only Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (St. Augustine)

Pray 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be
pray 3 X's: O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine

DAY TWO

Recite the above Daily Preparatory Prayer

Psalm 51,5-6a
My offences truly I know them; My sin is always before me Against you, you alone, have I sinned; What is evil in your sight I have done.

Most Holy Face of Jesus, we are truly sorry that we have hurt you so much by constantly doing what is wrong; and for all the good works we have failed to do. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Saint Joseph, intercede for us, help us to console the Most Holy Face of Jesus. Pray that we may share in the tremendous love Thou hast for one another, and for the most Holy and Blessed Trinity. Amen.

Through the merits of your precious blood and your Holy Face,
O Jesus, grant us our petition.................. Pardon and mercy.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, Sanctifier, all powerful God of love, Thou who didst fill the Virgin Mary with grace, Thou who didst wonderfully transform the hearts of the apostles. Thou who didst endow all Thy martyrs with a miraculous heroism, come and sanctify us, illumine our minds, strengthen our wills, purify our consciences, rectify our judgments, set our hearts on fire and preserve us from the misfortune of resisting Thine inspirations. We consecrate to Thee our understanding, our heart and our will, our whole being for time and for eternity. May our understanding be always submissive to Thy heavenly inspirations and to the teachings of Thy Holy Catholic Church, of which Thou art the infallible guide; may our heart he ever inflamed with love of God and neighbor, may our will be ever conformed to the divine will, and may our whole life be a faithful imitation of the life and virtues of our Lord and Saviour. Jesus Christ, to whom with the Father and Thee be honor and glory forever. Amen

Pray 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be
Say 3X's: O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine

DAY THREE

Recite the above Daily Preparatory Prayer

Pray 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be
pray 3 X's: O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine