He Looked on the Lowly

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God of the lowly, you gave the people of Brazil a sign of maternal care when fishermen found the little image honored as Our Lady of Aparecida. As I begin this novena, receive my intention and draw me closer to Jesus. Through Mary's intercession, deepen my hope, make me attentive to people who are poor or overlooked, and teach me to do whatever your Son asks. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

The story of Aparecida begins not in a palace but in the boat of working fishermen. Mary's Magnificat praises the God who sees the lowly and overturns our rankings of importance. Her small, darkened clay image has become especially dear to Brazilians who recognize in her a mother near to people whose labor, race, or poverty has been disregarded.

God who sees the lowly, forgive the ways I overlook people or accept systems that diminish them. Through Our Lady of Aparecida's intercession, heal wounds caused by racism, contempt, and exclusion. Give me humility to listen, courage to honor every person's dignity, and perseverance to help build communities where no one is treated as disposable. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Our Lady of Aparecida, Mother of God and patroness of Brazil, you were welcomed by working people who found your little image in the river. Carry my intention to your Son. Stay close to families, workers, pilgrims, and all whose dignity is denied. Teach me humble faith, steadfast solidarity, and joyful obedience, so that with you I may magnify the Lord and serve his people. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.