“The Redeemer of the world chose the family as the place for his birth and growth, thereby sanctifying this fundamental institution of every society”
Pope St. John Paul II
We celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to remember the Holy Family’s example of love, sacrifice, and humility. Despite facing potential ostracism by others, Mary and Joseph’s willing cooperation with God’s plan changed the course of humanity forever.
St. Joseph, while not the biological father of Jesus, was chosen to be “Guardian of the Redeemer,” guided by the angel Gabriel to care for Jesus and Mary.
The Church considers the Holy Family as the ultimate model for family life. Pope St. John Paul II writes,
“For every believer, and especially for Christian families, the humble dwelling place in Nazareth is an authentic school of the Gospel. Here we admire, put into practice, the divine plan to make the family an intimate community of life and love; here we learn that every Christian family is called to be a small “domestic church” that must shine with the Gospel virtues. Recollection and prayer, mutual understanding and respect, personal discipline and community asceticism and a spirit of sacrifice, work and solidarity are typical features that make the family of Nazareth a model for every home.”
Purpose of the Holy Family Novena
This novena, typically recited for nine consecutive days leading up to the feast day of the Holy Family, encourages us to ask for their intercession to increase our virtues of humility, obedience, and compassion.
Celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas, this day is meant to bring us closer to the Holy Family. Their example of love and sacrifice can even inspire families to grow closer and build stronger relationships through prayer.
It’s a great occasion to reflect on the ways that our own families can better model after the Holy Family. For mothers, how can you grow more in humility and love to resemble the heart of Our Lady? For fathers, how can you learn from St. Joseph regarding the virtues of self-sacrifice and courage?
How can we all honor our earthly parents and grandparents like Christ honored His Father? This novena will help you ponder on these questions and inspire peace in your family life.
How to Pray the Holy Family Novena
Day 1: For the Gift of Children
Begin by making the sign of the cross: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God, I come to you today offering up this personal intention:
(Share personal intention with God)
A reading from the Letter to the Phillippians:
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.
Jesus, you became a little child and entrusted yourself to the care of your mother Mary and your foster-father Joseph, depending on them entirely in your infancy. We pray in thanksgiving for the gift of children–in our own family and in the families around us. Renew in us a sense of wonder and joy in the presence of little children, especially those whom you have entrusted to our care.
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, model for all families…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, icon of the Trinity…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, communion of love…pray for us
- Holy Family, whose home was one of charity and peace…
- Holy Family, who endured hardships with patience and grace…
- Holy Family, who welcomed the gift of new life with joy and love…
- Holy Family, who suffered grief and sorrow with faith and hope….
- Holy Family, who served God before all else…
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, and authentic schools of the Gospel . Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 2: For the Gift of Mothers
Begin by making the sign of the cross: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God, I come to you today offering up this personal intention:
(Share personal intention with God)
A reading from the Gospel of Luke:
“The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Mary, you said “Yes” to God with your whole being, allowing the Word of God to dwell within you. We pray in thanksgiving for the gift of mothers—in our own family and in the families around us. Mother Mary, pray for those called to the vocation of spiritual or physical motherhood; may they, like you, always lead their children to the loving arms of your Son, Jesus.
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, model for all families…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, icon of the Trinity…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, communion of love…pray for us
- Holy Family, whose home was one of charity and peace…
- Holy Family, who endured hardships with patience and grace…
- Holy Family, who welcomed the gift of new life with joy and love…
- Holy Family, who suffered grief and sorrow with faith and hope….
- Holy Family, who served God before all else…
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, and authentic schools of the Gospel Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 3: For the Gift of Fathers
Begin by making the sign of the cross: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God, I come to you today offering up this personal intention:
(Share personal intention with God)
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew:
“When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Joseph, chaste spouse and loving foster-father, you safe-guarded Mary and Jesus from harm and provided for their needs. We pray in thanksgiving for the gift of fathers—in our own family and in the families around us. St. Joseph, pray for those called to the vocation of spiritual or physical fatherhood; may they, like you, provide for their families with deep tenderness and unfailing diligence.
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, model for all families…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, icon of the Trinity…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, communion of love…pray for us
- Holy Family, whose home was one of charity and peace…
- Holy Family, who endured hardships with patience and grace…
- Holy Family, who welcomed the gift of new life with joy and love…
- Holy Family, who suffered grief and sorrow with faith and hope….
- Holy Family, who served God before all else…
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, and authentic schools of the Gospel Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Day 4: For Those Longing for or Expecting Children
Begin by making the sign of the cross: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God, I come to you today offering up this personal intention:
(Share personal intention with God)
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke:
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.””
Mary and Joseph: you rejoiced at the birth of Jesus and shared that joy with all who came to adore him–shepherds, magi, and angels alike. Be with all couples who long for the gift of children and with parents currently waiting for the birth of their child. Pray that they may know the joy you experienced that night in Bethlehem when you held the infant Jesus in your arms.
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, model for all families…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, icon of the Trinity…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, communion of love…pray for us
- Holy Family, whose home was one of charity and peace…
- Holy Family, who endured hardships with patience and grace…
- Holy Family, who welcomed the gift of new life with joy and love…
- Holy Family, who suffered grief and sorrow with faith and hope….
- Holy Family, who served God before all else…
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, and authentic schools of the Gospel Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 5: For Families Facing Hardship
Begin by making the sign of the cross: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God, I come to you today offering up this personal intention:
(Share personal intention with God)
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew:
“Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod.”
Mary and Joseph; to escape Herod’s jealous wrath, you fled to Egypt with the newborn Jesus and lived there, far from family, until it was safe to return home. We pray in a special way for families who, like you, find themselves raising children in trying circumstances; for those fleeing war or famine, those facing financial hardship, or those isolated from loved ones. Intercede on their behalf and help lead them to a place of safety where their families may flourish.
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, model for all families…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, icon of the Trinity…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, communion of love…pray for us
- Holy Family, whose home was one of charity and peace…
- Holy Family, who endured hardships with patience and grace…
- Holy Family, who welcomed the gift of new life with joy and love…
- Holy Family, who suffered grief and sorrow with faith and hope….
- Holy Family, who served God before all else…
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, and authentic schools of the Gospel Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Day 6: For Lost Children
Begin by making the sign of the cross: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God, I come to you today offering up this personal intention:
(Share personal intention with God)
A reading from the Gospel according to Luke:
“The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Mother Mary, the prophet Simeon foretold of the sorrows that would pierce your heart throughout Jesus’ life—from losing the Christ Child in Jerusalem to witnessing his crucifixion at Calvary. Intercede on behalf of all parents who suffer for the love of their children who seem lost or in harm’s way. May they draw close to your own sorrowful heart and may they, like you, one day know the joy of the Resurrection.
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, model for all families…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, icon of the Trinity…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, communion of love…pray for us
- Holy Family, whose home was one of charity and peace…
- Holy Family, who endured hardships with patience and grace…
- Holy Family, who welcomed the gift of new life with joy and love…
- Holy Family, who suffered grief and sorrow with faith and hope….
- Holy Family, who served God before all else…
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, and authentic schools of the Gospel Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Day 7: For Children away from Home
Begin by making the sign of the cross: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God, I come to you today offering up this personal intention:
(Share personal intention with God)
A reading from the Gospel according to John:
“On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.””
Mary, at Cana you encouraged and witnessed Jesus’ first miracle before your son set out to begin his public ministry. Pray for our children who have left home to pursue the lives that God has called them to; may the foundation of love and faith they received in childhood continue to guide and strengthen them.
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, model for all families…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, icon of the Trinity…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, communion of love…pray for us
- Holy Family, whose home was one of charity and peace…
- Holy Family, who endured hardships with patience and grace…
- Holy Family, who welcomed the gift of new life with joy and love…
- Holy Family, who suffered grief and sorrow with faith and hope….
- Holy Family, who served God before all else…
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, and authentic schools of the Gospel Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Day 8: For Families Facing Grief
Begin by making the sign of the cross: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God, I come to you today offering up this personal intention:
(Share personal intention with God)
A reading from the book of Sirach:
“My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins —a house raised in justice to you.”
Holy Family of Nazareth, you were no strangers to loss and suffering. Tradition tells us that St. Joseph died sometime before Jesus began his public work and that he died as we all hope to die: in the arms of Mary and Jesus. Intercede on behalf of all families who have known similar grief; may they know the comfort and peace of Christ’s presence amidst their sorrow.
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, model for all families…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, icon of the Trinity…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, communion of love…pray for us
- Holy Family, whose home was one of charity and peace…
- Holy Family, who endured hardships with patience and grace…
- Holy Family, who welcomed the gift of new life with joy and love…
- Holy Family, who suffered grief and sorrow with faith and hope….
- Holy Family, who served God before all else…
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, and authentic schools of the Gospel Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Day 9: For the Intercession of the Holy Family
Begin by making the sign of the cross: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God, I come to you today offering up this personal intention:
(Share personal intention with God)
A reading from the First Letter of John:
“Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. And so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed.”
Holy Family of Nazareth, be near to our family and help us to follow your example of love. May our home be a place where each of us is known, loved, and cherished, and may the love we share with one another reflect the love of ourHeavenly Father.
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, model for all families…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, icon of the Trinity…pray for us
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, communion of love…pray for us
- Holy Family, whose home was one of charity and peace…
- Holy Family, who endured hardships with patience and grace…
- Holy Family, who welcomed the gift of new life with joy and love…
- Holy Family, who suffered grief and sorrow with faith and hope….
- Holy Family, who served God before all else…
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, and authentic schools of the Gospel Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously hear our prayer. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
More Novenas
If you are interested in praying more novenas, check these out below.