Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary has long been a source of comfort and strength for the faithful. Among the many Marian devotions, the Three Hail Marys Novena holds a special place. This powerful prayer was revealed to Saint Gertrude the Great, to whom Our Blessed Mother promised:
"To any soul who faithfully prays the Three Hail Marys, I will appear at the hour of death in a splendor of beauty so extraordinary that it will fill the soul with heavenly consolation."
This novena honors the three special gifts given to Our Lady by God: power, wisdom, and mercy. It is a simple yet profound practice recommended to be prayed daily as a perpetual novena.
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How to Pray the Three Hail Marys Novena
Each of the three Hail Marys is prayed in honor of one of the divine gifts bestowed upon Our Blessed Mother.
1. In Honor of Our Lady’s Power
Prayer:
Oh, Immaculate Mary, Virgin most powerful, I beseech thee, through that immense power which thou hast received from the Eternal Father, obtain for me purity of heart, strength to overcome all the enemies of my soul, and the special favor I implore in my present necessity.
Mother most pure! Forsake me not, despise not my prayer, graciously hear me for God’s glory, thy honor, and the welfare of my soul. To obtain this favor I honor thy power by reciting:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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.
2. In Honor of Our Lady’s Wisdom
Prayer:
Oh Virgin Mary, my Mother, through that ineffable wisdom bestowed upon thee by the Incarnate Word of God, I humbly beseech thee, obtain for me meekness and humility of heart, a perfect knowledge of the Divine Will, and strength to accomplish it always.
Oh Mary, Seat of Wisdom; as a tender Mother lead me in the path of Christian virtue and perfection; enlighten and enable me to do what is most pleasing to thy beloved Son, and obtain my petition. To obtain this favor I honor thy power by reciting:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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.
3. In Honor of Our Lady’s Mercy
Prayer:
Oh, Mother of Mercy, Mother of penitent sinners, I stand before thee sinful and sorrowful, beseeching thee through the immense Love given to thee by the Holy Spirit for us poor sinners, obtain for me true and perfect contrition for my sins, which I hate and detest with all my heart, because I love God.
Mother most merciful, help me in my present necessity. Turn, then, those eyes of mercy toward us, oh clement, oh loving, oh sweet Virgin Mary! To obtain this favor I honor thy power by reciting:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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.
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The Power of the Three Hail Marys
This simple devotion carries immense spiritual power. Many saints and holy people throughout history, including Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Saint Leonard of Port Maurice, and Saint Anthony of Padua, strongly recommended the practice of praying the Three Hail Marys daily.
By praying this novena with faith and devotion, we place ourselves under the protection of the Blessed Mother, seeking her intercession in all our needs—both spiritual and temporal.
Let us entrust our hearts to Mary, who never fails to lead us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
May she guide us, strengthen us, and grant us the grace of a happy and holy death, as she promised to Saint Gertrude.
Will you commit to praying the Three Hail Marys daily? Start today and experience the powerful intercession of Our Blessed Mother!
