THE NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS

The devotion to the Child Jesus has its roots in the visions of St. Teresa of Avila, the reformer of the Carmelite Order who used to bring a statue of the Infant Jesus with her at all times when founding convents. The reverence for Jesus centers on the mystery of the incarnation, that Jesus humbled himself to become man, even a helpless infant, to bring us salvation from our sins and offer us eternal life in his heavenly home. The novena is a plea from us in our own helplessness to the all powerful Jesus who endured the helplessness of an infant for our salvation. The novena prayers begin with admissions of our humble, sinful condition and end with supplication for a friend in need. Traditionally, this novena begins on the 17^th of any month, but any nine day period is okay.

17^th:     O Sweet Child Jesus, here at Your feet is a soul that, conscious of its nothingness turns to You, who are all. I have so much need of Your help. Look on me O! Jesus, with love since You are all powerful, help me in my poverty.

O Holy Child Jesus, lord of life and death, I bow before You, unworthy and miserable sinner that I am, to implore You to cure Joe who is so dear to my heart. He is in great suffering, wracked with pain, and can find no relief except in You, in whom he puts his hope. Relieve him in his agony, o heavenly Doctor, free him from his suffering and give him perfect health, if that be Your divine will and for the good of his soul. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

18^th: O Splendor of the heavenly Father, in whose face shines the light of the divinity. I adore You profoundly and I confess You as the true Son of the living God. I offer You, O Lord, the humble homage of all my being. Grant that I may never separate myself from You, my highest goal.

O Holy Child Jesus, lord of life and death, I bow before You, unworthy and miserable sinner that I am, to implore You to cure Joe who is so dear to my heart. He is in great suffering, wracked with pain, and can find no relief except in You, in whom he puts his hope. Relieve him in his agony, o heavenly Doctor, free him from his suffering and give him perfect health, if that be Your divine will and for the good of his soul. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

19^th: O Holy Child Jesus, in gazing upon Your countenance, from which comes the most beautiful of smiles, I feel myself filled with a lively trust. Yes. I hope for all from Your goodness. Shed, O Jesus, on me and on those dear to me Your smile of grace and I will praise Your infinite mercy.

O Holy Child Jesus, lord of life and death, I bow before You, unworthy and miserable sinner that I am, to implore You to cure Joe who is so dear to my heart. He is in great suffering, wracked with pain, and can find no relief except in You, in whom he puts his hope. Relieve him in his agony, o heavenly Doctor, free him from his suffering and give him perfect health, if that be Your divine will and for the good of his soul. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

20^th: O Child Jesus, whose forehead is adorned with a crown, I accept You as my absolute sovereign. I do not wish to serve any longer the evil one, my passions, or sin. Reign, O Jesus over this poor heart and make it all Yours forever.

O Holy Child Jesus, lord of life and death, I bow before You, unworthy and miserable sinner that I am, to implore You to cure Joe who is so dear to my heart. He is in great suffering, wracked with pain, and can find no relief except in You, in whom he puts his hope. Relieve him in his agony, o heavenly Doctor, free him from his suffering and give him perfect health, if that be Your divine will and for the good of his soul. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

21^st: I gaze upon You, O Most Sweet Redeemer, dressed in a mantle of purple. It is Your royal attire. How it speaks to me of blood! That Blood which You have shed solely on my account. Grant, O Child Jesus that I may respond to Your great sacrifice and not refuse when you offer me some difficulty to suffer with You and for You.

O Holy Child Jesus, lord of life and death, I bow before You, unworthy and miserable sinner that I am, to implore You to cure Joe who is so dear to my heart. He is in great suffering, wracked with pain, and can find no relief except in You, in whom he puts his hope. Relieve him in his agony, o heavenly Doctor, free him from his suffering and give him perfect health, if that be Your divine will and for the good of his soul. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

22^nd: O Most Lovable Child, in contemplating You as You sustain the world, my hear fills with joy. Among the innumerable beings that You sustain, I also am one. You look on me, uphold me at every instant and guard me as Your own. Look after, O Jesus, this humble being and help it in its many necessities.

O Holy Child Jesus, lord of life and death, I bow before You, unworthy and miserable sinner that I am, to implore You to cure Joe who is so dear to my heart. He is in great suffering, wracked with pain, and can find no relief except in You, in whom he puts his hope. Relieve him in his agony, o heavenly Doctor, free him from his suffering and give him perfect health, if that be Your divine will and for the good of his soul. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

23^rd: On Your breast, O Child Jesus, shines a Cross. It is a standard of our redemption. I also, O Divine Savior, have my cross, that, although light, very often weighs me down. Help me to bear it and may the carrying of it be fruitful. You well know how weak and worthless I am.

O Holy Child Jesus, lord of life and death, I bow before You, unworthy and miserable sinner that I am, to implore You to cure Joe who is so dear to my heart. He is in great suffering, wracked with pain, and can find no relief except in You, in whom he puts his hope. Relieve him in his agony, o heavenly Doctor, free him from his suffering and give him perfect health, if that be Your divine will and for the good of his soul. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

24^th: Together with the cross, I see on Your breast, O Child Jesus, a little golden heart. It is the image of Your heart, which is truly golden on account of its infinite tenderness. You are the true friend that generously gives Himself; even immolates Himself, for the one He loves. Continue to pour out on me, O Jesus, the enthusiasm which Your love inspires and teach me to respond always to Your great love.

O Holy Child Jesus, lord of life and death, I bow before You, unworthy and miserable sinner that I am, to implore You to cure Joe who is so dear to my heart. He is in great suffering, wracked with pain, and can find no relief except in You, in whom he puts his hope. Relieve him in his agony, o heavenly Doctor, free him from his suffering and give him perfect health, if that be Your divine will and for the good of his soul. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

25^th: How many blessings, O Little Child has Your almighty right hand poured out on those who honor You and call upon You. Bless me also, O Child Jesus, my soul, my body and my interests. Bless and help me in my necessities, and grant me what I now desire. Listen with compassion to my prayers and I will bless Your Holy Name everyday.

O Holy Child Jesus, lord of life and death, I bow before You, unworthy and miserable sinner that I am, to implore You to cure Joe who is so dear to my heart. He is in great suffering, wracked with pain, and can find no relief except in You, in whom he puts his hope. Relieve him in his agony, o heavenly Doctor, free him from his suffering and give him perfect health, if that be Your divine will and for the good of his soul. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.