A novena for an end to the coronavirus pandemic will begin Thursday, Aug. 6 and continue each through Aug. 15, the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Archbishop Nelson Perez invites the clergy, religious and lay persons in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to join in the nine-day period of prayer. Faithful are also encouraged to pray the rosary each day.

An initiative of the archdiocese’s Arise program to restore Catholic life after the pandemic, the devotion offers the following prayer to be prayed daily during the novena – with additional prayers each day of the novena here.

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Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, we believe in your triumphant assumption into heaven where the angels and saints acclaim you as Queen of Heaven and earth. We join them in praising you and bless the Lord who raised you above all creatures. With them we honor you. We are confident that you watch over our daily lives and we ask that you intercede for us now.

(Pray for a specific request here, including the petition for an end of the coronavirus pandemic.)

We are comforted by our faith in the coming resurrection and we look to you for prayers and comfort. After this earthly life, show us Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb, O kind, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Queen assumed into Heaven, pray for us. Amen.