Traditional Catholic Novena

Holy Innocents Novena

Prayed for babies, children who die young, grieving parents, innocence, and peace in the face of violence.

The Holy Innocents is traditionally invoked as patron of foundlings, babies, children's choirs, grieving parents.

9 daysFeast: December 280 of 9 days marked complete
The Virgin and Child surrounded by the Holy Innocents

The Virgin and Child Surrounded by the Holy Innocents, Louvre

Pray This Novena

Start with day 1

Begin the novena now, move one day at a time, and come back here whenever you are ready for the next day.

Your prayer progress and private intention stay only on this device unless you clear them. How to pray a novena.

Day 1 of 9

The same principal prayer is used each day. Choose the day you are on, pray the main prayer below, and mark the day complete when you finish.

Private intention

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Day 1 of 9

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Tap any day to jump straight to it. Blue days are already marked complete on this device.

Day 1

Pray the principal prayer below for this day of the novena.

Principal Prayer for Each Day

Pray this same prayer each day after the day's meditation.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Father, by their wordless profession of faith in Thy Son, the Holy Innocents were crowned with life at His birth.

Hear their prayers for us in this novena, especially for

Pause here for the grace you are asking.

Holy Innocents, you died before you were old enough to know what life means, pray for all children who die young that God may gather them into His loving arms.

Holy Innocents, you were killed because one man was filled with hatred, pray for those who hate that God may touch their hearts and fill them with love.

Holy Innocents, you experienced a violent death, pray for all who are affected by violence that they may find peace and love.

Holy Innocents, your parents grieved for you with deep and lasting sorrow, pray for all parents who have lost young children that God may wrap a warm blanket of comfort around them.

Holy Innocents, those around you certainly felt helpless to prevent your deaths, pray for all who feel helpless in their circumstances that they may cling to God for courage and hope.

Holy Innocents, you who are now in Heaven, pray for all of us that one day we may join you there to bask in God's love forever.

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 Glory Be

Holy Innocents, pray for us!

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Often said for

foundlingsbabieschildren's choirsgrieving parents