Rome (Italy). To prepare us to the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary on 8 December 2025 the Salesian Family Sector of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians proposes the Novena entitled:
“Courage, the Madonna is near you!”
In the Presentation of the Novena, Sister Leslie Sándigo Ortega, Councilor for the Salesian Family of the Institute, explains the choice of theme and structure:
The canonization of Sr. Maria Troncatti on October 19th is an occasion through which the Lord blessed us with a new Saint to the Institute and the Salesian Family. As we prepare to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary in 2025 as an Institute, let us praise the Lord for the life and witness of holiness of our dear Sr. Maria Troncatti, who found in Mary a helper, a teacher, and an example.
The proposal of the novena for this year is inspired by passages from the biography of St. Maria Troncatti, which highlight the direct presence and protection of Mary in her personal and community life, and in her mission. Her entire life was lived in deep communion with Mary, expressed in unwavering trust. She recited the ‘Hail Marys’ like the breath of her soul and drew strength, serenity, patience, creativity, and missionary boldness from it.
Every day during the Novena, an episode from the life of St. Maria Troncatti will be presented that encourages us to reflect on the trust that she had in Mary. It will be followed by a daily commitment with the assurance of her presence in our lives.
As a concrete practice, it is suggested to the Communities to pray the Rosary together and conclude it with the proposal of the prayer to the Immaculate Virgin, renewing the feelings of gratitude, supplication, and trust, as She herself said to her sister Catherine: ‘I’m asking everyone for a big favor: that they pray the holy rosary every evening before going to bed. I’m asking everyone for this favor. It is the Blessed Virgin who wants it, and she begs that the holy rosary be recited for the conversion of so many sinners. I always pray for all of you, and you pray for me. (Letters from Sister Maria Troncatti, no. 56)
Together with St. Maria Troncatti, let us begin this Novena with fervor and love for Mary Immaculate, Mother, Teacher, and companion on our journey, always!
In addition to the texts, podcast files of the episodes will be available in mp4 and Wav formats, which will also be uploaded to the Institute’s YouTube and Soundcloud channels.
PDF Novena ENGLISH
Day 1 – I entrust my life to You – YouTube – Soundcloud – Download
Day 2 – In your name I move forward – YouTube – Soundcloud – Download
Day 3 – You’re holding my hand – YouTube – Soundcloud – Download
Day 4 – Your presence defends me – YouTube – Soundcloud – Download
Day 5 – Mary watches over us – YouTube – Soundcloud – Download
Day 6 – Inmaculate Virgin save us – YouTube – Soundcloud – Download
Day 7 – Let us listen to the voice of Mary – YouTube – Soundcloud – Download
Day 8 – Mary walks with us – YouTube – Soundcloud – Download
Day 9 – May I always see You – YouTube – Soundcloud – Download
Source: Istituto Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice