Novena for U.S. Elections
In 1792, the United States’ first bishop, Archbishop John Carroll, consecrated the country to Mary under the title “Immaculate Conception.” This was renewed by the nation’s bishops in 1846, 1959, and as recently as May 1, 2020. Additionally, bishops throughout the country have consecrated to Mary their archdioceses and dioceses at various times and in different circumstances.
Therefore, it is appropriate to turn to Our Lady, the patroness of the United States and the Americas, as well as saints who either helped build our country or who faced similar struggles. We ask them to intercede for our elections, so that we may elect officials who will protect our God-given rights, especially everyone’s right to life (beginning at conception) and religious freedom, and who will guide us using the moral law that Jesus gave us (CCC 1950-1974). You can also view the Diocese of Arlington election guide here, or the USCCB election guide here.
To pray the novena, call on the saint for the appropriate day and then say the novena prayer at the end.
Day 1 - St. Frances Cabrini
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
St. Frances Cabrini, you who diligently built the Kingdom of God in America, join us in praying for our country and this election and these intentions: [State your intentions here.]
Day 2 - St. Kateri Tekakwitha
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha, who fled to Canada in order to freely practice your faith, join us in praying for our country and this election and these intentions: [State your intentions here.]
Day 3 - St. Katherine Drexel
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
St. Katherine Drexel, who fought racism in America and tirelessly helped educate Native and African Americans, join us in praying for our country and this election and these intentions: [State your intentions here.]
Day 4 - Venerable Nelson Baker
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Venerable Nelson Baker, you created a “city of charity” in upper New York, taking care of and educating orphans, unwed mothers, and African Americans. Join us in praying for our country and this election and these intentions: [State your intentions here.]
Day 5 - Blessed Solanus Casey
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Blessed Solanus Casey, you welcomed and counseled anyone who came to your monasteries in Detroit and New York, regardless of their race, creed, or social position, and taught them to trust in Jesus. Join us in praying for our country and this election and these intentions: [State your intentions here.]
Day 6 - Blessed Michael McGivney
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Blessed Michael McGivney, you loved the immigrants and their families in Connecticut, creating a Catholic fraternal organization that shaped men into American Catholic gentlemen, and financially took care of their widows and orphans. Join us in praying for our country and this election and these intentions: [State your intentions here.]
* Venerable Michael McGivney was beatified on October 31, 2020 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, CT
Day 7 - Venerable Fulton Sheen
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, you fearlessly spread the Word of God to the entire United States and continually warned America about the danger and evils of communism and other sins of the twentieth century. Join us in praying for our country and this election and these intentions: [State your intentions here.]
Day 8 - St. Thomas More
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
St. Thomas More, martyred for your uncompromising faith in the face of great persecution, you are the patron saint of lawyers & politicians, religious freedom, and of our Arlington Diocese. Join us in praying for our country and this election and these intentions: [State your intentions here.]
Day 9 - Immaculate Conception
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and our loving Mother, join us in praying for our country and this election and these intentions: [State your intentions here.]
DAILY NOVENA PRAYER
Most Holy Trinity: Our Father in Heaven, who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who chose Mary as your Spouse; God the Son, who chose Mary as your Mother – in union with Mary we adore your majesty and acknowledge your supreme, eternal dominion and authority.
Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may present the country to you. Through her, we wish to thank you for the great resources of this land and for the freedom which has been its heritage.
Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church in America and grant us peace. Grant us a president and other officers of our government who will lead us using your Divine moral law. Grant us a fruitful economy, born of justice and charity. Have mercy on capital and industry and labor. Protect the family life of the nation. Protect the lives of all persons, especially those in the womb and the suffering who cannot speak for themselves. Guard the precious gift of religious freedom and many religious vocations. Through the intercession of our Mother, have mercy on the sick, the tempted, sinners — on all who are in need.
Mary, Immaculate Conception, our Mother, Patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and give ourselves to you. Protect us from every harm and evil. Pray for all voters, that acting always according to your will and the will of your divine Son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.
At Conclusion of Novena
Blessed Solanus Casey was famous for advising people to “Thank God ahead of time.” Most of us may think this means thanking God for granting our petition, especially after a novena, but actually Blessed Casey viewed this thanksgiving as an act of trust and dependence on God’s Providence and Love, regardless of God’s answer. God told his prophet Isaiah (55:8) that “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” and later to Jeremiah (29:11): “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you – plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.”
So let us always remember that our hope is in the Lord, who made heaven and earth, and that no matter what happens with this election or the future, God will somehow bring good out of it. Let us also remember that we are just “aliens and sojourners” (1 Peter 2:11-17) in this world and that our ultimate home is in Heaven. Regardless of the outcome, God is calling each of us to turn to Him and surrender ourselves to HIS rule – more saints are made during trials and tribulations rather than in prosperity and freedom. As Fr. Dolingo Ruotolo taught us to say: “O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!”
Prayer of Thanksgiving (by anonymous)
For all You have given – Thank You God.
For all You have withheld – Thank You God.
For all You have withdrawn – Thank You God.
For all You have permitted – Thank You God.
For all You have prevented – Thank You God.
For all You have forgiven me – Thank You God.
For all You have prepared for me – Thank You God.
For the death You have chosen for me – Thank You God.
For the place you are keeping for me in heaven -Thank You God.
For having created me to love You for eternity – Thank You God.