This novena always reminds me that Christmas is around the corner. An abiding memory of my childhood is my mother praying this with us in the days leading up to Christmas. We also had a card with 25 windows one to be opened every day. Such innocent pleasures. I am heading off for Ephesus tomorrow. Thank you all for your good wishes. Mary St. Andrew Christmas Novena Prayer to Obtain Favors Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen. (It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (30th November) until Christmas will obtain what is asked.) Imprimatur +MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York New York, February 6, 1897 http://www.twoheartsdesign.com/prayers/standrew.html
Mary, I'd never seen that novena before St. Andrew's Feast Day this year and then it appeared everywhere. I even supplied our little chapel with cards of it. I've read many have received great graces because of it. That formation at your mother's knee is a priceless treasure. May God extend travel mercies for you and your husband and great graces be yours through this pilgrimage. Lee
