The Novena to the Feast of the Ascension is traditionally prayed during the nine days leading up to the Feast, preparing our hearts to celebrate Christ’s glorious return to Heaven.
What is the Feast of the Ascension?
The Feast of the Ascension celebrates the moment when Jesus Christ, after His Resurrection, ascended bodily into Heaven, completing His earthly mission and promising to send the Holy Spirit. This feast is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday, usually on a Thursday or the following Sunday.
Why Is the Ascension Important?
- It confirms Christ’s divinity and victory over death.
- It prepares the way for the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
- It reminds us of our eternal home in Heaven.
Novena to the Ascension – Prayers for Each Day
Opening Prayer (for each day)
Jesus,
I honor You on the feast of Your
Ascension into heaven.
I rejoice with all my heart at the glory into which
You entered to reign as King of heaven and earth.
When the struggle of this life is over,
give me the grace to share Your joy and triumph in
heaven for all eternity.
I believe that You entered into Your glorious
Kingdom to prepare a place for me,
for You promised to come again
to take me to Yourself.
Grant that I may seek only the joys
of Your friendship and love,
so that I may deserve to be united with
You in heaven.
In the hour of my own homecoming,
when I appear before Your Father to give an
account of my life on earth,
have mercy on me.
Jesus,
in Your love for me You have brought
me from evil to good and from misery to happiness.
Give me the grace to rise above my
human weakness.
May Your Humanity give me courage in my weakness
and free me from my sins.
Through Your grace,
give me the courage of perseverance for You
have called and justified me by faith.
May I hold fast to the life You have
given me and come to the eternal gifts You promised.
You love me,
dear Jesus.
Help me to love You in return.
I ask
You to grant this special favor:
(Mention your request)
By Your unceasing care,
guide my steps toward the life of glory You
have prepared for those who love You.
Make me grow in holiness and thank You
by a life of faithful service.
Daily Intentions
Day 1
Pray for an increase in faith and trust in God’s promises.
Day 2
Pray for openness to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Day 3
Pray for courage to witness Christ in everyday life.
Day 4
Pray for the grace to love others as Christ loves us.
Day 5
Pray for healing in families and communities.
Day 6
Pray for peace in the world and for an end to violence.
Day 7
Pray for priests, religious, and all who serve the Church.
Day 8
Pray for those who suffer illness, loneliness, or hardship.
Day 9
Pray for personal intentions and perseverance in faith.
Closing Prayer (for each day)
Lord Jesus, As You ascended into Heaven, may we lift our hearts to You and live in Your peace. Send Your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may be faithful witnesses to Your love and mercy. Amen.