54 Day Rosary Novena

The Story of Our Lady of Pompeii and the First 54 Day Novena

In 1884 at Naples, Italy, this novena was revealed by Our Lady to Fortua Agrelli, who was incurably sick and had been fervently praying the Rosary.  The Blessed Mother promised to restore her health, and said to her: "Whoever wishes to receive favors from me should make three novenas of prayers of the Rosary in petition and three in Thanksgiving." In the apparition Fortuna saw Mary sitting upon a high throne, surrounded by luminous figures, she held the Divine child on her lap, and in her hand a Rosary. The Virgin Mother and the holy infant were clad in gold- embroidered garments. They were accompanied by St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena. Fortuna asked Mary as "Queen of the Holy Rosary," for a cure.  Mary replied that, since she had called her by a title that was so pleasing to her, she could not refuse her request.  This is how the 54 day rosary novena began.

Our Lady of Pompeii

A sanctuary was built in 1883 for the image and in 1891 is was consecrated. Many miracles have been attributed to Our Lady of Pompeii. Pope John Paul II visited Pompeii on October 21st 1979.  

The 54 day Rosary Novena is considered by many to be one of the most powerful novenas one can say.

How to say a 54 Day Novena
To obtain a favor, pray consecutively 6 nine day rosary novenas  (27 days of petition and 27 days of thanksgiving) alternating mysteries.
Imprimatur: Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York, Sept 30, 1954

Our Lady asked at San Damiano that we offer our daily Rosary as follows: Monday-for the poor souls, especially for those of priests. Tuesday- for the youth. Wednesday- for the family. Thursday- to thank God for, and to honor the Most Blessed Sacrament, Friday- for priests and religious.  Saturday- for the conversion of sinners. Sunday- for Our Holy Father the Pope.  (Obtained from pieta prayer book)

Fifty-four days from today is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary which is a lovely day to end such a beautiful novena.  Therefore if there is something dear to you which you would like to lay before our Lady to be carried with love to Jesus, today might be a great day to begin a 54 Day Rosary Novena.

The children and I began a 54 day rosary novena in thanksgiving for the kindness Cardinal Dolan has showed to our children's rosary.  See post to read of Cardinal Dolan's kindness to our group.

The intention to which we are praying:
-For the intentions of Cardinal Dolan
-For unification of his will with the Lords
-That he may be the extended hands of Mary and Jesus in this world and gather a great many souls for especially young people for the Lord.
-That together with the children's rosary we may spread renewal of family prayer across the globe.

We welcome anyone who feels inspired to join us in praying for the above intention.