About Our Lady of Africa
Our Lady of Africa is a cherished title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria. The devotion began in the 19th century when the church was entrusted to the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), founded by Cardinal Charles Lavigerie.
The basilica became a symbol of hope, peace, and evangelization for the African continent. One of its most well-known inscriptions reads:
“Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims.”
This remarkable prayer expresses the Church’s desire for peace, mutual respect, and the salvation of all people.
Today, Catholics honor Our Lady of Africa as a loving Mother who intercedes for the peoples of Africa and the entire world. She is especially invoked for peace, unity among nations, missionary work, persecuted Christians, families, and those suffering from poverty, war, or injustice.
The feast of Our Lady of Africa is celebrated on April 30.
Who is Our Lady of Africa?
Our Lady of Africa is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary, honoring her special maternal care for the peoples of Africa. The devotion is centered at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Algeria, and is closely associated with missionary work and prayers for peace.
What is the Our Lady of Africa Novena for?
Catholics commonly pray this novena for:
- Peace in Africa and throughout the world
- Protection of families
- Missionaries and evangelization
- Persecuted Christians
- Healing and comfort for those who suffer
- Justice, reconciliation, and unity
- Personal intentions and spiritual growth
When should I pray the Our Lady of Africa Novena?
You may pray this novena at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it before the feast of Our Lady of Africa on April 30, while others pray it whenever seeking Mary’s intercession for peace, healing, or special intentions.
How do I pray the Our Lady of Africa Novena?
Pray the novena once each day for nine consecutive days. After praying the novena prayer and presenting your personal intention, conclude with:
- Pray One: Our Father…
- Pray One: Hail Mary…
- Pray One: Glory Be…
Where is the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa?
The Basilica of Our Lady of Africa is located in Algiers, Algeria, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Since the 19th century, it has welcomed pilgrims from many nations and remains an important Marian shrine.
Why is Our Lady of Africa important?
This Marian title reminds Catholics that Mary is the Mother of the entire Church and lovingly cares for every nation and people. Devotion to Our Lady of Africa encourages prayer for peace, missionary work, reconciliation, and unity among all God’s children.
What is the meaning of the inscription “Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims”?
The famous inscription at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa expresses the Church’s prayer that all people may experience God’s love and mercy. It reflects a spirit of charity, peace, mutual respect, and hope for the salvation of every person.
Can I pray the Our Lady of Africa Novena for someone else?
Yes. You may offer this novena for family members, friends, missionaries, those who are sick, victims of war or injustice, persecuted Christians, or anyone in need of God’s grace through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
What can we learn from Our Lady of Africa?
Our Lady of Africa teaches us to trust completely in God, care for those who suffer, work for peace and reconciliation, and faithfully follow Jesus Christ. Her example inspires us to become instruments of hope, charity, and unity in our homes, communities, and throughout the world.
| Novena Begins: | April 21 |
| Feast Day: | April 30 |
Day 1 – Our Lady of Africa Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa, loving Mother of the Church and Queen of Peace, you have never ceased to watch over your children with tenderness and compassion. Through your maternal intercession, obtain for us the grace to live faithfully as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Protect the peoples of Africa and all nations from war, violence, injustice, human trafficking, poverty, disease, and every form of suffering. Strengthen missionaries, priests, religious, and all who labor to proclaim the Gospel, and inspire many hearts to answer God’s call with generosity.
Intercede for families, that they may be united in love and faith. Comfort the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the persecuted. Bring hope to those who are discouraged, healing to those who suffer, and peace to every troubled heart.
(Mention your request here…)
O loving Mother, present our prayers to your Divine Son. If it is according to His holy will, obtain for us the favor we humbly seek. Help us to imitate your humility, your obedience, and your unwavering trust in God, so that we may one day rejoice with you in the glory of Heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Africa, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Our Lady of Africa Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa, loving Mother of the Church and Queen of Peace, you have never ceased to watch over your children with tenderness and compassion. Through your maternal intercession, obtain for us the grace to live faithfully as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Protect the peoples of Africa and all nations from war, violence, injustice, human trafficking, poverty, disease, and every form of suffering. Strengthen missionaries, priests, religious, and all who labor to proclaim the Gospel, and inspire many hearts to answer God’s call with generosity.
Intercede for families, that they may be united in love and faith. Comfort the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the persecuted. Bring hope to those who are discouraged, healing to those who suffer, and peace to every troubled heart.
(Mention your request here…)
O loving Mother, present our prayers to your Divine Son. If it is according to His holy will, obtain for us the favor we humbly seek. Help us to imitate your humility, your obedience, and your unwavering trust in God, so that we may one day rejoice with you in the glory of Heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Africa, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Our Lady of Africa Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa, loving Mother of the Church and Queen of Peace, you have never ceased to watch over your children with tenderness and compassion. Through your maternal intercession, obtain for us the grace to live faithfully as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Protect the peoples of Africa and all nations from war, violence, injustice, human trafficking, poverty, disease, and every form of suffering. Strengthen missionaries, priests, religious, and all who labor to proclaim the Gospel, and inspire many hearts to answer God’s call with generosity.
Intercede for families, that they may be united in love and faith. Comfort the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the persecuted. Bring hope to those who are discouraged, healing to those who suffer, and peace to every troubled heart.
(Mention your request here…)
O loving Mother, present our prayers to your Divine Son. If it is according to His holy will, obtain for us the favor we humbly seek. Help us to imitate your humility, your obedience, and your unwavering trust in God, so that we may one day rejoice with you in the glory of Heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Africa, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Our Lady of Africa Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa, loving Mother of the Church and Queen of Peace, you have never ceased to watch over your children with tenderness and compassion. Through your maternal intercession, obtain for us the grace to live faithfully as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Protect the peoples of Africa and all nations from war, violence, injustice, human trafficking, poverty, disease, and every form of suffering. Strengthen missionaries, priests, religious, and all who labor to proclaim the Gospel, and inspire many hearts to answer God’s call with generosity.
Intercede for families, that they may be united in love and faith. Comfort the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the persecuted. Bring hope to those who are discouraged, healing to those who suffer, and peace to every troubled heart.
(Mention your request here…)
O loving Mother, present our prayers to your Divine Son. If it is according to His holy will, obtain for us the favor we humbly seek. Help us to imitate your humility, your obedience, and your unwavering trust in God, so that we may one day rejoice with you in the glory of Heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Africa, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Our Lady of Africa Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa, loving Mother of the Church and Queen of Peace, you have never ceased to watch over your children with tenderness and compassion. Through your maternal intercession, obtain for us the grace to live faithfully as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Protect the peoples of Africa and all nations from war, violence, injustice, human trafficking, poverty, disease, and every form of suffering. Strengthen missionaries, priests, religious, and all who labor to proclaim the Gospel, and inspire many hearts to answer God’s call with generosity.
Intercede for families, that they may be united in love and faith. Comfort the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the persecuted. Bring hope to those who are discouraged, healing to those who suffer, and peace to every troubled heart.
(Mention your request here…)
O loving Mother, present our prayers to your Divine Son. If it is according to His holy will, obtain for us the favor we humbly seek. Help us to imitate your humility, your obedience, and your unwavering trust in God, so that we may one day rejoice with you in the glory of Heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Africa, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Our Lady of Africa Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa, loving Mother of the Church and Queen of Peace, you have never ceased to watch over your children with tenderness and compassion. Through your maternal intercession, obtain for us the grace to live faithfully as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Protect the peoples of Africa and all nations from war, violence, injustice, human trafficking, poverty, disease, and every form of suffering. Strengthen missionaries, priests, religious, and all who labor to proclaim the Gospel, and inspire many hearts to answer God’s call with generosity.
Intercede for families, that they may be united in love and faith. Comfort the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the persecuted. Bring hope to those who are discouraged, healing to those who suffer, and peace to every troubled heart.
(Mention your request here…)
O loving Mother, present our prayers to your Divine Son. If it is according to His holy will, obtain for us the favor we humbly seek. Help us to imitate your humility, your obedience, and your unwavering trust in God, so that we may one day rejoice with you in the glory of Heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Africa, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Our Lady of Africa Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa, loving Mother of the Church and Queen of Peace, you have never ceased to watch over your children with tenderness and compassion. Through your maternal intercession, obtain for us the grace to live faithfully as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Protect the peoples of Africa and all nations from war, violence, injustice, human trafficking, poverty, disease, and every form of suffering. Strengthen missionaries, priests, religious, and all who labor to proclaim the Gospel, and inspire many hearts to answer God’s call with generosity.
Intercede for families, that they may be united in love and faith. Comfort the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the persecuted. Bring hope to those who are discouraged, healing to those who suffer, and peace to every troubled heart.
(Mention your request here…)
O loving Mother, present our prayers to your Divine Son. If it is according to His holy will, obtain for us the favor we humbly seek. Help us to imitate your humility, your obedience, and your unwavering trust in God, so that we may one day rejoice with you in the glory of Heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Africa, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Our Lady of Africa Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa, loving Mother of the Church and Queen of Peace, you have never ceased to watch over your children with tenderness and compassion. Through your maternal intercession, obtain for us the grace to live faithfully as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Protect the peoples of Africa and all nations from war, violence, injustice, human trafficking, poverty, disease, and every form of suffering. Strengthen missionaries, priests, religious, and all who labor to proclaim the Gospel, and inspire many hearts to answer God’s call with generosity.
Intercede for families, that they may be united in love and faith. Comfort the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the persecuted. Bring hope to those who are discouraged, healing to those who suffer, and peace to every troubled heart.
(Mention your request here…)
O loving Mother, present our prayers to your Divine Son. If it is according to His holy will, obtain for us the favor we humbly seek. Help us to imitate your humility, your obedience, and your unwavering trust in God, so that we may one day rejoice with you in the glory of Heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Africa, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Our Lady of Africa Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa, loving Mother of the Church and Queen of Peace, you have never ceased to watch over your children with tenderness and compassion. Through your maternal intercession, obtain for us the grace to live faithfully as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Protect the peoples of Africa and all nations from war, violence, injustice, human trafficking, poverty, disease, and every form of suffering. Strengthen missionaries, priests, religious, and all who labor to proclaim the Gospel, and inspire many hearts to answer God’s call with generosity.
Intercede for families, that they may be united in love and faith. Comfort the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the persecuted. Bring hope to those who are discouraged, healing to those who suffer, and peace to every troubled heart.
(Mention your request here…)
O loving Mother, present our prayers to your Divine Son. If it is according to His holy will, obtain for us the favor we humbly seek. Help us to imitate your humility, your obedience, and your unwavering trust in God, so that we may one day rejoice with you in the glory of Heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady of Africa, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…