About Our Lady of Hope (Pontmain)
On January 17, 1871, during the Franco-Prussian War, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared above a barn in the small village of Pontmain, France. Four children witnessed the apparition while many adults nearby saw only a bright sky.
Mary wore a deep blue gown adorned with golden stars and smiled lovingly at the children. As the villagers gathered to pray the Rosary and sing hymns, a message slowly appeared beneath her:
“But pray, my children. God will answer you very soon. My Son allows Himself to be moved.”
The apparition lasted about three hours. Just days later, the Prussian army unexpectedly stopped its advance toward Pontmain, an armistice was signed shortly afterward, and many soldiers returned home safely.
After a careful investigation, the local bishop approved the apparition in 1872. Today, Our Lady of Pontmain, also known as Our Lady of Hope, is venerated as a powerful source of hope, peace, and trust in God’s providence.
Apparition: January 17, 1871
Principal Feast: January 17
Location: Pontmain, France
What is the Our Lady of Hope (Pontmain) Novena?
The Our Lady of Hope (Pontmain) Novena is a traditional nine-day Catholic prayer honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Hope, inspired by her approved apparition at Pontmain, France. It is prayed for hope, peace, protection, and confidence in God’s providence.
What happened at Pontmain?
On January 17, 1871, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to four children in the village of Pontmain during the Franco-Prussian War. She encouraged the faithful to pray and trust in God through the message:
“But pray, my children. God will answer you very soon. My Son allows Himself to be moved.”
Is the apparition of Pontmain approved by the Catholic Church?
Yes. The apparition was officially approved by the Bishop of Laval in 1872 after a thorough investigation. It is recognized as an authentic Marian apparition by the Catholic Church.
Why is Mary called Our Lady of Hope?
The title Our Lady of Hope reflects Mary’s role in encouraging Christians to trust in God, especially during times of fear, suffering, and uncertainty. The message at Pontmain is one of the Church’s clearest examples of this call to hope.
When is the feast of Our Lady of Pontmain?
The feast of Our Lady of Pontmain, also known as Our Lady of Hope, is celebrated annually on January 17, the anniversary of the apparition.
What can I pray for in this novena?
You may pray for:
- Hope during difficult times.
- Peace in families and nations.
- Healing from illness.
- Protection in times of danger.
- Conversion of loved ones.
- Trust in God’s will.
- Strength to persevere in prayer.
- Any personal intention according to God’s holy will.
What was the miracle of Pontmain?
Soon after the apparition, the Prussian army unexpectedly halted its advance toward Pontmain. An armistice followed within days, and many believed Mary’s intercession had protected the village and encouraged the nation to trust in God through prayer.
| Novena Begins: | January 8 |
| Feast Day: | January 17 |
Day 1 – Our Lady of Hope Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I am the Mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come to me, all that desire me, and be filled with my fruits.”
(Sirach 24:24–26)
Let Us Pray
O God, who by the marvelous protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary has strengthened us firmly in hope, grant, we beseech You, that by persevering in prayer at her motherly admonition, we may obtain the favors we devoutly implore. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Hope
O Mary, my Mother, I kneel before you with a heavy heart. The burden of my sins oppresses me, and the knowledge of my weakness discourages me. I am beset by fears and temptations of every kind. Yet I am so attached to the things of this world that, instead of longing for Heaven, I am often filled with dread at the thought of death.
O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me in my distress. You are all-powerful in your intercession with your Divine Son, who never refuses the prayers of His Blessed Mother. Show yourself a true Mother to me by being my advocate before His heavenly throne.
O Refuge of Sinners and Hope of the Hopeless, to whom shall I turn if not to you? Obtain for me, O Mother of Hope, the grace of sincere repentance for my sins, perfect resignation to God’s holy Will, and the courage to take up my cross each day and faithfully follow Jesus.
Beg of the Sacred Heart of your Son the special favor that I now ask in this novena.
(Mention your intention here.)
Above all, O dearest Mother, fill my heart with the gift of holy hope, that in life’s darkest hour I may never lose confidence in God my Savior. May I faithfully walk in the way of His commandments and, by His mercy, one day be united with Him and with you in the everlasting joys of Heaven.
Amen.
Mary, Our Hope, have pity on us.
Hope of the Hopeless, pray for us.
Pray Three: Hail Marys…
Day 2 – Our Lady of Hope Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I am the Mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come to me, all that desire me, and be filled with my fruits.”
(Sirach 24:24–26)
Let Us Pray
O God, who by the marvelous protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary has strengthened us firmly in hope, grant, we beseech You, that by persevering in prayer at her motherly admonition, we may obtain the favors we devoutly implore. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Hope
O Mary, my Mother, I kneel before you with a heavy heart. The burden of my sins oppresses me, and the knowledge of my weakness discourages me. I am beset by fears and temptations of every kind. Yet I am so attached to the things of this world that, instead of longing for Heaven, I am often filled with dread at the thought of death.
O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me in my distress. You are all-powerful in your intercession with your Divine Son, who never refuses the prayers of His Blessed Mother. Show yourself a true Mother to me by being my advocate before His heavenly throne.
O Refuge of Sinners and Hope of the Hopeless, to whom shall I turn if not to you? Obtain for me, O Mother of Hope, the grace of sincere repentance for my sins, perfect resignation to God’s holy Will, and the courage to take up my cross each day and faithfully follow Jesus.
Beg of the Sacred Heart of your Son the special favor that I now ask in this novena.
(Mention your intention here.)
Above all, O dearest Mother, fill my heart with the gift of holy hope, that in life’s darkest hour I may never lose confidence in God my Savior. May I faithfully walk in the way of His commandments and, by His mercy, one day be united with Him and with you in the everlasting joys of Heaven.
Amen.
Mary, Our Hope, have pity on us.
Hope of the Hopeless, pray for us.
Pray Three: Hail Marys…
Day 3 – Our Lady of Hope Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I am the Mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come to me, all that desire me, and be filled with my fruits.”
(Sirach 24:24–26)
Let Us Pray
O God, who by the marvelous protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary has strengthened us firmly in hope, grant, we beseech You, that by persevering in prayer at her motherly admonition, we may obtain the favors we devoutly implore. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Hope
O Mary, my Mother, I kneel before you with a heavy heart. The burden of my sins oppresses me, and the knowledge of my weakness discourages me. I am beset by fears and temptations of every kind. Yet I am so attached to the things of this world that, instead of longing for Heaven, I am often filled with dread at the thought of death.
O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me in my distress. You are all-powerful in your intercession with your Divine Son, who never refuses the prayers of His Blessed Mother. Show yourself a true Mother to me by being my advocate before His heavenly throne.
O Refuge of Sinners and Hope of the Hopeless, to whom shall I turn if not to you? Obtain for me, O Mother of Hope, the grace of sincere repentance for my sins, perfect resignation to God’s holy Will, and the courage to take up my cross each day and faithfully follow Jesus.
Beg of the Sacred Heart of your Son the special favor that I now ask in this novena.
(Mention your intention here.)
Above all, O dearest Mother, fill my heart with the gift of holy hope, that in life’s darkest hour I may never lose confidence in God my Savior. May I faithfully walk in the way of His commandments and, by His mercy, one day be united with Him and with you in the everlasting joys of Heaven.
Amen.
Mary, Our Hope, have pity on us.
Hope of the Hopeless, pray for us.
Pray Three: Hail Marys…
Day 4 – Our Lady of Hope Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I am the Mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come to me, all that desire me, and be filled with my fruits.”
(Sirach 24:24–26)
Let Us Pray
O God, who by the marvelous protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary has strengthened us firmly in hope, grant, we beseech You, that by persevering in prayer at her motherly admonition, we may obtain the favors we devoutly implore. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Hope
O Mary, my Mother, I kneel before you with a heavy heart. The burden of my sins oppresses me, and the knowledge of my weakness discourages me. I am beset by fears and temptations of every kind. Yet I am so attached to the things of this world that, instead of longing for Heaven, I am often filled with dread at the thought of death.
O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me in my distress. You are all-powerful in your intercession with your Divine Son, who never refuses the prayers of His Blessed Mother. Show yourself a true Mother to me by being my advocate before His heavenly throne.
O Refuge of Sinners and Hope of the Hopeless, to whom shall I turn if not to you? Obtain for me, O Mother of Hope, the grace of sincere repentance for my sins, perfect resignation to God’s holy Will, and the courage to take up my cross each day and faithfully follow Jesus.
Beg of the Sacred Heart of your Son the special favor that I now ask in this novena.
(Mention your intention here.)
Above all, O dearest Mother, fill my heart with the gift of holy hope, that in life’s darkest hour I may never lose confidence in God my Savior. May I faithfully walk in the way of His commandments and, by His mercy, one day be united with Him and with you in the everlasting joys of Heaven.
Amen.
Mary, Our Hope, have pity on us.
Hope of the Hopeless, pray for us.
Pray Three: Hail Marys…
Day 5 – Our Lady of Hope Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I am the Mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come to me, all that desire me, and be filled with my fruits.”
(Sirach 24:24–26)
Let Us Pray
O God, who by the marvelous protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary has strengthened us firmly in hope, grant, we beseech You, that by persevering in prayer at her motherly admonition, we may obtain the favors we devoutly implore. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Hope
O Mary, my Mother, I kneel before you with a heavy heart. The burden of my sins oppresses me, and the knowledge of my weakness discourages me. I am beset by fears and temptations of every kind. Yet I am so attached to the things of this world that, instead of longing for Heaven, I am often filled with dread at the thought of death.
O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me in my distress. You are all-powerful in your intercession with your Divine Son, who never refuses the prayers of His Blessed Mother. Show yourself a true Mother to me by being my advocate before His heavenly throne.
O Refuge of Sinners and Hope of the Hopeless, to whom shall I turn if not to you? Obtain for me, O Mother of Hope, the grace of sincere repentance for my sins, perfect resignation to God’s holy Will, and the courage to take up my cross each day and faithfully follow Jesus.
Beg of the Sacred Heart of your Son the special favor that I now ask in this novena.
(Mention your intention here.)
Above all, O dearest Mother, fill my heart with the gift of holy hope, that in life’s darkest hour I may never lose confidence in God my Savior. May I faithfully walk in the way of His commandments and, by His mercy, one day be united with Him and with you in the everlasting joys of Heaven.
Amen.
Mary, Our Hope, have pity on us.
Hope of the Hopeless, pray for us.
Pray Three: Hail Marys…
Day 6 – Our Lady of Hope Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I am the Mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come to me, all that desire me, and be filled with my fruits.”
(Sirach 24:24–26)
Let Us Pray
O God, who by the marvelous protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary has strengthened us firmly in hope, grant, we beseech You, that by persevering in prayer at her motherly admonition, we may obtain the favors we devoutly implore. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Hope
O Mary, my Mother, I kneel before you with a heavy heart. The burden of my sins oppresses me, and the knowledge of my weakness discourages me. I am beset by fears and temptations of every kind. Yet I am so attached to the things of this world that, instead of longing for Heaven, I am often filled with dread at the thought of death.
O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me in my distress. You are all-powerful in your intercession with your Divine Son, who never refuses the prayers of His Blessed Mother. Show yourself a true Mother to me by being my advocate before His heavenly throne.
O Refuge of Sinners and Hope of the Hopeless, to whom shall I turn if not to you? Obtain for me, O Mother of Hope, the grace of sincere repentance for my sins, perfect resignation to God’s holy Will, and the courage to take up my cross each day and faithfully follow Jesus.
Beg of the Sacred Heart of your Son the special favor that I now ask in this novena.
(Mention your intention here.)
Above all, O dearest Mother, fill my heart with the gift of holy hope, that in life’s darkest hour I may never lose confidence in God my Savior. May I faithfully walk in the way of His commandments and, by His mercy, one day be united with Him and with you in the everlasting joys of Heaven.
Amen.
Mary, Our Hope, have pity on us.
Hope of the Hopeless, pray for us.
Pray Three: Hail Marys…
Day 7 – Our Lady of Hope Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I am the Mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come to me, all that desire me, and be filled with my fruits.”
(Sirach 24:24–26)
Let Us Pray
O God, who by the marvelous protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary has strengthened us firmly in hope, grant, we beseech You, that by persevering in prayer at her motherly admonition, we may obtain the favors we devoutly implore. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Hope
O Mary, my Mother, I kneel before you with a heavy heart. The burden of my sins oppresses me, and the knowledge of my weakness discourages me. I am beset by fears and temptations of every kind. Yet I am so attached to the things of this world that, instead of longing for Heaven, I am often filled with dread at the thought of death.
O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me in my distress. You are all-powerful in your intercession with your Divine Son, who never refuses the prayers of His Blessed Mother. Show yourself a true Mother to me by being my advocate before His heavenly throne.
O Refuge of Sinners and Hope of the Hopeless, to whom shall I turn if not to you? Obtain for me, O Mother of Hope, the grace of sincere repentance for my sins, perfect resignation to God’s holy Will, and the courage to take up my cross each day and faithfully follow Jesus.
Beg of the Sacred Heart of your Son the special favor that I now ask in this novena.
(Mention your intention here.)
Above all, O dearest Mother, fill my heart with the gift of holy hope, that in life’s darkest hour I may never lose confidence in God my Savior. May I faithfully walk in the way of His commandments and, by His mercy, one day be united with Him and with you in the everlasting joys of Heaven.
Amen.
Mary, Our Hope, have pity on us.
Hope of the Hopeless, pray for us.
Pray Three: Hail Marys…
Day 8 – Our Lady of Hope Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I am the Mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come to me, all that desire me, and be filled with my fruits.”
(Sirach 24:24–26)
Let Us Pray
O God, who by the marvelous protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary has strengthened us firmly in hope, grant, we beseech You, that by persevering in prayer at her motherly admonition, we may obtain the favors we devoutly implore. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Hope
O Mary, my Mother, I kneel before you with a heavy heart. The burden of my sins oppresses me, and the knowledge of my weakness discourages me. I am beset by fears and temptations of every kind. Yet I am so attached to the things of this world that, instead of longing for Heaven, I am often filled with dread at the thought of death.
O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me in my distress. You are all-powerful in your intercession with your Divine Son, who never refuses the prayers of His Blessed Mother. Show yourself a true Mother to me by being my advocate before His heavenly throne.
O Refuge of Sinners and Hope of the Hopeless, to whom shall I turn if not to you? Obtain for me, O Mother of Hope, the grace of sincere repentance for my sins, perfect resignation to God’s holy Will, and the courage to take up my cross each day and faithfully follow Jesus.
Beg of the Sacred Heart of your Son the special favor that I now ask in this novena.
(Mention your intention here.)
Above all, O dearest Mother, fill my heart with the gift of holy hope, that in life’s darkest hour I may never lose confidence in God my Savior. May I faithfully walk in the way of His commandments and, by His mercy, one day be united with Him and with you in the everlasting joys of Heaven.
Amen.
Mary, Our Hope, have pity on us.
Hope of the Hopeless, pray for us.
Pray Three: Hail Marys…
Day 9 – Our Lady of Hope Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I am the Mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth; in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come to me, all that desire me, and be filled with my fruits.”
(Sirach 24:24–26)
Let Us Pray
O God, who by the marvelous protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary has strengthened us firmly in hope, grant, we beseech You, that by persevering in prayer at her motherly admonition, we may obtain the favors we devoutly implore. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Hope
O Mary, my Mother, I kneel before you with a heavy heart. The burden of my sins oppresses me, and the knowledge of my weakness discourages me. I am beset by fears and temptations of every kind. Yet I am so attached to the things of this world that, instead of longing for Heaven, I am often filled with dread at the thought of death.
O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me in my distress. You are all-powerful in your intercession with your Divine Son, who never refuses the prayers of His Blessed Mother. Show yourself a true Mother to me by being my advocate before His heavenly throne.
O Refuge of Sinners and Hope of the Hopeless, to whom shall I turn if not to you? Obtain for me, O Mother of Hope, the grace of sincere repentance for my sins, perfect resignation to God’s holy Will, and the courage to take up my cross each day and faithfully follow Jesus.
Beg of the Sacred Heart of your Son the special favor that I now ask in this novena.
(Mention your intention here.)
Above all, O dearest Mother, fill my heart with the gift of holy hope, that in life’s darkest hour I may never lose confidence in God my Savior. May I faithfully walk in the way of His commandments and, by His mercy, one day be united with Him and with you in the everlasting joys of Heaven.
Amen.
Mary, Our Hope, have pity on us.
Hope of the Hopeless, pray for us.
Pray Three: Hail Marys…
Leave us your prayers…