About Our Lady Montserrat
According to pious tradition, the miraculous statue of Our Lady holding the Infant Jesus was carved by the hand of St. Luke the Evangelist and brought to Spain in the early centuries of the Church. When the Saracen invasions threatened the faith in the 8th century, devout Christians hid the sacred image in a cave on the mountain to protect it from desecration. There it remained for nearly two centuries, until around the year 880–890, when shepherds beheld a mysterious light and heard heavenly music emanating from the cave. Upon investigation, they discovered the statue, and word quickly spread. Attempts to move it to other locations failed miraculously — the image became so heavy that it could not be lifted beyond the spot Our Lady herself had chosen. Thus, a small chapel was built, which in time grew into the great Benedictine monastery and basilica of Santa Maria de Montserrat, where she is venerated to this day.
Patroness of Catalonia and Mother of PilgrimsIn 1881, Pope Leo XIII solemnly crowned the image and declared Our Lady of Montserrat the Patroness of Catalonia. Her feast is joyfully kept on April 27, when the beautiful boys’ choir of Montserrat (the Escolania) sings the beloved hymn Virolai:
“Rosa d’abril, Morena de la serra,
de Montserrat estel…
(Rose of April, dark lady of the mountain,
star of Montserrat…)”
Saints have knelt before her: St. Ignatius of Loyola made pilgrimage here before founding the Jesuits; St. Peter Nolasco; and in more recent times, St. Josemaría Escrivá drew strength and guidance from her maternal gaze. Even Christopher Columbus’s companion, the hermit Bernat Boïl from Montserrat, carried devotion to La Moreneta to the New World, where the first Holy Mass on American soil was offered under her patronage.Countless miracles of healing, conversion, reconciliation, and protection have been attributed to her intercession. Pilgrims still climb the mountain (or take the funicular and train) to kiss her hand — the only part of the statue not protected by glass — and to entrust their burdens to the Queen of the Holy Mountain.
What is the Our Lady of Montserrat Novena?
The Our Lady of Montserrat Novena is a nine-day Catholic prayer honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of Our Lady of Montserrat. Through her maternal intercession, Catholics ask God for protection, healing, peace, stronger faith, and special graces.
What is the Our Lady of Montserrat Novena for?
People commonly pray this novena for:
- Protection
- Healing
- Peace
- Family intentions
- Guidance
- Stronger faith
- Hope during difficult times
- Safe travel
- Conversion of loved ones
- Special personal intentions
When should I pray the Our Lady of Montserrat Novena?
You may pray this novena at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it on April 18, so it concludes on the feast of Our Lady of Montserrat on April 27.
How do I pray the Our Lady of Montserrat Novena?
Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Pray the novena while presenting your intention through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then conclude with:
- Pray One: Our Father
- Pray One: Hail Mary
- Pray One: Glory Be
Repeat the novena for nine consecutive days.
Where is the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat?
The Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat is located in the Benedictine Abbey of Montserrat in the mountains of Catalonia, near Barcelona, Spain. It is one of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in Europe.
Why is the statue called “La Moreneta”?
The statue is affectionately known as La Moreneta, meaning “The Little Dark One,” because of its dark appearance. It is one of the oldest and most venerated images of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church.
Is Our Lady of Montserrat the patroness of Catalonia?
Yes. In 1881, Pope Leo XIII officially proclaimed Our Lady of Montserrat the Patroness of Catalonia, where she has been honored for centuries.
Can I pray the Our Lady of Montserrat Novena for healing?
Yes. Many Catholics pray this novena for physical healing, emotional healing, spiritual renewal, family needs, protection, and every kind of personal intention, trusting in Mary’s loving intercession before her Son, Jesus Christ.
Is devotion to Our Lady of Montserrat approved by the Catholic Church?
Yes. Devotion to Our Lady of Montserrat has been recognized and encouraged by the Catholic Church for many centuries. The Benedictine Abbey of Montserrat is an internationally renowned pilgrimage site, and the Blessed Virgin Mary is honored there under this ancient and beloved title.
Why do Catholics pray to Our Lady of Montserrat?
Catholics do not worship Mary. They ask for her prayers because she is the Mother of Jesus and our spiritual Mother. Like every authentic Marian devotion, the Our Lady of Montserrat Novena leads the faithful to a deeper love of Christ and greater trust in God’s mercy.
| Novena Begins: | April 18 |
| Feast Day: | April 27 |
Patron Saint of Catalonia
Day 1 – Our Lady of Montserrat Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, Giver of all good things, You chose Montserrat as a glorious shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Only Begotten Son. Through her loving intercession, You have granted countless favors to those who have sought Your help there.
Graciously hear our prayers as we kneel before her holy image and confidently entrust our needs to Your divine mercy.
Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Montserrat, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May the Blessed Virgin Mary always lead us closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and fill our hearts with charity, that we may faithfully serve You in this life and rejoice with You forever in the life to come.
Through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Our Lady of Montserrat Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, Giver of all good things, You chose Montserrat as a glorious shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Only Begotten Son. Through her loving intercession, You have granted countless favors to those who have sought Your help there.
Graciously hear our prayers as we kneel before her holy image and confidently entrust our needs to Your divine mercy.
Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Montserrat, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May the Blessed Virgin Mary always lead us closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and fill our hearts with charity, that we may faithfully serve You in this life and rejoice with You forever in the life to come.
Through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Our Lady of Montserrat Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, Giver of all good things, You chose Montserrat as a glorious shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Only Begotten Son. Through her loving intercession, You have granted countless favors to those who have sought Your help there.
Graciously hear our prayers as we kneel before her holy image and confidently entrust our needs to Your divine mercy.
Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Montserrat, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May the Blessed Virgin Mary always lead us closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and fill our hearts with charity, that we may faithfully serve You in this life and rejoice with You forever in the life to come.
Through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Our Lady of Montserrat Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, Giver of all good things, You chose Montserrat as a glorious shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Only Begotten Son. Through her loving intercession, You have granted countless favors to those who have sought Your help there.
Graciously hear our prayers as we kneel before her holy image and confidently entrust our needs to Your divine mercy.
Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Montserrat, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May the Blessed Virgin Mary always lead us closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and fill our hearts with charity, that we may faithfully serve You in this life and rejoice with You forever in the life to come.
Through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Our Lady of Montserrat Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, Giver of all good things, You chose Montserrat as a glorious shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Only Begotten Son. Through her loving intercession, You have granted countless favors to those who have sought Your help there.
Graciously hear our prayers as we kneel before her holy image and confidently entrust our needs to Your divine mercy.
Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Montserrat, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May the Blessed Virgin Mary always lead us closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and fill our hearts with charity, that we may faithfully serve You in this life and rejoice with You forever in the life to come.
Through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Our Lady of Montserrat Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, Giver of all good things, You chose Montserrat as a glorious shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Only Begotten Son. Through her loving intercession, You have granted countless favors to those who have sought Your help there.
Graciously hear our prayers as we kneel before her holy image and confidently entrust our needs to Your divine mercy.
Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Montserrat, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May the Blessed Virgin Mary always lead us closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and fill our hearts with charity, that we may faithfully serve You in this life and rejoice with You forever in the life to come.
Through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Our Lady of Montserrat Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, Giver of all good things, You chose Montserrat as a glorious shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Only Begotten Son. Through her loving intercession, You have granted countless favors to those who have sought Your help there.
Graciously hear our prayers as we kneel before her holy image and confidently entrust our needs to Your divine mercy.
Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Montserrat, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May the Blessed Virgin Mary always lead us closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and fill our hearts with charity, that we may faithfully serve You in this life and rejoice with You forever in the life to come.
Through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Our Lady of Montserrat Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, Giver of all good things, You chose Montserrat as a glorious shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Only Begotten Son. Through her loving intercession, You have granted countless favors to those who have sought Your help there.
Graciously hear our prayers as we kneel before her holy image and confidently entrust our needs to Your divine mercy.
Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Montserrat, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May the Blessed Virgin Mary always lead us closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and fill our hearts with charity, that we may faithfully serve You in this life and rejoice with You forever in the life to come.
Through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Our Lady of Montserrat Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, Giver of all good things, You chose Montserrat as a glorious shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Only Begotten Son. Through her loving intercession, You have granted countless favors to those who have sought Your help there.
Graciously hear our prayers as we kneel before her holy image and confidently entrust our needs to Your divine mercy.
Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Montserrat, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
May the Blessed Virgin Mary always lead us closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and fill our hearts with charity, that we may faithfully serve You in this life and rejoice with You forever in the life to come.
Through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…