Since 15 July 2026, the Grand Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help has been celebrated at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, Cijantung, Archdiocese of Jakarta. For nine weeks, the faithful were invited to journey with Mary in prayer, hope, and surrender to God.
Wednesday, 9 September 2026, marked the culmination of the entire novena. The celebration of the ninth day carried the theme: “Together with Mary, We Rise to Become Witnesses of Christ’s Love.”
The day before, on Tuesday, 8 September, coinciding with the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the faithful took part in Eucharistic Adoration. The Blessed Sacrament was exposed on the altar throughout the day. People came in turn to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, both individually and in groups. The adoration concluded with Night Prayer (Compline) and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
On the final day, the celebration began with the novena prayer in front of the shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, located in front of the parish rectory. The faithful gathered and prayed together in an atmosphere of thanksgiving.
After the novena, the faithful continued with a solemn procession while praying the Rosary. The icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help was carried in procession together with the faithful and then brought into the church.
Upon entering the church, the faithful took part in a prayer of entrustment of families before Mary. Families entrusted their lives, struggles, hopes, and future to God through Mary’s intercession. The prayer was then followed by a blessing of the families.
The entire Grand Novena reached its climax with the celebration of the Eucharist. In his homily, the priest invited the faithful not to stop at the experience of prayer and devotion, but to carry Mary’s spirit into their daily lives.
The faithful were invited to take home three attitudes of Mary: to be attentive to the needs of others, to bring every concern to Jesus, and to do whatever He asks.
In this way, the novena was not merely an opportunity to gather and pray, but also a journey of faith that transforms hearts and sends the faithful forth to become witnesses of Christ’s love in their families, communities, society, and the world.
After the Eucharistic celebration, the faithful gathered in front of the church for fellowship. In an atmosphere of joy, they shared time together and gave thanks for the entire nine-week journey with Mary.
The nine weeks have come to an end. Yet the journey with Mary does not end with the culmination of the novena. Rather, it is from here that the faithful are sent forth to continue their journey with stronger faith, renewed hope, and hearts ready to become witnesses of Christ’s love.
Fr. Willy Ngongo Pala, CSsR.
