The 40th day novena (prayer) for the dead is identified as a prayer for protection for one’s deceased loved ones during their journey to heaven. This prayer is also referred to as the rogacion or supplication. This can be said either on the actual date of the novena or in one’s own prayer or extension of this period. It is mainly done both on a month after someones (deceased) death and a year after it.
You’re reading this because you want to know how to pray for the dead. You’re interested in finding out how you can help them, how you can be their voice when they can’t speak for themselves.
You’re not alone. The 40th Day Novena is one of the most commonly performed prayer rituals for the dead, and it dates back hundreds of years. The novena itself is a nine-day ritual that involves praying for nine consecutive days, culminating in a final day of celebration and remembrance.
40th Day Novena Prayer For The Dead
Catholics all over the world have been performing the 40th Day Novena ever since St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, who would later become one of the most significant figures in Christian history, performed it first. It’s been said that when St. Monica was alive, she used to perform this ritual every year on her birthday—which fell on March 4th—in order to celebrate her own life and pray for those who had passed beyond this world.
Today, many Catholics still remember St. Monica by performing this ritual every March 4th (or any other day during Lent), and many others choose their own dates throughout the year as well!
As Catholics, we know that the soul’s journey in the world after death is not an easy one. It is a journey of purification and preparation for heaven. However, it is a journey that can benefit from prayers and good deeds done on this side of eternity.
For those who have departed this life, we pray for their salvation through the intercession of the saints and angels in heaven. We pray for them every day during our novena prayers as part of our 40th day novena prayer for the dead.
On this day, we begin our 40th day novena prayer for the dead. The 40th day after someone dies is considered a special time because it was believed that this was when souls left Purgatory and began their ascent into heaven. This novena prayer seeks to offer assistance during this difficult transition so that souls may be assured of their eternal salvation.
40th Day Rosary Prayer For The Dead
May our brother/sister _, whom you referred to on earth as your son/daughter, enter the Kingdom of peace and light, where your saints dwell in glory. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit as one God, forever and ever. All: Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto __________________ O Lord
The 40th day novena prayer is a Catholic prayer that you can say for the repose of the soul of someone who has recently died. This is considered to be an important prayer, because it helps the deceased person move on to their eternal resting place. It also helps you heal from any grief or loss that you may have felt when your loved one passed away. The 40th day novena is said on any day between the first Sunday after death and seven weeks afterward. If your loved one has been dead for less than 7 weeks, then this prayer can be said more often than once each week (for example: 5 times per week). However if they’ve been dead longer than 7 weeks then this should only be said once each week as part of your normal daily prayers such as morning and evening prayers (when possible).
And let perpetual light shine on them.
Let perpetual light shine on them, O Lord.
Let perpetual light shine on them, O Lord.
Let perpetual light shine on them, O Lord.
O God of mercy and compassion, you know the frailty of our human nature. You know that we cannot always see clearly or understand all things perfectly; you are aware of our shortcomings and failings; yet you love us so much that you allow us to enter your kingdom only after a long period in purgatory where we may be purified from sin and perfected in holiness. We pray for the souls in purgatory who are dear to us today: (name) ___________(s). May they rest in peace while they wait for their final resurrection and entrance into heaven!
May ____________ rest in peace.
- May ____________ rest in peace.
- Peace be with him/her/them.
- May the Lord accept his/her/their soul, and accompany him/her/them on the journey through eternity. Amen.
Amen.
Amen
Amen is a Hebrew word meaning “to be firm,” and it’s used to signify the end of a prayer. It is frequently found in scripture, especially in the Psalms. The words “amen” and “verily” were commonly used together by Jesus when he was on earth; for example, as He ascended into heaven after His resurrection, He said: “Hallelujah! As the Father has sent me, I also send you. Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:21). In this case, amen symbolizes the firmness of God’s promise that those who receive Him will have eternal life with Him forevermore.
Death is a part of life
It is a fact of life that we are all mortal. We will all die some day, and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, death is a universal experience that we all share—something we have in common with each other as human beings on this planet. So if you’re feeling sad about the death of someone close to you, don’t despair! Instead, take solace in the fact that it happens to us all eventually, because it’s just part of being alive on Earth for us poor mortals who aren’t living forever (yet).
40th Day Novena Prayer For The Dead Filipino
In Filipino Catholicism, the 9th and 40th days are significant after the death of a loved one. For 9 days after the death, the family recites prayers. In Filipino tradition, the name for this is “pasiyam” which means “that which is done for 9 days.”
Where did these beliefs come from, especially considering how many Catholics don’t believe in the 40th-day tradition? Because the Spanish colonized the Philippines, there was a lot of mixing of beliefs and traditions. Today, most Filipino families follow Catholic funeral traditions.
According to ancient beliefs, the deceased’s soul stays on Earth for up to 9 days after the death. During this time, the family gathers for prayers and a celebratory meal in honor of the deceased. On the 40th day, a rosary is said. This is a way to protect the soul of the departed as they finalize their place in the afterlife. All of these traditions are a way to help with mourning the loss of a loved one and you’ll see them displayed at some Filipino funerals.
Catholic 40 Days After Death Prayer
First Glorious Mystery
THE RESURRECTION
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the third day after his passion and death, rose again in glory, victorious over death and never to die again.
Prayer Intentions
- That all who are dying might join themselves with Christ who died and rose for them
- For those who do not believe
- Our Father…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cries of those who are dying of AIDS…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, with a mother’s care look gently on those who suffer with cancer…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, cradle the bodies broken with cares of this world…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, intercede for those imprisoned by selfishness and sin…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, remember those locked in their homes by fear…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, look with love on those whose minds betray them…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cry of those who wake to pain…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, stand by those who care for people who have grown old…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, comfort those must bury their loved one today…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, stand vigil by those who are about to die…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- Glory be to the Father, to the father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…
Second Glorious Mystery
THE ASCENSION
Our Lord Jesus Christ, forty days after his Resurrection, ascended into heaven with triumph and great glory, in the sight of his most holy mother and all his disciples.
Prayer Intentions
- For run-aways, throw-aways and children who live on the street
- For all who have lost faith
- Our Father…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cries of those who mourn the dead…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, with a mother’s care look gently on parents who bury their children…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, cradle the lives of those addicted or imprisoned…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, intercede for those who seek to live the Gospel of Life…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, remember those who have left home…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, look with love on young mothers who are afraid…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, hear the prayers of those who seek to make our country just…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, stand by those who fear their growing old…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, lead the children who are lost home to those who love them…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, embrace the orphan and the widow with your love..
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…
Third Glorious Mystery
PENTECOST
Our Lord Jesus Christ, sitting at the right hand of the Father, sent the Holy Spirit into the upper chamber where the apostles were gathered together, with the most Holy Virgin Mary.
Prayer Intentions
- For those whose lives are given in the defense of life
- For all who study and preach the Gospel of Life
- Our Father…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cries of those who accept the call to fatherhood…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, with a mother’s care guide all young women in love and in the truth…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, cradle the bodies of those who are dying in pain…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, intercede for those who seek to be good parents…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, remember the children of those who are dying…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cry of those whom we have forgotten…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, pray for all doctors that they may embrace a spirit of life…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, stand by those who are in despair…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, guide those tempted by sin and death…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, inspire all women by your example of faith…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Fourth Glorious Mystery
ASSUMPTION OF MARY
The Most Holy Virgin, twelve years after the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, passed from this life, and was assumed by the angels into heaven.
Prayer Intentions
- That those who have gone before us in faith might rest in the Lord
- For babies who have died through abortion
- Our Father…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cries of the mother whose child has been aborted…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, with a mother’s care strengthen those who have grown weak with age…
- Hail Mary, full of grace..
- O Holy Mary, cradle the children who have died through our neglect…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, intercede for those abused or forgotten…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, remember those imprisoned by selfishness or sin…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, look with love on those who long for heaven…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, hear the prayers of doctors who seek to heal…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, stand by those who work to save the weakest and littlest among us…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy, Mary, intercede for all who love life and work to protect it…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, Teach us by your life to embrace Christ your son…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…
Fifth Glorious Mystery
CORONATION OF MARY
The Most Holy Virgin was crowned in heaven by her divine Son as the saints rejoiced in glory around her throne.
Prayer Intentions
- For all mothers, that they come to know the wonder of their vocation
- For all who are homeless, broken or afraid
- Our Father…
- O Holy Mary, hear the cries of those who long for heaven…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, with a mother’s care lead the dying gently home…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, walk with those who seek the way home to your Son…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, intercede for those who pray to you today…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, remember those who lead and govern us…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, look with love on those who honor the name of your Son…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, send an angel to protect all who are lost…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, pray for the conversion of all who take life by violence…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, intercede with your son for all who have lost their way…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- O Holy Mary, walk closely with us in our search for the truth…
- Hail Mary, full of grace…
- Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…
Significance Of 40 Days Prayer For The Dead
It is believed that the soul of the departed remains wandering on Earth during the 40-day period, coming back home, visiting places the departed has lived in as well as their fresh grave. The soul also completes the journey through the Aerial toll house finally leaving this world.