A Spiritual Connection
For nearly a century, pilgrims have gathered at The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Medal for the Monday Perpetual Novena, an unbroken tradition since 1930. Some people attend weekly, while others join as often as they are able. Fortunately, for those unable to make it to the Perpetual Novena in person, the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal (CAMM) offers the opportunity to watch it weekly via the Perpetual Novena livestream at 12:05 p.m. ET.
This Perpetual Novena livestream was an idea ahead of its time. With its beginning dating back more than eight years, the livestream started as a way for Marian devotees from across the globe to unite in prayer.
Each Monday from the hallowed, stunning Basilica Shrine, wires, cables, boxes, and computers work in harmony to bring the midday Perpetual Novena and Mass into the homes and hearts and onto screens of people across the world.
Whether pilgrims are unable to make the journey to the Basilica Shrine due physical distance, health, or financial hardship, the livestream bridges love, devotion, and community from inside Philadelphia’s Basilica Shrine to around the world.
Every Monday, music begins at noon, signaling the imminent start of the service. At 12:05 p.m., an introduction begins and the Perpetual Novena and Mass go live.
Through the Perpetual Novena livestream, people can lift their voices in prayer and song, and welcome each other and share their intentions in the chat, knowing no matter how near or far, they are a part of the Basilica Shrine community.
A Livestream Lifeline
CAMM CEO Mary Jo Timlin-Hoag noticed the increase in the Perpetual Novena livestream viewership during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Not just in the United States, but from around the world as well,” she said.
During this time, viewership increased by about 40%, with the weekly livestream reaching more than 140 countries.
The beauty of the Perpetual Novena livestream is that if people are unable to view it in real time, they can watch the replay later at YouTube.com/@MiraculousMedal.
“What people have told me, especially as they returned to the Basilica Shrine in person following COVID-19 restrictions, was that the livestream was a lifeline for them. An important underlying theme that I heard was that people stayed connected to community. They never lost their connection to the Blessed Mother and to the Perpetual Novena. They were extremely grateful for that,” said Timlin-Hoag.
The Evolution of the Perpetual Novena Livestream
The livestream of 2025 looks different from when it began. Newer technology and updated equipment have been installed over the years. Internet providers have changed.
In 2019, Helm Creative Studio was brought on board with the simple goal of providing a livestream that people could watch if they were unable to attend in person. However, in 2020, during the pandemic, bandwidth was being used to capacity with students homeschooling and many adults working from home. That strain was felt across the internet, especially on livestreaming days.
Over time, Helm began to provide production input for camera angles and positioning, as well as sound suggestions.
CAMM worked with Helm to ensure pivotal moments were being captured, such as concentrating on the altar during the Eucharistic Prayer.
As the Basilica Shrine rectors have changed over the years, each has provided different direction and input to keep the livestreams fresh.
“Currently, we are focusing on audience engagement. We want people to be able to see themselves in the livestream,” noted president of Helm Creative Studio, Ashlee Hollis.
Seamless Livestreams
Ironically, it was as pandemic restrictions were put into place that CAMM needed to pivot the livestream production process. Working with priests and Associate Rector Deacon James Mahoney, who recorded the Perpetual Novena and Mass on an iPad, Helm then made edits, embellishments, and uploaded the services on Monday nights.
While the livestreams may look and feel effortless, don’t be fooled. A lot of time, heart, and planning goes into them.
“In production, we always say, ‘It’s a good day when no one knows production is there,’” explained Hollis. “If we do our jobs and everything works great, no one knows we’re there. That’s the purpose. It means the mission is going forward; the message is being shared; and the presence of God is there,” Hollis continued.
Livestreaming Important Events
The 12:05 p.m. Perpetual Novena and Mass livestreams every Monday, including holidays like Labor Day.
CAMM’s livestream capabilities also present the opportunity for viewers to join with the Basilica Shrine community for special worship services, such as the nine days of the Solemn Novena and the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal each November.
“For those who can’t make it to the Basilica Shrine, the experience is still within reach through our livestreams,” said Timlin-Hoag. “Of course, it’s a tremendous blessing to be here physically, but if you can’t be, you’re not alone. You still have a community praying with you, united in the Miraculous Medal Novena.”
Access for All
Comments from the weekly Perpetual Novena livestream chats express prayers and gratitude. “My favorite comment was from a viewer in Nigeria telling us he was watching and asking for Mary’s intercession,” commented Timlin-Hoag.
In a world that can be fragmented by negative news and social media, CAMM’s Perpetual Novena livestream offers the extraordinary opportunity to connect people. These livestreams enter people’s homes and remind them that we are joined in the Catholic faith and devotion to Our Blessed Mother.
Faith Evangelization
“The livestream is a powerful tool for our faith evangelization because we can reach so many people, and we are able to get Mary’s message across the world to people who may not otherwise be able to receive it,” said Timlin-Hoag.
“We are essentially taking the presence of God and making sure everyone has access to it. We are really honored to be a part of that,” remarked Hollis.
Incredible Growth from Humble Beginnings
When Fr. Joseph Skelly, CM, began the tradition of the Perpetual Novena in 1930, he could not have imagined how it would grow into a worldwide weekly broadcast from the Basilica Shrine. How proud Fr. Skelly would be to see devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal reach this global scale and audience with the Perpetual Novena livestream!
Please be sure to explore our worship schedule, which includes links to our Perpetual Novena livestreams, at MiraculousMedal.org/visit-us/worship.
For more information about CAMM visit miraculousmedal.org. Become a Member of CAMM to support us and receive more stories like this in The Message magazine.