Come to the Foot of the Altar
Late at night on July 18, 1830, Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine Labouré and told her to “Come to the foot of the altar. There graces will be shed, great or little, upon all who ask for them.” This apparition was the first of three and marked the beginning of a special devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, who we celebrate each year with our Solemn Novena tradition at The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
This November, we invite you to gather with The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal community for our nine-day Solemn Novena. The Solemn Novena takes place from November 16-24. Please “come to the foot of the altar” with us and spend nine days in devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal through the Miraculous Medal Novena and Holy Mass taking place at least twice daily on all days.
Everyone who attends each of the nine days of the Solemn Novena in person is eligible to receive a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions. Attending at least three days fulfills partial indulgence requirements. Those attending the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Mass in person are eligible to receive a plenary indulgence.
9-Day Solemn Novena Schedule
(All listed times are Eastern Standard Time)
(*Livestreams)
Monday, November 16
Homilist: Fr. John Kettelberger, CM
Topic: Why Come to the Foot of the Altar
9 a.m.: Novena and Mass
*12:05 p.m.: Novena and Mass
2 p.m.: Novena and Benediction
6:30 p.m.: Novena and Mass
Tuesday, November 17
Homilist: Fr. Jordan Kelly, OP
Topic: What Mary Has Done for Me
*12:05 p.m.: Novena and Mass
6:30 p.m.: Novena and Mass
Wednesday, November 18
Homilist: Fr. Patrick Obot, CM
Topic: When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn … What We Can Learn from Mary
*12:05 p.m.: Novena and Mass
6:30 p.m.: Novena and Mass
Thursday, November 19
Homilist: Fr. Astor Rodriguez, CM
Topic: Mary: Bearer of the Beams of God’s Love
*12:05 p.m.: Novena and Mass
6:30 p.m.: Novena and Mass
Friday, November 20
Homilist: Fr. Charles Krieg, CM
Topic: The Practice and Presence of God
*12:05 p.m.: Novena and Mass
6:30 p.m.: Novena and Mass
Saturday, November 21
Homilist: Fr. John Kettelberger, CM
Topic: Wastin’ Time with the King
*12:05 p.m.: Novena and Mass
4 p.m.: Novena and Mass
Sunday, November 22
Homilist: Fr. John Maher, CM
To Whom Do You Belong?
9 a.m. Novena and Mass
*12:05 p.m.: Novena and Mass
Monday, November 23
Homilist: Fr. Charles Strollo, CM
Topic: Help! Thanks! Wow! (from Ann Lamont)
9 a.m. Novena and Mass
*12:05 p.m.: Novena and Mass
2 p.m.: Novena and Benediction
6:30 p.m.: Novena and Mass
Tuesday, November 24
Homilist: Fr. Jordan Kelly, CM
Topic: Praying the Rosary Brings Us to Christ
*12:05 p.m.: Novena and Mass
6:30 p.m.: Novena and Mass
Veneration of a Holy Relic of St. Catherine Labouré will be offered throughout all nine days of the Solemn Novena.
Celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Wednesday, November 25
The Solemn Novena culminates in a Feast Day Mass at 10:30 a.m., with Most Reverend Christopher Cooke, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, presiding. The Solemnity Mass will be livestreamed. Confession will be heard at 9:30 a.m.
Stay up-to-date with all events and services at the Basilica Shrine by visiting our Worship & Events Calendar. Discover more about the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal and the many ways you can support us.