Our Lady of Pompeian Novena (often referred to as ‘the novena that cannot be refused’) is an extraordinary and intense 54-day prayer devotion dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. Its origins are closely linked to Blessed Bartolom Longo, who described it as a powerful weapon in the spiritual battle.
1. Opening Prayer (at the start of each of the 54 days)
First, make the sign of the cross and state your intention:
‘In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.’ (State your intention / petition)
“May the holy hour be praised and blessed in which the Son of God became man for our salvation.”
2. Prayer during the petitionary part (First 27 days)
Pray this prayer every day during the first 27 days before praying the Rosary:
“O Queen of the Holy Rosary, you deigned to appear at Pompeii and to show your maternal kindness to sinners, the desperate and the suffering. Through your love and miracles, you draw our hearts to you. Behold, I too, though unworthy, fall with confidence at your feet. Receive me, Mother of the Saviour, into your motherly heart. You see my tears, my sorrows and my distress. With confidence I present my petition to you: (repeat your intention here). Help me, O Mother, have mercy on me! Do not reject my plea, for you are the help of Christians and the refuge of sinners. Through your Immaculate Heart and the power
of your Rosary, I await the miracle of your grace. Amen.”
3. Prayer during the thanksgiving phase (the last 27 days)
Pray this prayer every day during the last 27 days (when you have moved on to the phase of giving thanks):
„

Who could ever thank you enough, Queen of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii, for the graces you have bestowed upon me during this novena? My soul was in darkness, and you illuminated it with the light of your love. My heart was full of fears, and you filled it with divine peace. I thank you, Mother, from the depths of my heart for hearing my prayers. Accept this expression of my gratitude and continue to protect me under your mantle. May my life glorify your goodness, and may I one day praise God with you in eternal glory. Amen.”
4. The Holy Rosary
Pray all three parts of the traditional Rosary (15 decades) every day:
● The Joyful Mysteries (Monday, Thursday)
● The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday, Friday)
● Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday)
5. Closing Prayer (at the end of each day)
At the end of the day, pray the Salve Regina (Hail, Holy Queen) and add this closing formula:
O Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us, that we may be made worthy to receive the promises of Christ. Amen.
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us! (3 times)“

Spiritual significance and why 54 days?
● The mathematics of the Rosary: The number 54 is the sum of two periods: the original novena (three nine-day cycles) devoted to petitions lasted 27 days, and 27 days were added for thanksgiving (a total of 6 nine-day blocks: 3 for petitions, 3 for thanksgiving).
● Miraculous origin: The novena became world-famous thanks to the healing of a Neapolitan girl, Fortunatina Agrelli, to whom the Virgin Mary appeared and promised her help, stating that anyone wishing to obtain graces must pray 27 days of supplication and 27 days of thanksgiving in the form of the Rosary.