Send your petitions to be remembered during AMM’s annual celebration of Mary’s Espousal to Saint Joseph. The novena of Masses begins January 14 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and continues for nine days. 

Also known as the “Feast of the Holy Spouses,” this observance was recognized by Pope Leo X and celebrated on August 29, 1517 by the Nuns of the Annunciation. Typically, it is observed on January 23. Though the feast does not appear on the universal liturgical calendar of the Church, numerous shrines, dioceses, and Catholic congregations around the world celebrate it. 

You are invited to burn a Votive Light to honor the holy spouses’ faith-filled commitment to one another. Your intentions will be placed near Our Lady’s Altar here at the National Shrine throughout the novena and on the actual feast day, January 23. During the novena, join us in praying for engaged and married couples and all unborn children. May God bless and protect the institution of the family as the primary spiritual society throughout the world. 

“Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.  When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together,  she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.”  Matthew 1:18