The nine-month novena in preparation for the Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage begins in January. Each month, pilgrims and friends of the Dominican Friars are invited to pause for prayer, entrusting this Pilgrimage—and their own intentions—to the care of Our Lady.

In this January video, Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress, O.P., introduces the nine-month novena and reflects on why an extended season of prayer is a fitting way to prepare for the Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage. Throughout the life of the Church, moments of mission and public witness have been preceded by sustained periods of prayer and contemplation. This novena invites us into that same rhythm.

Fr. Joseph-Anthony also reflects on the significance of nine months of prayer, drawing a parallel to the hidden months during which Our Lady carried Christ before his birth. As we walk with her in prayer, we prepare our hearts to receive the Lord more deeply through the Rosary.

The Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage will take place on September 26, 2026, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. This January novena marks the first step in that preparation.

We invite you to watch the video below and to pray the novena prayer with us on the Saturdays of each month as we continue this journey of prayer leading up to the Pilgrimage.

This video is part of the nine-month novena series for the Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage.