Resources
Novena to Mary Undoer of Knots
The Novena to Mary Undoer of Knots is a powerful nine-day prayer seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to help untangle the difficult "knots" in our lives. This beautiful devotion focuses on Mary's role in helping us overcome obstacles, resolve problems, and find peace in challenging situations through her maternal intercession.
Pope Francis has been a significant promoter of this devotion, which originated in Germany and has spread throughout the world, offering hope and comfort to countless faithful seeking Mary's assistance in life's complexities.
Origin and History
The devotion to Mary Undoer of Knots traces its origins to a painting from around 1700 by Johann Georg Schmidtner, which hangs in the church of St. Peter am Perlach in Augsburg, Germany. The painting was commissioned by Hieronymus Ambrosius Langenmantel, a canon of St. Peter's, as a thanksgiving for a family reconciliation.
The theological roots of this devotion go back to Saint Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 202 AD), who wrote: "Eve, by her disobedience, tied the knot of disgrace for the human race; whereas Mary, by her obedience, undid it." This concept of Mary "undoing knots" reflects her role in salvation history as the New Eve who helps reverse the effects of sin through her obedience to God.
In the 1980s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio (now Pope Francis) encountered this devotion while studying in Germany and brought it back to Argentina, where he promoted it extensively. His papal endorsement has since helped spread this devotion worldwide as a source of hope for those facing seemingly impossible situations.
Significance and Symbolism
The image of "knots" serves as a powerful metaphor for the various problems, challenges, and difficulties we face in life:
- Relationship conflicts that seem impossible to resolve
- Addiction and unhealthy patterns that bind us
- Financial difficulties that create stress and uncertainty
- Physical or mental health issues that persist despite treatment
- Spiritual struggles and periods of doubt or darkness
- Family discord that threatens unity and harmony
Through this novena, we ask Mary to help untangle these knots with her gentle but effective intervention, guiding us toward solutions and reconciliation. The devotion acknowledges both Mary's maternal concern for our wellbeing and her powerful intercession before God.
How to Pray the Novena
The Novena to Mary Undoer of Knots is traditionally prayed over nine consecutive days. Each day follows the same structure but can focus on a different "knot" in your life that needs untangling.
Daily Novena Structure:
- Make the Sign of the Cross
- Say the Act of Contrition
- Pray the first three decades of the Rosary
- Read the meditation for the day
- Pray the main Novena Prayer to Mary Undoer of Knots
- Pray the last two decades of the Rosary
- Conclude with the Prayer to Mary Undoer of Knots
While this is the traditional format, a simplified version can be prayed by those with time constraints by focusing on the main novena prayer after a brief reflection on the knots that need to be undone.
Main Novena Prayer to Mary Undoer of Knots
Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exist in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life.
You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of His children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone.
Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot:[mention your request here]
I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea.
Keep me, guide me, protect me, O safe refuge. Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exist in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of His children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot [mention your request here]. I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, O safe refuge. Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me. Amen.
Daily Meditations
Each day of the novena includes a specific meditation to guide your prayer. Here are suggested themes for each day:
Day 1: Awareness
Reflect on the knots in your life that need untangling. Bring these to conscious awareness before the Blessed Mother.
Day 2: Trust
Cultivate deeper trust in Mary's intercessory power and her maternal care for your needs.
Day 3: Surrender
Release your grip on trying to solve everything yourself, surrendering your knots to Mary's capable hands.
Day 4: Forgiveness
Consider how forgiveness (both giving and receiving) might be necessary to undo certain knots in your life.
Day 5: Patience
Reflect on the need for patience as complex knots are untangled gradually rather than instantly.
Day 6: Mary's Example
Contemplate how Mary herself faced and overcame difficult "knots" throughout her life.
Day 7: Gratitude
Express gratitude for the knots already untied in your life and for Mary's ongoing help.
Day 8: Hope
Renew your hope that with Mary's help, no knot is too tangled to be undone.
Day 9: Commitment
Commit to living in a way that prevents similar knots from forming in the future, with Mary's guidance.
Common "Knots" Addressed in this Novena
People pray this novena for help with many different kinds of challenges. Some common intentions include:
Family Relations
- Healing of broken family relationships
- Reconciliation between estranged family members
- Resolution of inheritance or family business disputes
- Guidance for parenting challenges
Marriage Difficulties
- Restoration of broken marriages
- Healing after infidelity
- Improved communication between spouses
- Resolution of ongoing conflicts
Health Concerns
- Physical healing for chronic conditions
- Freedom from addictions
- Mental health struggles
- Strength during terminal illness
Emotional Struggles
- Overcoming anxiety and fear
- Healing from past trauma
- Relief from depression
- Freedom from destructive habits
Spiritual Challenges
- Struggles with faith and doubt
- Discernment of vocation or major life decisions
- Return to the faith of loved ones
- Deepening of one's spiritual life
Practical Matters
- Financial difficulties
- Legal problems
- Employment issues
- Housing concerns
Testimonies of Grace
Many faithful have reported receiving special graces through this novena. While we can never presume God's action, these testimonies encourage others to trust in Mary's powerful intercession:
Each testimony reminds us that while Mary doesn't always undo our knots in the way we expect or on our timeline, her maternal care constantly works for our ultimate good according to God's will.
Pope Francis and this Devotion
Pope Francis has been instrumental in spreading this devotion worldwide. In the 1980s, while studying in Germany, he discovered the painting of Mary Undoer of Knots in Augsburg and was deeply moved by its message. Upon returning to Argentina, he promoted devotion to María Desatanudos (Mary Undoer of Knots), which quickly spread throughout Latin America.
As Pope, Francis has referenced this devotion in several addresses, including during his 2013 visit to Brazil for World Youth Day. He continues to encourage the faithful to entrust their difficulties to Mary under this title.
His particular affinity for this devotion highlights its relevance in our complex modern world, where many people feel entangled in situations that seem to have no solution.
Spiritual Benefits
Beyond the specific intentions we bring to this novena, praying it can yield numerous spiritual fruits:
- Increased Trust in Divine Providence - Learning to rely on God's timing and wisdom
- Deeper Relationship with Mary - Experiencing her maternal care in concrete ways
- Growth in Patience - Understanding that complex problems often require time to resolve
- Greater Peace - Finding calm amidst life's storms by entrusting difficulties to Mary
- Clarity of Mind - Receiving insight about how to address challenging situations
- Healing of Memories - Finding freedom from past hurts that have created "knots" in one's heart
- Renewed Hope - Discovering that no situation is beyond the reach of God's grace
When to Pray this Novena
While this novena can be prayed at any time, there are certain occasions when it may be especially appropriate:
- During times of personal crisis or difficult decision-making
- When facing seemingly impossible or "deadlocked" situations
- In preparation for the feast of Our Lady Undoer of Knots (September 28)
- During Marian months (May and October)
- As part of a personal retreat or spiritual renewal
- When you feel overwhelmed by multiple problems at once
- In times of family conflict or marital distress
The novena can be repeated as needed, though it's wise to allow time between novenas to notice how Mary might be working to address your concerns, perhaps in unexpected ways.
Begin Your Novena Today
No knot is too tangled for Mary's patient hands. Whatever difficulties you face, entrust them to Our Lady and experience her gentle guidance toward resolution and peace.