The 54-Day Rosary Novena to Our Lady Undoer of Knots
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A guide for Catholics wanting to grow in trust in God
If you're looking for something profound, beautiful, and grounding, the 54-Day Rosary Novena to Our Lady Undoer of Knots is a powerful place to begin. It's not just a long prayer—it's a journey of trust, healing, and grace, one day at a time. Check out the resources at the bottom of this post for more valuable tips!
What Is a 54-Day Rosary Novena?
A "novena" is a traditional Catholic prayer that lasts for nine days, often prayed for a special intention. But this one is a little different—and a little longer. It was first prayed in the late 1800s by a young girl who was miraculously healed after praying six sets of nine-day rosary novenas (three in petition, three in thanksgiving). Since then, it's become known as the 54-Day Rosary Novena, and many Catholics have turned to it in times of great need or significant transitions.
The structure is simple:
- First 27 days: You ask Mary for help with a specific intention.
- Following 27 days: You continue praying in gratitude—whether or not you've seen the answer yet—trusting that God is faithful and attentive to the longings of your heart.
Who Is Mary, Undoer of Knots?
This beautiful title comes from a Baroque painting in Germany, created in the 1700s. It shows Mary gently untying a long, tangled ribbon, while angels pass the loosened ends to her. The idea is deeply symbolic: just as a ribbon full of knots can be frustrating and stuck, our lives can feel tied up with confusion, pain, problems, or sins that seem impossible to fix. But this tradition was present in the Church many years prior, as first noted by St. Irenaeus in the 2nd century, when he explained, "The knot of Eve's disobedience was undone by Mary's obedience; what the virgin Eve tied by disobedience, the Virgin Mary loosed by Faith."
Mary—motherly, kind, and full of grace—helps us hand over those struggles to God. She doesn't just "fix" everything instantly, but she gently walks with us, helping us find clarity, peace, and healing.
This devotion became especially popular after Pope Francis (who encountered the painting while studying in Germany in his earlier years of priesthood) brought it back to Argentina and began spreading it among the faithful. Today, it's a favorite among those facing difficult situations or spiritual battles.
Why Pray This Novena?
If you're seeking ways to trust God sincerely, this novena can be a powerful way to re-center your heart and desire God's will. It's not about having perfect faith or never missing a day—it's about showing up, letting Mary walk beside you, and slowly learning to trust deeper.
- It teaches you reliance on God's Mercy and Goodness.
- It gives your prayer life structure and purpose.
- It helps you pray through pain, not around it.
- It reminds you that you are not alone, even in the messy, tangled parts of life.
- It leads you back to Jesus through Mary, who always points us gently to her Son, and God's love.
How to Pray It:
- Choose your intention – What's the "knot" in your life right now? It could be a relationship, a fear, a habit, a decision—whatever weighs on your heart.
- Pray the Rosary daily – One complete set of mysteries (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, or Luminous) depending on the day of the week. [NOTE: click here if you need help praying the Rosary]
- Undoer of Knots Prayer - Before or After the Rosary, say this Novena Prayer to keep your intention in mind:
Mother of gentle love,
I come to you with a heart that longs for peace
but still struggles to trust fully.
You see the knots in my life—
the ones I've tried to untangle on my own,
the ones that leave me feeling anxious, stuck, or tired.
You see what I carry inside, even when I can't put it into words.
Mary, I place these knots into your hands:
➤ [Pause to name your intention or struggle]
I know that no knot is too tight for your motherly care.
You work quietly and patiently,
not with force, but with faith.
Help me, Mother, to let go of my need for control.
Teach me to trust—
not in quick answers,
but in the goodness of God's timing.
Where I feel fear, bring calm.
Where I feel doubt, bring clarity.
Where I feel forgotten, remind me that I am seen and loved.
Lead me, step by step, closer to Jesus.
Help me believe that God is already at work—
even when I can't see it yet.
Mary, Undoer of Knots,
Pray for me.
Help me grow in trust,
and hold me as I wait on God.
Amen.
- Offer your prayer with trust – Speak to Mary like a mother. Be honest. Let her carry your intention to Jesus.
- First 27 days: Pray for your intention.
- Following 27 days: Continue the Rosary in thanksgiving—even if things haven't changed yet.
You can light a candle, journal a few lines, or sit in silence after praying. There's no one "right" way—what matters is your heart.
A Final Word of Encouragement
If the idea of 54 days feels overwhelming—don't worry. You don't have to be perfect. Just start—one day, one Rosary at a time. Let Mary walk with you. Let the knots loosen slowly. Let God's mercy do its transformative work in your life.
You don't have to untangle everything by yourself.
Heaven is rooting for your sanctity, and I'm praying for you on this journey to grow deeper in trust in the Lord. After all, nothing is impossible with God, and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
So with this novena, we invite Mary to help us with the struggles in our lives, keeping us from saying FIAT to God with all our hearts.
Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for us.
Useful Resources:
We will be starting this novena on August 6th, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, and ending it on the feast of Our Lady Undoer of Knots, September 28th.
Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok for daily reminders during this time!
If you are praying with little ones or have a hard time praying with a regular rosary, check out our Rosary Rainbow Abacus!!
For help on How to Pray the Rosary, check out this Free Rosary Guide!
Live Like Christ!