Joshua Bennett
A novena is a Catholic prayer that is said for nine days, often in devotion to saints. The word novena comes from the Latin word novem, meaning nine. The practice of novenas dates back to the days of the Apostles and was popularized during the Middle Ages. Novenas are typically used to ask God for special requests or petitions and can be directed to specific saints, such as St. Jude, the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes. When praying a novena, it is important to approach it with sincerity and openness to God's will. While it is not necessary to pray at the same time each day or to engage in additional practices like fasting, staying on track can be facilitated by setting aside a specific daily time for prayer and utilizing reminders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of days | Typically nine days, but can also be one day or nine months |
| Purpose | To ask God for special requests or petitions, often via a specific saint |
| History | Originated in the Acts of the Apostles when the disciples prayed for nine days for the Holy Spirit |
| Requirements | A sincere heart that is open to God's will; no need to pray at a specific time or to fast |
| Missing a day | Skip the day, say two prayers the next day, or stay one day behind |
| Examples | St. Jude Novena, Novena to the Holy Spirit, Sacred Heart Novena |
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What You'll Learn
Novena history and origin
The word "novena" is derived from the Latin word "novem", which means "nine". Novena is an ancient tradition of devotional prayer in Christianity, consisting of nine days of prayer and meditation. It is usually to ask God for special prayer requests or petitions. Novenas are often used to ask specific saints to pray for us.
The practice of the novena is based in early Christianity, where Masses were held for nine days with devotional prayers for the deceased. The practice may trace its origins to an early Greek and Roman custom performed by families, consisting of nine days of mourning after the death of a loved one, followed by a feast.
The first novena was shared in the Acts of the Apostles. Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, the disciples gathered together to ask him about the restoration of Israel. Jesus told them that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. So the disciples and Mary waited together, praying for the Holy Spirit to guide them. Finally, nine days later, the Holy Spirit came down on them. This was the first novena.
Novenas were popularized during the Middle Ages as a way to express devotion to saints. They became a more formal prayer in the 17th century with the publication of prayer books that contained specific novenas for various intentions.
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Selecting a novena
Novenas are nine-day Catholic prayers, often directed to a specific saint, to ask God for special prayer requests or petitions. The prayers are usually performed for nine consecutive days, although some novenas are said in one day or over nine months. The number nine is associated with suffering, purification, and new beginnings.
Novenas are an ancient tradition, dating back to the days of the Apostles. One of the first novenas was when Mary and the disciples prayed for the Holy Spirit for nine days between the Ascension and Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came down on the ninth day.
When selecting a novena, it is important to consider your intention. You can either select a prayer for your specific intention or choose a novena to a saint who is known and loved in the subject you are struggling with or feeling gratitude for. For example, the Novena to St. Jude is a nine-day prayer to St. Jude, the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes. This novena is often prayed in times of difficulty or crisis.
Other examples of novenas include the Novena to the Holy Spirit, which is a prayer for guidance, wisdom, and understanding, and the Novena to St. Joseph, who is the patron saint of workers and the guardian of the Holy Family. The Sacred Heart Novena is traditionally prayed during the nine days leading up to the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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Novena prayer examples
Novenas are nine-day Catholic prayers, sometimes said consecutively, that can be addressed to God or specific saints. They are often used to ask for special prayer requests or petitions. Novenas are not guaranteed to bring about desired results, but they are a great way to persist in prayer and grow in patience, trusting in God's will.
Novena to St. Jude
St. Jude is the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes. The novena dedicated to him is often prayed in times of difficulty, crisis, or as a last resort.
Novena to the Holy Spirit
This novena is a prayer to the Holy Spirit for guidance, wisdom, and understanding. It is traditionally prayed for nine days before Pentecost, asking for the descent of the gifts of the Holy Spirit: holy fear, piety, fortitude, knowledge, understanding, counsel, wisdom, and the Fruits of the Spirit.
Novena to St. Joseph
St. Joseph is the patron saint of workers and the guardian of the Holy Family. This novena can be prayed at any time, but many people like to pray it leading up to his feast day on March 19th.
Novena for Vocations to the Priesthood
This novena is prayed for priests, who are important for bringing the sacraments, preaching the truths of the Faith, and leading the faithful closer to God.
Novena for Widows
The novena for widows is a prayer for those who have lost their spouses, as they may experience suffering in their physical lives.
Novena of Adoration
Adoration is a way to pray to God and adore Him, especially in the presence of the Holy Eucharist.
Novena of Contrition
This novena is a prayer of repentance, asking for God's mercy and forgiveness of sins.
Novena for Vocations to the Religious Life
This novena is prayed for religious sisters, brothers, and priests, who are an important part of the Church and provide spiritual support through their prayers.
Novena for Sadness to Joy
This novena is for those struggling with sadness and seeking to find joy in their lives, turning to God for help and guidance.
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Additional novena practices
Novenas are a Catholic prayer tradition that involves nine days of prayer and meditation. The word "novena" comes from the Latin word "novem," meaning nine. This practice is believed to have originated from the first novena in the Acts of the Apostles, when Mary and the disciples prayed for the Holy Spirit for nine days between the Ascension and Pentecost.
While novenas typically involve nine days of prayer, some novenas are said in one day, and others are said over nine months. Additionally, some people add extra practices to deepen their novena experience. Here are some additional practices and considerations for praying novenas:
- Specific intentions: Before beginning a novena, it is essential to set a clear intention. This could be a specific request or petition that you want to focus your prayers on. For example, you may pray for guidance, wisdom, and understanding or for a particular intention, such as finding gainful employment.
- Selecting a novena: After setting your intention, choose a novena that aligns with your intention or a saint who is known and loved in the area of your life that you are struggling with or feeling grateful for. For instance, St. Jude is often prayed to in times of difficulty or crisis, while the Novena to the Holy Spirit is prayed for guidance, wisdom, and understanding.
- Consistency and dedication: While it is not necessary to pray at the same time every day, consistency and dedication are important. Set aside a specific time each day to pray and consider setting reminders or adding it to your calendar for the duration of the novena. You may also find a prayer partner to help keep you accountable.
- Additional acts: Some people choose to add extra practices to their novenas, such as fasting or performing acts of service. These additional acts are not mandatory but can enhance the overall experience and deepen your dedication to the novena.
- Missing a day: If you miss a day of the novena, there are a few options. You can skip the day and continue with the next day's prayers, say two prayers the following day to catch up, or say the prayer for the missed day and continue with the novena, knowing you are one day behind.
- Expectations and results: It is important to remember that novenas are not magical incantations that guarantee desired results. Instead, they are a way to persistently bring your intentions before God, trusting that He knows what is best for us, even if we don't understand His divine intention.
These additional practices can enhance your novena experience and help you stay focused and dedicated throughout the nine days of prayer. Remember, the key is to approach novenas with a sincere heart, open to God's will and guidance.
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What to do if you miss a day
If you miss a day of your novena, don't worry—you can continue with your novena and simply pick up where you left off. Here are some specific guidelines and suggestions to help you navigate this situation:
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Novenas are a beautiful Catholic tradition that involves a nine-day period of private or public devotion, often consisting of
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