Succinctly, a novena is a nine day period of private or public prayer to obtain special graces, to implore special favors, or make special petitions.  (Novena is derived from the Latin novem, meaning nine.)  As the definition suggests, the novena has always had more of a sense of urgency and neediness.

On the tenth day, Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon them and the Church was born.

The heart of any Novena is the same as the first one, called by our Lord Himself. “He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father.” (Acts 1:4, emphasis mine)

When we pray a Novena, we either pray the same prayer for all nine days or follow a list of prayers to be prayed for each day. Every novena is a bit different in the intention, formation of prayers and practice.

For more information, contact the parish office