What is a Novena? The prayer tradition explained
On the last Sunday of each liturgical year, the Catholic tradition celebrates the Solemnity of Christ the King.
As part of that, followers will pray for nine days using a practice called the novena.
What is a Novena?
The word “novena” is derived from the Latin word for nine, or “novem.”
Typically, a novena refers to nine days of prayer, asking God for a specific intention, often through the Virgin Mary or a Saint’s intercession.
Why is a Novena 9 Days?
There are a few reasons why the number nine might be significant.
The first comes from the Acts of the Apostles, when Jesus told His disciples to gather together and pray after His Ascension into Heaven.
Tradition tells us that the Apostles, along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, went to the Upper Room and prayed together for the nine days between Jesus’ Ascension and Pentecost.
Another reason could be that nine is significant because of the nine months that Mary carried Jesus in her womb. In fact, people in the Middle Ages traditionally spent nine days in prayer leading up to Christmas to signify the nine months that Jesus spent in the womb of His mother.
How Do You Pray a Novena?
Simply pray the novena prayer that corresponds with each day for nine days straight.
Some novenas repeat the same prayer each day, while others have a specific prayer for each day of the novena.
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