History of the Novena – National Shrine of Mary
Novenas are a form of Catholic prayer that has been practiced for centuries. The word “novena” comes from the Latin word “novem,” which means “nine.” A novena is a devotion prayed over nine days or nine consecutive weeks. It is a way for Catholics to deepen their faith and seek the intercession of saints and the Virgin Mary.
The origins of novenas can be traced back to the early Christian Church. The Apostles themselves practiced a form of novena when they gathered in the upper room for nine days after the Ascension of Jesus, waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. This tradition was continued by the early Christians who prayed for nine days before major feasts and celebrations.
While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak;” – Acts 1:4
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind,* and it filled the entire house in which they were. – Acts 2:1-2
One of the most popular novenas in Catholicism is the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This novena is typically prayed in the nine days leading up to the Feast of the Sacred Heart, which falls on the Friday after the Second Sunday after Pentecost. The Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a way for Catholics to express their devotion to Jesus and seek His mercy, love, and guidance.
Another popular novena is the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This novena is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is typically prayed on nine consecutive Wednesdays. Catholics pray to Our Lady of Perpetual Help for her intercession in times of trouble or distress.
The Novena to St. Jude is also widely practiced in Catholicism. St. Jude is known as the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes. This novena is typically prayed in the nine days leading up to the feast day of St. Jude, which falls on October 28th. Catholics seek the intercession of St. Jude in times of great need or when they feel hopeless.
The Novena to St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as the Little Flower, is another popular novena in Catholicism. St. Therese is known for her devotion to God and her simple, childlike faith. This novena is typically prayed in the nine days leading up to the feast day of St. Therese, which falls on October 1st. Catholics pray to St. Therese for her intercession in times of spiritual dryness or when they feel distant from God.
Finally, the Novena to St. Anthony is also widely practiced in Catholicism. St. Anthony is known as the patron saint of lost things. This novena is typically prayed in the nine days leading up to the feast day of St. Anthony, which falls on June 13th. Catholics pray to St. Anthony for his intercession in finding lost items or in times of material need.
In conclusion, novenas are an important form of Catholic prayer that has been practiced for centuries. They are a way for Catholics to deepen their faith, seek the intercession of saints and the Virgin Mary, and express their devotion to God. The Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Novena to St. Jude, Novena to St. Therese of Lisieux, and Novena to St. Anthony are some of the most popular novenas in Catholicism. Catholics pray these novenas for a variety of reasons, including seeking guidance, intercession, and comfort during difficult times.