In the Roman Catholic tradition, a novena is a series of prayers which are said over the course of nine days. The goal of praying a novena is to ask for grace, and to deepen one's spiritual connection with God. Although the practice of the novena originated in the Catholic community, similar prayers are also said in other Christian sects.
A novena may be said for oneself, usually as a request for assistance of some form or another, or on behalf of someone else. In devout communities, people may say novenas for strangers, or say “I'll make a novena for you” upon hearing of someone else's troubles.
The word “novena” comes from the Latin word for “nine.” The number nine has classically been associated with sorrow in the Christian Church, and the first novena is believed to have been said by the Virgin Mary on behalf of her Son while He suffered on the cross.
A novena may be said for oneself, usually as a request for assistance of some form or another, or on behalf of someone else. In devout communities, people may say novenas for strangers, or say “I'll make a novena for you” upon hearing of someone else's troubles.
The word “novena” comes from the Latin word for “nine.” The number nine has classically been associated with sorrow in the Christian Church, and the first novena is believed to have been said by the Virgin Mary on behalf of her Son while He suffered on the cross.
Types of Novenas~ Lenten Novena, Salvation of Souls/Conversion of Sinners, In Honor of the Body and Blood of Christ