What is a novena, and how do you pray one?

Nine days, one intention

A novena is a prayer said on nine days in a row, usually for one intention: a need you are carrying, a person you love, a decision you have to make, or thanksgiving. The word comes from the Latin novem, nine.

The 1911 Catholic Encyclopedia defines it as “a nine days' private or public devotion in the Catholic Church to obtain special graces”, and notes that it is “permitted and even recommended by ecclesiastical authority, but still has no proper and fully set place in the liturgy of the Church.” A novena is a devotion, not a sacrament and not a formula that guarantees an outcome.

Where the nine days come from

The same article calls the first Pentecost “the best model and example” of a novena. After the Ascension, the apostles returned to Jerusalem and waited in the upper room for the Holy Spirit. The Acts of the Apostles says: “All these were persevering with one mind in prayer with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (Acts 1:14, Douay-Rheims). St. Jude is one of the apostles named in that room (Acts 1:13).

Many novenas are prayed in the nine days before a saint's feast, so that the last day falls on the eve of the feast or on the feast itself. Others are prayed at any time of year, whenever the need arises.

How to pray one

Choose one intention and hold it for all nine days. You do not need to write it down or tell anyone.

Pray once a day, at roughly the same time if you can. Each day usually has an opening prayer, a short reading or reflection, and a closing prayer. It takes a few minutes.

If you miss a day, pick up where you left off. The practice is faithfulness, not perfection.

At the end, many people give thanks whatever the outcome, and some begin another novena.