What is a Novena?

The word novena comes from the Latin novem, meaning "nine". A novena is a prayer that is repeated nine times. It is usually a prayer of petition but sometimes a prayer of thanksgiving. 

Traditionally, it is a nine-day period of prayer; however, novenas have evolved into related lengths of time, such as nine hours or nine months. The 54 Day Novena is really six novenas strung together. During the first three, you ask confidently for what you need. During the second three, you thank God even more confidently for granting your prayer — even if you are not aware that you received it yet! 

Prayer is a way to make your wants, needs, and intentions known to God, and to trust that he’ll do what’s needed, whatever that looks like. At the basis of every novena is persevering trust. That’s all God asks of you. Leave the rest to Him. “Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours." (Mark 11:24)

Novenas don’t have to be complicated. You just need to form your specific intention—that is, decide what it is you are praying for. Then you choose what prayers to say. This can be saying the rosary, reciting a specific prayer, going to daily Mass, or even just saying one Hail Mary or praying for the intercession of a favorite saint. You can even make up the prayer yourself. Then you choose which length of time and commit to it.

• You don’t have to pray at the same time each day, but it’s helpful to stay consistent and place yourself in a meditative state of mind.
• Pray a novena once every hour over the course of 9 hours for a shorter, more concentrated alternative. Choose a 9-hour period where you will be free at the same time every hour to say your prayer.
• If you miss a day or a prayer, don’t worry! Your novena is still meaningful and valid. Simply pray the missed prayer to catch up, move the missed prayer to the end, or say an extra prayer to make up for it.