A novena (from Latin: novem, "nine") is an ancient tradition of devotional praying in Christianity, consisting of private or public prayers repeated for nine successive days or weeks.[1] The nine days between the Feast of the Ascension and Pentecost, when the disciples gathered in the upper room and devoted themselves to prayer, is often considered to be the first novena.[2]
In some Christian communities, such as in Africa, Latin America and the Philippines, novena traditions are popular and include devotional rituals such as congregational prayers, the decoration of statues, hymn singing with music, as well as community fiesta events over beverages, refreshments or processions.
Novenas are most often prayed by members of the Roman Catholic Church, but also by Lutherans, Anglicans, and Eastern Orthodox Christians; they have been used in ecumenical Christian settings as well.[3] The prayers are often derived from devotional prayer books, or consist of the recitation of the rosary (a "rosary novena"), or of short prayers through the day. Novena prayers are customarily printed in small booklets, and the novena is often dedicated to a specific angel, saint, Marian title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or one of the persons of the Holy Trinity.
- ^ Schnurr, Dennis (1998). Novena for Justice and Peace. US Catholic Conference Publishers. pp. 1–2. ISBN 978-1-57455-237-9.; Quote: "Novenas are devotional prayers repeated nine successive times for special intentions."
- ^ "Novena for Pentecost: Feast of the Ascension". National Catholic Reporter. 2020-05-21. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
- ^ "What is a novena?". Catholic Community of St. Matthew & St. Bernard Church. Archived from the original on 4 April 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
Though the novena is primarily a devotion used by members of the Catholic Church, it is also practiced by some Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran Christians.