I was wondering on how a novena is done, last time I ask I didn’t get a direct answer, Are novenas just a set of nine prayers that are done nine times with a candle of some kind. Are prayers really that powerful?
A novena is a devotion consisting of prayer said (most typically) on nine successive days, asking to obtain special graces. These may consist of prayer booklets, recitation of the Rosary, or small prayers through the day. There are four recognized categories of Novena, those of mourning, preparation, prayer, and those which are indulgenced, however, a given novena can belong to more than one of these categories.
The practice of saying novenas is derived from Scripture. After Jesus’s Ascension into heaven, He told his disciples to pray together in the upper room and devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). Doctrine proposes that the Apostles, Blessed Virgin Mary, and other followers of Jesus prayed together for nine consecutive days, concluding in the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
Novena’s are most commonly addressed to:
Code:
Jesus
The Blessed Trinity or any Individual Person (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
The Blessed Virgin Mary
Saints
Angels
DISCLAIMER: Catholic Answers has turned over the archive to Catholic-Questions.org and no longer owns, manages, or moderates the forums. For additional apologetics resources please visit www.catholic.com.