The origin of Novenas?

[The_Serpent]

What is the origin of the nine day Novena?

 

[Robyn_p]

I always thought that it’s origin was from the book of Acts, when the Apostles and disciples and Mary spent nine days in prayer in the upper room, before the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

I could be mistaken though.

 

[Mary_Ellen]

Yup, the 9 days between the Ascension and Pentecost.

 

[ClearWater]

Really? Oh!

 

[thistle]

What is the origin of the nine day Novena?

oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Novena

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

Novena comes from the Latin word for “nine”, and yes, it originated from the 9 days between the Ascension and Pentecost (when you actually celebrate the Ascension on Thursday, this makes more sense.)

 

[Zekariya]

Here is the Catholic Encyclopedia’s article on it: newadvent.org/cathen/11141b.htm

 

[dconklin]

While I usually turn to Catholic Answers while I am taking a break between tasks and projects as I work for a Catholic parish for a little down time, I always find these little nuggets that add to my Catholic knowledge. I would have never thought to ask this question but now I am ready when someone asks me.