What the heck is a novena?

[levi86]

It was my understanding that it is a prayer said over 9 days. But that’s pretty much the extent of my knowledge on the subject.

Of what purpose is it? Is it just another form of focussing ones prayer life, or does it help one obtain special graces? What connection does it have with indulgences (not quite sure what they are either)

I don’t mean to be fussy, but id love to hear your answers in your own words rather than with URLs, I’ve read many such references but am still unsure of what a novena is.

Thanks guys!

 

[LilyM]

It was my understanding that it is a prayer said over 9 days. But that’s pretty much the extent of my knowledge on the subject.

Of what purpose is it? Is it just another form of focussing ones prayer life, or does it help one obtain special graces? What connection does it have with indulgences (not quite sure what they are either)

I don’t mean to be fussy, but id love to hear your answers in your own words rather than with URLs, I’ve read many such references but am still unsure of what a novena is.

Thanks guys!

S’ok!

A novena is, as you said, a prayer for a particular purpose or intention which is spread out over an amount of time. Traditionally a novena is said every day for nine days. This is based on the nine days between Ascension and Pentecost when the Apostles were gathered in the upper room fervently praying for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

However there are plenty of exceptions - St Therese’s flower novena is actually over five days, the Infant of Prague Novena is said every hour for nine hours in urgent cases.

As you have corectly said the purpose is mainly to focus the person praying - both on the intention and as an act of devotion to the saint or whoever it’s directed to. And they can bring great graces - obviously you get out of them what you put into them.

No connection with Indulgences. Indulgences are individual acts - things like saying a Rosary in church or in a group, reading the Scriptures for half an hour, and other prayers and acts. These prayers and acts have been declared as either lessening (partial indulgences) or completely removing (plenary indulgences) any temporal punishment (eg purgatory time) due to our sins.

 

[Marat]

Recommended Reading

newadvent.org/cathen/11141b.htm

I’ve always wanted to do that.

 

[levi86]

S’ok!

A novena is, as you said, a prayer for a particular purpose or intention which is spread out over an amount of time. Traditionally a novena is said every day for nine days. This is based on the nine days between Ascension and Pentecost when the Apostles were gathered in the upper room fervently praying for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

However there are plenty of exceptions - St Therese’s flower novena is actually over five days, the Infant of Prague Novena is said every hour for nine hours in urgent cases.

As you have corectly said the purpose is mainly to focus the person praying - both on the intention and as an act of devotion to the saint or whoever it’s directed to. And they can bring great graces - obviously you get out of them what you put into them.

No connection with Indulgences. Indulgences are individual acts - things like saying a Rosary in church or in a group, reading the Scriptures for half an hour, and other prayers and acts. These prayers and acts have been declared as either lessening (partial indulgences) or completely removing (plenary indulgences) any temporal punishment (eg purgatory time) due to our sins.

Cheers for that Lily, That pretty much answered all my questions.

But just one more question. Heres the first intention for The Divine Mercy Chaplet

First Day

Today bring Me all mankind, especially all sinners.

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

When I pray this first intention do I recite the words exactly to begin with, or do I just focus on the general meaning of this intention while praying a chaplet?

 

[mommyof4]

When I pray this first intention do I recite the words exactly to begin with, or do I just focus on the general meaning of this intention while praying a chaplet?

What I usually do is read the words exactly, meditate a few minutes on the meaning of it, and then keep the general intention in my mind while saying the chaplet. Kind of like when praying the rosary.