How to Make a Novena
A novena is a popular Catholic devotion consisting of prayers recited for nine days to obtain from God a special favor such as the healing of someone who is ill. The novena is addressed to Jesus, the Virgin Mary or one of the saints. It is prayed once a day for nine consecutive days, once a week for nine weeks or once a month for nine months.
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Instructions
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Preparation
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Decide in whose honor you will make the novena. Traditionally, Catholics invoke the patron saint of a particular condition, such as St. Peregrine for cancer sufferers, St. Anthony for lost objects, St. Anne for infertile couples, St. Jude for impossible situations and St. Monica for a family member or friend who has fallen away from the Catholic faith. You will find a complete list of patron saints at saints.sqpn.com.
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You can find novena prayers online, or you can go to a Catholic gift and supply shop, where you will find a wide selection of novena booklets. Alternatively, you can choose one of your favorite prayers, such as the rosary or the Litany of St. Joseph, and pray each day of the novena.
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You'll want to be in a state of grace when you begin your novena, so prepare by going to confession, then to Mass and Communion. Then set aside a certain time of the day when you will pray the novena prayers. You can pray in a church or a shrine, in your home, on a bus or a train as you commute to work. Where you pray is not important as long as it is a place where you can be quiet and concentrate.
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Tips & Warnings
The inspiration for the novena is found in a New Testament book, Acts of the Apostles. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the Virgin Mary, along with the apostles and the disciples, gathered together for an intense period of prayer that culminated with the Holy Spirit descending upon them, giving them the inspiration and courage to preach the gospel. (Acts 1:12-2:5)
You may see a novena that is described as "never known to fail," or that promises, "Say this prayer for nine days, and your request will be granted." Be wary of such claims. They introduce an element of superstition into an otherwise praiseworthy religious devotion. No prayer can "force" God to do what you want.
