There’s a novena for that?!
If you’ve been Catholic for more than a minute, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Pray a novena!” But what is a novena—and why are there so many?
A novena is a nine-day prayer (from the Latin novem, meaning “nine”), modeled after the nine days the Apostles and Our Lady spent in prayer before Pentecost. The Church treasures novenas as a way to persistently seek God’s help, honor Our Lady and the saints, and prepare for great feasts.
Here are a few beloved examples:
- St. Jude Novena – Patron of impossible causes. Pray when a situation seems hopeless, trusting God’s power to open doors.
- Our Lady Undoer of Knots Novena – Brings tangled problems, relationships, or worries to Mary for her gentle untangling.
- Sacred Heart Novena – Focuses on growing in trust, reparation, and deep love for Christ’s heart.
- St. Joseph Novena – For provision, protection, and guidance, especially in work or family matters.
From career challenges to family crises, from thanksgiving to spiritual renewal—there really is a novena for that. And best of all, each one draws us closer to Jesus through steady, faithful prayer.
Want to keep a treasury of novenas at your fingertips? Check out the Pocket Guide to Novenas—a compact, beautiful book packed with powerful prayers for every need.
