Continuing our Mass of the Month Program, we dive into Novena Masses for May.

A novena is a set of prayers or Masses traditionally said over nine consecutive days, hours, weeks, or even months. The word “novena” comes from the Latin word for nine. Catholics often pray novenas for specific intentions or graces, directing their prayers to particular saints for intercession. The practice of novenas has historical roots and offers an opportunity for consistent and persistent prayer. Whether for mourning, preparation, petition, or indulgences, novenas provide a way to deepen one’s faith and seek divine assistance.

Novenas Work

In short, novenas work; we should pray them because they are a valuable form of conversation with God and His saints. They flow from faith, and God always attends to the prayers of His faithful.

We may or may not get what we want. But as we pray, novenas, we praise, prepare, wait, and trust. And we will be rewarded, just as Christ’s first disciples were, in whatever way God sees fit.

Perhaps, then, what “never fails” when we pray a novena is that we always grow in faithful perseverance. And again, like the first disciples, we will not be disappointed.