Novenas

Novena comes from the Latin word “novem,” which means nine. A novena is nine days of prayer. Why nine? It comes from Sacred Scripture, the Bible. Jesus instructed his disciples to “pray always” right after he ascended into heaven. The disciples prayed for NINE days, and they received an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

The Catholic Church has adopted the power of nine days of prayer in the form of novenas, a popular devotion. Typically, novenas are set prayers that are recited for nine days with the care and protection of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or any number of saints. A novena may be dedicated to a specific intention.

The Capuchins offer their life of prayer five times each year. The friars will pray a novena for your intention. You may choose a novena corresponding to Easter, St. Anthony, St. Francis, All Souls Day or Christmas. Nine days prior to each feast day, the friars pray the respective novena for your special need.

Easter (Easter Sunday to Pentecost)

By definition, novenas are nine days of prayer, but the Easter "novena" lasts for fifty days: from Easter Sunday through Pentecost Sunday. This is the holiest season for the Church, fifty days of focusing on the power of the resurrection, of Christ's victory over death.  During the Easter novena, friars will remember your special needs in the spirit of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ and the power that flows from his resurrection.

St. Anthony (June 5 to 13)

He is among the most popular of saints to call upon in time of need. Saint Anthony is most noted for his intercession when searching for lost items. He is also called upon to intercede in times of tragedy and great trials. This saint was known for his outstanding  preaching and teaching. In fact, he is also a "doctor" of the Church. Your special needs will be remembered in prayers during the St. Anthony Novena.

St. Francis (September 26 to October 4)

People of all faiths look to Saint Francis of Assisi as a model of simplicity and gentleness. He is one of the finest examples of living the Catholic faith with great

fervor. He is famously known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Saint Francis is the founder of the Franciscans and is a wonderful model for following Christ. The St. Francis Novena is special to the friars, who will keep your intentions in prayers.

All Souls (October 25 to November 2)

Our concern for the ones we love is not limited to the living but also to those who have died. We pray that they will live eternally in the presence of  God. The Church remembers and prays for all the deceased on the feast of All Souls.  For nine days, from October 25 through All Souls Day, November 2, the friars will remember your deceased loved ones in prayer and at Mass.

Christmas (December 16 to 25)

There is no greater gift than that of prayer. All other gifts for our families and friends pale in comparison to the help they receive from our prayers. Christmas celebrates the great gift of Jesus Christ and moves us to give presents to our loved ones. What gift compares with remembering our families and friends in prayer especially at Christmas? The friars will join you in prayer for them during the Christmas novena.

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