Novena
The word Novena is the feminine form of the Medieval Latin word, "novenus", "ninth", which is the ordinal number from novem, nine.
In the Catholic Church, a novena is a devotion consisting of prayer said (most typically) on nine successive days, asking to obtain special graces. These may consist of small prayer books, recitation of the Rosary, or small prayers through the day.
The practice of saying novenas is derived from Scripture. After Jesus' Ascension into heaven, he told his disciples to pray together in the upper room and devote themselves to constant prayer (Acts 1:14). The Apostles, Blessed Virgin Mary, and other followers of Jesus prayed together for nine consecutive days, concluding in the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.
Though the novena is primarily a devotion used by members of the Catholic Church, it has spread to the Orthodox, Anglican, and even some Lutheran churches.
Pope John XXII
Prayer on eve of Vatican II: "Renew your wonders in this our day as by a new pentecost".
Pope Paul VI
Spoken in 1975: "The church today is in an age dominated by the Holy Spirit. The faithful surrender to him with joyous hearts".
Pope John Paul II
Written in 1979: "Without the Spirit we cannot say 'Jesus is Lord'. From the Spirit come all the charisms that build up the church. St Paul instructs us 'Be filled with the Spirit'.
Let us Pray
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love.
Send forth Your Spirit, Lord, and make us a new creation, and through us renew the face of the earth.
God our Father, let the Spirit You sent on Your Church to begin the teaching of the gospel, continue to work in the world through the hearts of all who believe. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment