What is a Novena and what is its scriptural foundation?
A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer and intercession for a specific intention or feast day. Its biblical archetype is found in Acts 1, where the Apostles, the holy women, and the Blessed Virgin Mary gathered in the Upper Room in unceasing prayer for nine days between the Ascension of Jesus and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Novenas demonstrate perseverance, patient trust in God's promises, and spiritual solidarity in petition.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2671
- Acts 1:14
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.