What Is a Novena?
A novena is a Catholic devotion prayed for nine days for a set intention. The practice recalls the prayer of Mary and the Apostles between the Ascension and Pentecost and gives a person or community a steady period of spiritual preparation.
Why does a novena last nine days?
The nine days recall the time Mary and the Apostles spent in prayer before Pentecost. Catholics use this pattern to prepare for a feast, seek help for a need, or pray for a person entering a new state of life.
What is a wedding novena?
A wedding novena is nine days of prayer for an engaged couple. Family and friends may pray for the couple’s faith, unity, fidelity, and life together as they prepare for the sacrament of marriage.
Page reviewed and updated 2026-07-28.