In today’s episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we take a look at the practice of praying a novena and how this Catholic tradition is grounded in Scripture and connects us with the Apostles, Mary, and the Holy Spirit. For more information about praying a novena, check out the following: First Holy Communion Novena Ascension to Pentecost: The First Novena (free poster and booklet) What Is a Novena? Novenas: Prayers of Intercession and Devotion Waiting for the […]
It is a tradition to begin a novena in anticipation of the Feast of the Epiphany on this day, December 28. Like all sacramentals, a novena is an outward, tangible sign intended to remind us of God’s presence. The nine days of prayer represent the nine days between Jesus’ Ascension into heaven and Pentecost when the Apostles and Mary waited and prayed intensely for the coming of the Holy Spirit. An Epiphany novena is a […]
During the Easter season, we look at the Gospel stories of Jesus Christ’s appearances after the Resurrection. At the end of 40 days, Jesus ascended into heaven, promising to send a helper to the disciples as they took on their mission of spreading the Good News. That helper—the Holy Spirit—came 10 days later on the day of Pentecost. Between the Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles and Mary waited in prayer […]
I remember as a kid being thrilled with the Feast of St. Blaise, because it meant that I wouldn’t get any more sore throats during the remaining weeks of the cruel Chicago winter. So much of my piety back then was bordering (if not totally over the edge!) on superstition. Why? I was never really taught otherwise. I was taught that the blessing of St. Blaise would keep me not only from getting a sore […]
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