The term "Novena" is derived from the Latin word for "nine" ("novem") and it signifies a traditional devotion of praying a single prayer or selection of prayers for a period of nine days or, sometimes, even nine weeks. Novenas can be dedicated to specific saints, titles of Mary, scriptural ocasions, Church feastdays, and a number of other themes. They are a beautiful way to practice a particular devotion or lift up a particular intention. Today we'll list out five Novenas for you to incorporate into your prayer life.

Novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots

This beautiful title of Mary as the "Undoer of Knots" is a favorite of Pope Francis and for good reason. Most of us can relate to the sense of needing knots in our lives--whether internal or external--loosened. Most of us know the desire for freedom from our own habits of thought, word, deed, omission. Most of us know someone who needs this freedom as well. The Novena to Our Lady Undoer of Knots begins April 22. Hand your knots over to Mary to be loosened. 

Novena to St. Jude

St. Jude is the patron saint of impossible causes. That we are losing the battle for virtue. We can often feel that the efforts we make in our work, our relationships, our personal and spiritual lives are impossible causes. We can often feel like we ourselves are an impossible cause. This beautiful novena to St. Jude is one way to lift those challenges up to Our Lord. 

Novena to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit was given to Our Lady and the Apostles and the whole world at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit and his gifts make it possible for us to choose a life of virtue, accepting God's grace and the transformation that comes from it. If you seek wisdom, guidance, or interior transformation of any kind, the novena to the Holy Spirit is a wonderful way to start. 

Novena of Divine Mercy

The church just celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday, but we always have need of Our Lord's infinite mercy. This novena lifts up a different community of souls each day and submits them to Christ's mercy, incorporating the beautiful Divine Mercy Chaplet as part of the daily prayers. 

Novena to St. Joseph

There is so much to learn from St. Joseph, though he does not speak one word in Holy Scripture. His wisdom, obedience, courage, and selflessness are demonstrated in his every action. His humility is demonstrated in his silence. The novena to St. Joseph is a wonderful way to build a devotion to St. Joseph and be sanctified under his intercession and guidance.