The Novena Begins
Nine days of prayer open today, leading to the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart on June 12.
Today the novena begins. For the next nine days — from now until the eve of the feast — we pray together in preparation for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 12.
Why nine days
The pattern is old. After the Ascension, the apostles and Mary withdrew to the upper room and prayed for nine days, waiting for the promised Spirit. Every novena since has imitated that waiting. We do not rush the feast; we prepare a place for it.
How to pray these days
You do not need anything elaborate. A few minutes at the same hour each day is worth more than a long prayer said once and then forgotten. Continuity is the whole point.
If you would like a structure, the Novena practice page offers a simple way to begin, and the 12 Promises are worth reading slowly over these days — one promise a day, with time to let it settle.
Bring one intention with you through all nine days. Carry it quietly. The Heart of Jesus has never been indifferent to a request made with trust, and these are days made for trust.
May the feast not pass any of us by.