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Novena to the Sacred Heart

Nine days of focused prayer in preparation for the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

Why this practice

A novena is nine days of prayer for a particular intention or feast — modeled on the nine days the apostles and Mary spent in the upper room between the Ascension and Pentecost. Beginning a novena nine days before the Feast of the Sacred Heart is one of the most traditional and beloved ways to prepare for it.

Many novenas to the Sacred Heart have been written and approved. They typically include the Litany, a short meditation for each of the nine days, and a closing prayer of consecration.

How to begin

1Count back nine days from the feast. Mark each as a novena day in your calendar.
2Choose a novena text — Croiset's own meditations, or a published novena (the Apostleship of Prayer offers good ones).
3Pray at the same time each day if possible. Continuity matters.
4Bring one specific intention through the nine days, alongside the general intention of honoring His Heart.

The novena is the upper room of the soul — nine days of waiting upon the Spirit, so that the feast may not pass us by.

— Traditional

A prayer for this practice

Sacred Heart of Jesus, in these nine days I come to Thee with empty hands. Prepare me for Thy feast. Whatever Thou wouldst give, I am here to receive.

Amen.

When you're ready

The Feast of the Sacred Heart →