Though I have never been able to find the exact
origin of the custom of saying novenas, they are an old custom in the
Christian church. Not all churches teach them; they are generally
considered part of the mysteries of Catholicism. However, the power
of novenas is real and is there for anyone with an honest belief in
them. No one sect of Christianity can claim the power of the Arch
Angels as their own and deny it to others.
Novenas are prayers said to a specific Saint, asking for their help.
Seven of these Saints are actually Arch Angels. These 7
are:
|
Name |
Trait |
Day |
|
St. Gabriel |
Special Messenger of God |
(Mon) |
|
St. Raphael |
Healer & Guide for the Christian Pilgrim |
(Tues) |
|
St. Uriel |
Archangel of Justice |
(Wed) |
|
St. Sealtiel |
Archangel of Worship & Contemplation |
(Thu) |
|
St. Jhudiel |
Archangel of Divine Mercy |
(Fri) |
|
St. Barachiel |
Archangel of Divine Providence |
(Sat) |
|
St. Michael |
Prince of Heavenly Hosts |
(Sun) |
Novenas are said daily for a 9-day period, and
then published in some fashion. Normally this means in a newspaper,
but today this also includes being published online. Some sources
indicate that the novena should be said nine times a day, others
believe just once. Like many things with novenas, there are
variations no matter who you ask.
Many people have probably seen the colored novena candles sold in
stores, even if they didn't know what they were for. These are tall
glass cylinders filled with candle wax that have graphics of the
Saint on one side and the novena on the other.
Often I have heard these referred to as "Voodoo candles" by people,
though that is not correct in this case. Humorously, our local
grocery store stocks their novena candles in with the Mexican
foods.
(Note however that not all candles you will find like this are
novena candles. Some are for use by other religious groups.
Candles such as the green "Lucky 7" candle with images of horseshoes,
dice, slot machines and money on it is meant to attract luck in
gambling has absolutely nothing to do with the Saints or the Glory of
God)
The specific wording for novenas (like everything else about them)
seems to change slightly from source to source, and some of them I
feel have had extra passages added to them over the years that don't
seem to be entirely part of the core novena. If you are going to say
a novena, look at several sources to find the wording you feel most
comfortable with.
Though this should be very obvious, novenas are not to be said
for malicious reasons. Only to help ones self and others. You are
asking for the aid of an Arch Angel of God, after all.