novena

[ noh-vee-nuh, nuh- ]

noun

, Roman Catholic Church.

, plural no·ve·nae [noh-, vee, -nee, n, uh, -], no·ve·nas.

1. a devotion consisting of nine separate days of prayers or services.

novena

/ nəʊˈviːnə /

noun

1. RC Church a devotion consisting of prayers or services on nine consecutive days

Word History and Origins

Origin of novena¹

1850–55; < Medieval Latin novēna, noun use of feminine singular of Latin novēnus nine each

Word History and Origins

Origin of novena¹

C19: from Medieval Latin, from Latin novem nine

Example Sentences

The novena commenced on Sunday evening, the 8th of November.

From Project Gutenberg

This gift was followed by a request that a novena be made to the saint, Father Vianney promising to pray also.

From Project Gutenberg

At the conclusion of the novena he was able to speak without further trouble.

From Project Gutenberg

On this first day of the novena we shall consider the faith of this holy man.

From Project Gutenberg

As her husband was willing that she should pray the novena, Clara began the next day her fervent devotions to the Virgin Mary.

From Project Gutenberg