Novena to Saint Joseph – Patron Saint of Canada

Maria Gallaugher
Mar 3
2 min read

Monday, March 10 – Tuesday, March 18, 2025

The Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on Wednesday, March 19

What is a Novena?

What - The term “novena” comes from the Latin word “novem” which means “nine”. A novena is simply saying a prayer or prayers once a day for nine successive days.

How - Once a day for nine days any form of prayer, formal or informal/extemporaneous. For some particular novenas, certain prescribed prayers are said. Praying may be done individually or in a group.

Where - Novena prayers may be said anywhere, not necessarily in a church, and not usually involving clergy.

Who to - To God the Father, Son Jesus, or Holy Spirit directly, as in the Divine Mercy novena, or often through the intercession of Our holy Mother Mary or any particular saint(s) especially if they are patron saints related tom the intention for which prayers are being offered.

Why - For any particular intention, cause, assistance.

When - Most novenas, any time. Some novenas are prayed at particular times of the year, for example, the Divine Mercy novena is set in the nine days from Good Friday to Divine Mercy Sunday (the first Sunday after Easter), or around the time of various feast days of Our Holy Mother or other saints.