novena

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We sometimes rely far more upon God than God desires us to do, and there are occasions when a novena is the refuge of laziness or cowardice.

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Definitions (3)

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  1. noun Roman Catholic Church A recitation of prayers and devotions for a special purpose during nine consecutive days.

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Examples (50)

  • It was at Biarritz, when he wanted her to make a novena (nine days' special prayers) that he might not be rejected by the recruiting board again; his sister did not like to promise, and he had threatened to sulk forever, which he had proceeded to do—for five minutes. —  Georges Guynemer
  • (If you have a favorite novena, or you'd like to find a novena for a particular intention, just send me an e-mail, and I'll work it into the rotation!) —  About.com Catholicism
  • Today is the beginning of the Christmas novena, that time in Advent of immediate preparation for the Lord's birth, which many Christian communities celebrate with liturgies ... —  The Register's Daily Blog
  • As we enter the first full week of Lent, this novena is especially appropriate if we find, as we so often do, that our determination is flagging. —  About.com Catholicism
  • (It is a stark reminder of our presence in Catholic churches that the number of attendees swells when Filipino-Americans come to express their faith, as during the Simbang Gabi novena or the Perpetual Help devotion on Wednesdays.) —  Home
 

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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Medieval Latin novēna, from feminine of Latin novēnus, nine each, from novem, nine; see newn̥ in Indo-European roots.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. Middle Latin, neuter plural of Latin novenus, nine each: see novene.
 

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/nəˈvinə/
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