Before Jesus ascended into heaven He directed His disciples to remain in Jerusalem and "wait for the promise of the Father" (Acts1:4).  His disciples, along with Mary, His Mother, waited in the upper room and here they "devoted themselves to prayer" (Acts 1:14).  Nine days later they realized that "promise of the Father" as the Holy Spirit came upon them, empowering them to proclaim the Good News.

This is the model for the many novenas that have developed over the ages.  Novena means "nine days."  Novenas are private, personal devotions rather than "official" liturgical devotions.  They date back to Roman times.  The first novenas were nine days of Masses and prayers for the soul of the deceased.  The novena was prayed in particular at the death of a pope or cardinal.  This type of novena may have arisen because Scripture says that Jesus died at the "nineth hour."

Most novenas consist of a novena prayer that is repeated daily.  Additionally, on each of the nine days there are specific prayers and reflections for the particular day.  Reception of the sacraments of confession and Communion often are incorporated in the nine-day devotion.

In addition, to praying for the souls of the departed and for preparation of anticipation feasts such as Advent or Lent, many novenas have been developed as an offering to a specific saint for particular needs.  Rather than a novena of preparation, these were novenas of prayers for particular needs and could occur at anytime during the year.  Many who suffered from illness or had specific needs would pray for nine consecutive days and ask the intercession of a saint for healing or assistance.

Taken from The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions written by Mike Aquilina and Regis J. Flaherty.