The wordnovenarefers tonineof something. Traditionally it’s a nine-day prayer, but it can also be a prayer of nine hours, or nine weeks, or simply nine repetitions. Mother Teresa liked to pray the “express novena” to the Blessed Mother — a repetition of theMemorarenine times in a few minutes — during times of challenge or difficulty.

What is a Novena, and Why Should I Pray One?explains why we use nine instead of another number. It tells us there are different kinds of novenas. You can pray a novena by yourself or with others. And, it tells youhowto pray a novena. But most importantly, it tells us that Christ taught us to pray without ceasing.