The Novena Book: The Power of Prayer

by Barbara Calamari, Sandra Di Pasqua

Today's spirituality movement stresses the holistic value and the power of prayer. But one special, long-established form of intention and affirmation has been overlooked: the novena. Perennially popular in the Catholic Church, a novena is a nine-day period of prayer for a particular grace or intention, often offered as a supplication to a saint with expertise in a particular area. Novena, a volume that will enchant the eye and touch the soul, traces its history and brings together thirty-six of the best-known novenas. Each is accompanied by a luminous image of its affiliated saint--fiercely beautiful and intensely human--adapted, with a contemporary air, from a traditional prayer card; by a brief discussion of the saint's life and particular specialty; and by instructions on when, and why, to use the novena. Novena is divided into four sections: novenas to the saints, the angels, the madonna (each revealing a different aspect of her personality), and the Divinity. An appendix cross-references specific concerns with appropriate novenas: We learn how the saints themselves transcended such problems as a turbulent youth, a difficult marriage, or abuse. The ideal gift for Easter and Mother's Day, this jewel of a book has year-round bestselling potential.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[7jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very nice read and with great pictures. Of course not all novenas can be included; this one has however very many of the essential ones. All pictures were lovely and each one had explanation text and the prayer included (the one for Holy Spirit is long but strong); I haven't bumped into all of the novenas elsewhere so if you have other books with novenas, this might still have new. Having it hardcover is a good thing, too. Worth owning.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously love this collection of novenas. This is a must-have for any Catholic, or for anyone who appreciates the Catholic tradition. All major, and a few less well-known saints and angels are covered. Brief biographies are presented, as well as the prayers and their recitation instructions. I highly recommend it.