Serving Christ and Connecting Catholics in Western North Carolina
The timing of these feasts is where the concept of the novena – nine days of prayer – originated. Acts 1 says that Mary and the apostles prayed together “continuously” for nine days after the Ascension, leading up to Pentecost. Traditionally, the Church prays the novena to the Holy Spirit in the days before Pentecost. Look for that and other novenas online.
While we honor all mothers in May, the month has a special place in the heart of Catholics for its focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary. As Pope Francis said in a Nov. 13, 2024, Vatican address, “Our Lady helps us see Jesus. She opens doors.” This month, make an effort to step through that door and deepen your devotion to Mary in any of the following ways.