The term novena is often attributed to the 9-day candles. This is actually inaccurate: the novena is in fact the practice of devotion over 9 days, using among other things this famous candle of the same name, made to last 9 days. Discover here what novenas are and how to use them with your prayers.
1. What is a Novena?
The word "novena" comes from the Latin novena, which means "nine." This practice has distant historical and scriptural roots, notably in the early days of Christianity. The duration of nine days has a special significance, often symbolizing perseverance in prayer and faith. The earliest traces of this practice date back to the nine days of prayer by the apostles after Christ's Ascension, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Thus, as mentioned in the introduction, a novena takes place over a period of nine consecutive days, during which the faithful recite specific prayers, often accompanied by meditations or scriptural readings. The prayers can be freely formulated or follow an established text. Each day of the novena is marked by an intention, which helps focus the prayer and meditation. Novenas can be done individually or in community, and they can be directed toward various spiritual goals or personal needs.
2. What does a Novena candle look like?
A Novena candle is generally a tall, cylindrical candle, often contained in a glass holder. The glass can be clear or colored and is often decorated with religious images, such as depictions of saints, the Virgin Mary, or Jesus. On the glass, there are sometimes prayers or specific intentions printed, guiding the devotees.
The candle itself is made of wax, designed to burn slowly and evenly over the nine days of the novena. The height and shape of the candle allow for continuous and stable burning, paying tribute to the persistence and devotion of the prayers offered.
3. Why use a Novena candle?
Candles symbolize the light of faith and the divine presence. They are lit at the beginning of each prayer, creating an atmosphere of reflection and sacredness. The candle's flame also represents perseverance in prayer and constancy of devotion.
Thus, the novena candle is a tool for divine connection and allows sharing a solemn moment if the need arises or if you wish to ask for a grace from heaven.
It is also practical to use because it contains an icon of the saint and is sufficient on its own to proceed with your prayer. That said, you are free to create an altar or enrich your prayer space.
4. The most commonly used Novena candles
There is a wide selection of novena candles available, featuring all the saints. However, some candles are more commonly used than others, notably:
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The Novena candle to the Virgin Mary: used to ask for the intercession of the Mother of Jesus, often depicted under various titles such as Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, or Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
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The Novena candle to Mary Undoer of Knots: very popular for desperate causes and difficult situations, Mary is often invoked for her powerful intercession.
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The Novena candle to Saint Joseph: used for intentions concerning work, family, and crisis situations.
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The Novena candle to Saint Anthony of Padua: frequently used to find lost objects and invoke help in times of need.
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The Novena candle to Saint Michael the Archangel: recognized for protection against evil forces and defense against spiritual dangers.
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The Novena candle to Saint Expedite: invoked for urgent causes and situations requiring quick intervention.
5. Why use a colored Novena candle?
Colored Novena candles add a visual dimension by associating different colors with spiritual meanings and specific intentions. Unlike traditional white wax candles (the most common for novena candles), colored candles allow the faithful to personalize their devotion according to their needs or prayers.
Each color of Novena candle is associated with a theme or specific intention. Here are some common examples:
| White | Purity, peace, healing, and divine protection. It is often used for general prayers or for pure spiritual intentions. |
| Red | Love, passion, courage, and strength. Red candles are often used in prayers for relationships, romantic love, or protection. |
| Blue | Serenity, peace, and communication. It is frequently used to invoke inner peace, tranquility, and spiritual guidance. |
| Green | Abundance, luck, prosperity, and healing. Green candles are popular for prayers concerning finances, success, and growth. |
| Yellow | Mental clarity, confidence, and success. Used for prayers of discernment, clearing the mind, and self-confidence. |
| Violet | Mental clarity, confidence, and success. Used for prayers of discernment, clearing the mind, and self-confidence. |
| Pink | Spirituality, transformation, and protection against negative influences. It is often associated with prayers of purification and spiritual protection. |
| Black | Protection, banishing negative energies, and resolving difficult situations. Although less common, it can be used for prayers of protection and fighting against dark forces. |
6. How to use a Novena candle?
To use a novena candle, start by choosing a specific intention or a saint to whom you want to address your prayers.
Place the candle in a safe place, away from drafts and flammable objects, preferably on an altar or a surface dedicated to prayer. Light the candle while reciting an opening prayer, asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary for your particular intention. Novena candles usually come with the complete appropriate prayer.
Each day, for nine consecutive days, return to the candle, light it, and recite the appropriate prayers or meditations. Some people prefer to read passages from Scripture or specific prayers related to the chosen intention. The candle's flame symbolizes the divine presence and the perseverance of your prayer. Once the daily prayer is finished, extinguish the candle, relighting it the next day. On the ninth day, conclude the novena with a closing prayer, thanking for the graces received or for hearing your prayers.
7. Do you have to be Christian to use a Novena candle?
Of course, it is preferable to understand and convey your intention to heaven. But novena candles can be used by anyone seeking to express an intention, meditate, or practice a form of prayer or contemplation. Candles can serve as symbols of light, peace, or spiritual focus, regardless of specific religious beliefs. People from different spiritual traditions or those who consider themselves spiritual but not religious can also find personal meaning in using novena candles and/or certain saints. The essential thing is the intention and attention given to the act of praying or meditating, rather than adherence to a particular religious framework.
8. Where to buy a Novena candle?
The first place to find one is obviously a church or any religious building. If you are not used to going there, you will find a full range of novena candles in our online esoteric shop, while benefiting from fast and discreet delivery.
