When to Pray the Novena in public in parish churches:
From the Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII on the Holy Spirit:
“13. Wherefore, We decree and command that throughout the whole Catholic Church, this year and in every subsequent year, a Novena shall take place before Whit-Sunday, in all parish churches, and also, if the local Ordinaries think fit, in other churches and oratories.”
Starts FRIDAY AFTER ASCENSION THURSDAY (the 40th day of Easter) and ends SATURDAY, THE VIGIL OF PENTECOST SUNDAY.*
- 2026 – Friday, May 15 – 23 (Pentecost Sunday, May 24)
- 2027 – Friday, May 7 – 15 (Pentecost Sunday, May 16)
- 2028 – Friday, May 25 – June 3 (Pentecost Sunday, June 4)
After a soul reads the treasure contained in the Encyclical, a soul is drawn only with love and “fear of the Lord” to pray in union with the church and invite others.
* We also recommend that the Novena be prayed, beginning on the first day of every month and/or as needed during the current state of life at home, with self, family, friends, or parish community. Some continue it as a perpetual novena.
