When to Pray the Novena

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.*

• 2022 – Friday, May 27 (June 5)
• 2023 – Friday, May 19 (May 28)
• 2024 – Friday, May 10 (May 19)

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 whole 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 in life at home, self, with family, friends, or parish community. Some do continue it as a perpetual novena.