novena

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Word: Novena

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A novena is a special kind of prayer in the Roman Catholic tradition. It consists of prayers said for nine days in a row, usually asking for help or special blessings from God or a saint.

Usage Instructions:

• Novenas are often performed during specific times, such as before a feast day or during a time of need.
• You can pray a novena alone or with a group of people.

Example Sentence:

• "Every year, my family prays a novena for peace during the week leading up to Christmas."

Advanced Usage:

• Novenas can be dedicated to various saints, and different novenas might have different prayers or intentions. For example, a novena to St. Jude is often prayed for hopeless cases.

Word Variants:

• Novena (singular): Refers to the act of praying for nine days.
• Novenas (plural): Refers to multiple novenas.

Different Meanings:

• In a strictly religious context, it mainly refers to the nine-day prayer practice. However, in a broader sense, some people might use the term "novena" to describe any extended period of prayer or meditation, though this is less common.

Synonyms:

• Prayer vigil
• Devotional prayer

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs directly relating to "novena," as it is a specific term used in a religious context.

Conclusion:

Understanding the term "novena" can help you appreciate its role in Roman Catholic practices.

Academic

Noun

1. a Roman Catholic devotion consisting of prayers on nine consecutive days