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A novena is a nine days’ prayer said as a preparation for some particular feast, or in order to obtain some special favor. The model and the first of all novenas was that made in the Cenacle, after the Ascension of our Lord, by the Apostles and Blessed Virgin in preparation for the coming of the Holy Ghost. The earliest ecclesiastical novena of which we have record is the Christmas novena, which commemorates the nine months during which the Christ-child was carried in the womb of His Mother.

SHEPHERD that rulest Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep, come to guide and comfort us. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc. 

WISDOM that comest out of the mouth of the Most High, that reachest from one end to another, and orderest all things mightily and sweetly, come to teach us the way of prudence! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, etc.