The "Mystic of Dijon:" St Elizabeth of the Trinity
Our limited time on earth is precious. There is no way that every novena can be prayed, but it helps to plan ahead. The month of May marks the birthday of novenas--why? Please see the history of novenas in the conclusion.
While the church devotes May to the Blessed Virgin Mary, below are novenas for some May saints. More saints and novenas are sourced online.
Start Date: 1 May
Feast Date: 10 May
Intentions: people suffering leprosy; outcasts
2. Our Lady of Fatima
Start Date: 4 May
Feast Date: 13 May
Intentions: protection; hope; peace
3. St. Matthias, the 13th Apostle
Start Date: 5 May
Feast Date: 14 May
Intentions: alcoholics; carpenters; tailors
Start Date: 6 May
Feast Date: 15 May
Intentions: mental illness; epilepsy; domestic abuse
Start Date: 7 May
Feast Date: 16 May
Intentions: journeys; voyagers
6. St. Pascal Baylon of the Real Presence
Start Date: 8 May
Feast Date: 17 May
Intentions: those suffering from sadness or depression
7, St. Pope John I
Start Date: 9 May
Feast Date: 18 May
Intentions: peace; the papacy, heresy, the clergy
8. St. Bernadine of Siena
Start Date: 11 May
Feast Date: 20 May
Intentions: those with chest problems; advertising; gambling addicts
9. St. Rita of Cascia
Start Date: 13 May
Feast Date: 22 May
Intentions: impossible causes; wounds; marital problems, widows
10. Our Lady, Help of Christians
Start Date: 15 May
Feast Date: 24 May
Intentions: Christians; Australia
11. St. Bede the Venerable
Start Date: 16 May
Feast Date: 25 May
Intentions: Catholic schools
12. St. Philip Neri
Start Date: 17 May
Feast Date: 26 May
Intentions: joy; comedians; artists
13. St. Joan of Arc
Start Date: 21 May
Feast Date: 30 May
Intentions: rape victims; for courage
14. The Holy Spirit / Pentecost
Start Date: 29 May
Feast Date: 7 June (Pentecost)
Intentions: Gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit
History of Novenas
The novena (from the Latin: novem or "nine") evolved from the 9-days of prayer that occurred between the Ascension and Pentecost. Historically, this was when the disciples gathered in the Upper Room and devoted themselves to prayer, the first novena. Since the Ascension occurs in May, it is fitting that we follow in the footsteps of the first Christ-anointed bishops of the Catholic church.
O sainted apostles, chosen by Christ, pray for us!