Novena opportunities for the month of May

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.

• A Catholic novena is a prayer recited for 9-consecutive days. 
• Catholics do not idolize saints, we ask for their intercession to God.
• When praying thru a saint, the novena is timed to finish on the day/eve before the feast.
• Specific intentions are offered as we honor, not worship, their heroism on their death day. 

While the church devotes May to the Blessed Virgin Mary, below are novenas for some May saints. More saints and novenas are sourced online. 

1. St. Damien of Molokai

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

4. St. Dymphna

Start Date: 6 May

Feast Date: 15 May

Intentions: mental illness; epilepsy; domestic abuse

5. St. Brendan of Kerry

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!

Source: Novenas to pray in May | Litanyofthehome.com.au