As the Church enters the joyful season of Advent, Catholics across the world turn their hearts to the mystery of the Incarnation, preparing to welcome Christ anew. One of the most beautiful expressions of this anticipation is the practice of praying novenas, a tradition that has deep roots in the life of the Church. Novenas are nine-day periods of prayer, often seeking the intercession of saints or the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking for guidance, protection, or particular graces. They are a powerful reminder of the persistence of faith, the importance of communal prayer, and the enduring mercy of God.
The word “novena” comes from the Latin novem, meaning nine. Historically, novenas began in the early centuries of the Church as a preparation for feasts or to seek divine help in times of need. They mirror the nine days the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary spent in prayer between the Ascension of Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In praying a novena, Catholics unite in a rhythm of prayer and reflection, often combining Scripture readings, meditations, and petitions. It is a devotion that invites both discipline and intimacy, allowing the faithful to enter more deeply into God’s presence while invoking the saints’ intercession.
Among the many novenas celebrated by the Church, the Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe holds a special place in the hearts of the faithful, particularly in the Americas. Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Saint Juan Diego in December 1531, leaving an enduring sign of her maternal care and devotion to the people of Mexico. Her message of hope, mercy, and protection resonates across centuries and cultures, reminding us of God’s tender love and the dignity of every human life. Each year, as we approach her feast day on December 12, millions of Catholics around the world honor her through prayer, song, and reflection.
This year, the Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe is especially timely. In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, her image invites us to return to the simple, steadfast faith of those who first encountered her. She calls us to unity, charity, and trust in God’s providence. By praying this novena, we participate in a tradition that not only draws us closer to Christ through Mary’s intercession but also strengthens the bonds of the Catholic community. It is a moment to recommit ourselves to living out the Gospel with courage, generosity, and hope.
Tepeyac Leadership invites the entire TLI family to join us in this sacred tradition. Starting on December 4, we will pray the nine-day Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe together. Each day of the novena offers a unique reflection, a prayer intention, and a chance to entrust our personal needs and the needs of the world to her loving care. By participating, we join a centuries-old practice that unites countless faithful across time and space, lifting our hearts in prayerful anticipation of Christ’s coming.
Whether you are a longtime devotee of Our Lady of Guadalupe or experiencing this novena for the first time, we encourage you to join us in prayer. Together, let us honor Mary, deepen our faith, and entrust ourselves and our world to her maternal intercession. As we journey through Advent, may this novena remind us that God’s love is ever near, that prayer transforms hearts, and that in uniting our intentions with those of the Church, we become instruments of grace and peace.
Let us begin this nine-day journey with hearts open to the Lord, confident that Mary, our Mother, intercedes for us with tender love, and that through her guidance, we will be drawn ever closer to her Son.
P.S. The date has been set for the 2nd Tepeyac Leadership Gala. Click below to register and mark your calendar to join us!
