Rosary series (part 2 of 4): Rosary Novenas

You have probably heard of a prayer novena before – a prayer, often to a certain saint, which is said nine days in a row for a specific petition or for that saint’s intercession in a time of need.  If you can think of a saint or a specific issue you may face, there is probably a novena to meet your needs.  But did you know there is also such a thing as a rosary novena?

A rosary novena (nine days praying the rosary in a row) could be said for any intention.  After all, the rosary incorporates intercession to Mary to “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.”  And who better to intercede for us than the Mother of God herself?

According to EWTN:  

“A 54-day Rosary is basically six novenas of the five-decade rosary that is said for a particular intention.  The first set of three novenas (27 days) are said in petition for the intention and the second set of three novenas (27 days) are said in thanksgiving, even if the answer to your intention was not yet given. In other words, in the second set of novenas you are giving thanksgiving that God's will is going to be done. To make the novena, you pray a five-decade rosary for 54 days in a row for your intention.”

Now, like me, you’re probably thinking, 54 days?!  In a row?!  It does seem daunting on the face of it.  However, a 54-day rosary has much to teach us.  It could teach us patience.  It could teach us perseverance.  It could help us make saying the rosary a daily habit.  There really aren’t any cons to giving it a try at least.  And, if we fail, we can always try again, confident in the fact that Mother Mary will not judge us for our failures.

Have you tried a rosary novena?  What about a 54-day rosary?  What spiritual benefits did you gain from this practice?  Share in the comments below.