The Christmas Novena, popularly known as Las Posadas in much of Mexico and Central America, commemorates the nine months of gestation and, in particular, the nine days leading up to the birth of Jesus. From December 16th to 24th, the journey of Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary seeking lodging in Bethlehem is remembered; each day, families and neighbors gather to pray, sing, meditate, and share, preparing their hearts to receive the Christ Child on Christmas Eve.
The Novena to the Holy Spirit is a nine-day Catholic devotion in honor of the Holy Spirit. It is considered the model of all novenas, as the apostles prayed for nine days from the Ascension to Pentecost, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit. Throughout this novena, the faithful meditate on the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, asking for the grace of a profound spiritual renewal and the outpouring of the seven divine gifts. It is a traditional prayer that prepares the heart for the feast of Pentecost, imploring the Paraclete (the Divine Comforter) to enlighten, strengthen, and sanctify souls, just as He did with the early Church at the first Pentecost.
Devotion to meditate on the Incarnation of the Lord at noon.
Words of trust in divine protection during the night.
Prayer to give thanks to God and commend the night's rest.
Prayer to invoke the protection and help of Mary in youth.
Prayer of the parents to entrust their children to God.
Invocation to ask God for the physical and spiritual health of those who suffer from illness.
Prayer to ask for wisdom and discernment in important situations.