The Best Novenas to Prep You for Pilgrimage

Preparing for a pilgrimage? A novena is a great way to till the soil of your heart for the journey! With the wealth of options offered in the Church, it can be overwhelming to choose the right novena—so we've narrowed down some of the best options that cover a range of needs and circumstances. Each Novena is different, but all are designed to deepen your devotion, leaving an imprint on your heart as you begin your journey of faith. Here are some of our favorites:

Most Time Efficient - St. Teresa's "Flying" Novena

You don’t have 9 days? Consider St. Teresa of Kolkata’s “Flying” novena which is praying the Memorare 9x in a row.  She entrusted her whole mission into the hands of Our Lady, knowing how much Christ delights when we offer our petitions to Him through His Mother.

Best to Memorize - St. Gertrude Novena

The St. Getrude Novena consists of one prayer which you pray for 9 days for the suffering souls in Purgatory. Once you have this prayer memorized, you will be able to refer to it during moments of inconvenience: from airport lines to sleep deprivation during pilgrimage. Through this novena, you will begin to exercise the spiritual muscle of offering your little sufferings for those in Purgatory.

Best for the Hardened Heart - Novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots

The novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots is an act of entrustment to Jesus through Mary by handing over to her our greatest struggles, difficulties, sufferings, complicated situations, unresolved issues, and broken relationships. This novena has brought about many conversions and healings because it softens the heart calloused by its own sin. We love this novena as preparation for pilgrimage because it opens space in our hearts for the graces Christ will pour out during the trip!

Best for Protection - Novena to St. Michael the Archangel

The novena to St. Michael the Archangel is powerful way to ask for the armies of angels to surround and defend us against any lies, temptations, or anxieties that sneak up as the pilgrimage departure date draws near.

Best to Build Up Perseverance - 54-day Rosary Novena

Nothing quite says "endurance" like dedicating 54 Days to a novena. The 54 Rosary Novena is a great way to prepare your heart for pilgrimage long before your departure. It helps reorient your heart towards heaven and guides your intention for embarking on this pilgrimage.

Best for Families on Pilgrimage - The Divine Mercy Novena

The Divine Mercy Novena is particularly beautiful to pray as a family—or any faith-filled group—because the chaplet is set up with a call and response. The rhythm of the chaplet is simple, shorter than the rosary, and easy for younger ones to latch onto.  

All Around Favorite - The Surrender Novena

The Surrender Novena is composed of contemplative reflections, paired with a simple but powerful prayer: “O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!” As pilgrims can feel overwhelmed with all of the plans, lists, changes, and unknowns, this is the perfect novena to pray during your period of preparation! Even if you do not feel called to pray this one for all 9 days, we highly recommend taking a glance at the reflections as you ready your hearts for pilgrimage.