Novenas.........when to start, when to end???

Question

I have seen some novena guides instruct people to begin a novena so that it ends the day before the feast of whoever you are making the novena to; others say to begin it so that it ends ON the feast day. Which is the proper way?

Answer 1

You can do it either way, the power is in the prayers...not in the timing.

I have a priest friend with a great devotion to Therese of Liesieux, we were doing a novena to her and he said something about praying before 11am. I looked at him and laughed. When he wasked why, I said," I didn't know they have CLOCKS in Heaven!"

Answer 2

You can begin a Novena whenever you want...they last for 9 days.

It you want to dedicate it to a saint then you would start on their feast day or end it on their feast day.