Novena for the Holy Souls

Nine days for the dead — the ones you knew and miss, and the ones no one is left to pray for. Traditionally prayed in November, and useful whenever grief is the thing at hand.

What it's for

For the dead — the ones you knew and miss, and the ones no one is left to pray for. Traditionally November.

Structure

Nine consecutive days, about eight minutes each. Each day: a short reflection, a petition, the fixed prayer, an Our Father, a Hail Mary, a Glory Be, and a silence to name your intention.

When it's prayed

Traditionally November, around All Souls' Day on 2 November. Prayed whenever it is needed.

The text used here

Scripture is the Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition. The nine-day arrangement, the daily reflections and the petitions are written for praypoint — which is why they carry no ecclesiastical judgment of their own. Tap the label above for what is and is not settled about this devotion.