9-Day Novena for Engaged Couples

Definition

A novena is a nine-day period of private or public prayer in the Catholic tradition to obtain special graces, rooted in the nine days the Apostles prayed between Jesus’ Ascension and Pentecost. This novena seeks God’s guidance, unity, and love for engaged couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage, entrusting their journey to His divine plan.

Complete Prayers for Each Day

Day 1: Love Rooted in God
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, You are the source of all love. Bless our engagement with a love that reflects Your heart.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind… it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Prayer: Lord, fill our relationship with Your selfless love.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Saint Valentine, patron of engaged couples, pray for us. Amen.

Day 2: Unity in Purpose
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus, You unite us in Your love. Guide us to build our marriage on shared faith and purpose.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:12 – “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Prayer: Jesus, weave our hearts together with You as our foundation.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Saint Joseph, pray for us. Amen.

Day 3: Trust in God’s Plan
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gracious God, Your plan for us is perfect. Help us trust Your guidance as we prepare for marriage.
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”
Prayer: Lord, align our engagement with Your divine will.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Saint Anne, pray for us. Amen.

Day 4: Forgiveness and Patience
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Merciful Father, teach us to forgive and be patient with each other, as You are with us.
Scripture: Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another… as the Lord forgave you.”
Prayer: Jesus, grant us hearts of forgiveness and patience for our journey.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Ge.
Saint Rita, patron of difficult marriages, pray for us. Amen.

Day 5: Purity and Chastity
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy God, help us honor You with purity and chastity in our engagement.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 – “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified… that each of you should learn to control your own body.”
Prayer: Lord, strengthen us to live chastely, honoring our future marriage.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us. Amen.

Day 6: Communication and Understanding
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, You speak with love and truth. Bless our communication with honesty and understanding.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”
Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide our words to build up our love.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Saint Thomas Aquinas, pray for us. Amen.

Day 7: Sacrificial Love
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Jesus, You laid down Your life for us. Teach us to love each other sacrificially.
Scripture: John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Prayer: Lord, help us love each other with selfless devotion.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, pray for us. Amen.

Day 8: Preparation for Marriage
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Father, You ordained marriage as a holy sacrament. Prepare our hearts and minds for this vocation.
Scripture: Genesis 2:24 – “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
Prayer: God, equip us for the sacred covenant of marriage.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for us. Amen.

Day 9: Thanksgiving for God’s Blessings
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God, we thank You for the gift of our engagement. Bless our future marriage with Your grace.
Scripture: Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.”
Prayer: Lord, we praise You for Your love and guidance. Bless our union.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Our Lady of Cana, pray for us. Amen.

7 Real Life Stories

Emma and James’ Reconciliation: Emma and James faced tension during wedding planning. Their novena to St. Valentine helped them communicate and resolve conflicts, strengthening their bond.
Sarah and Michael’s Trust: Sarah worried about finances. Their novena to St. Joseph brought unexpected support from family, easing their fears.
Anna and David’s Chastity: Anna and David struggled with purity. A novena to St. Maria Goretti gave them strength to honor their commitment to chastity.
Clara and Paul’s Unity: Clara and Paul had different visions for marriage. A novena to St. Anne helped them align their goals through prayer.
Lisa and Mark’s Forgiveness: Lisa held a grudge after an argument. A novena to St. Rita taught them to forgive, deepening their love.
Sophie and Tom’s Preparation: Sophie felt unprepared for marriage. A novena to St. Gianna inspired them to attend a marriage prep retreat, building confidence.
Rachel and John’s Gratitude: Rachel and John prayed a novena to Our Lady of Cana, growing in gratitude for each other and their shared faith.

7 Bible Stories

Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11): Jesus turned water into wine at Mary’s request, blessing a marriage and showing His care for couples.
Tobiah and Sarah (Tobit 8:4-8): Tobiah and Sarah prayed together on their wedding night, seeking God’s blessing for their marriage.
Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 24): God guided Abraham’s servant to find Rebekah for Isaac, showing divine providence in marriage.
Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 4): Ruth’s faithfulness led to a blessed marriage with Boaz, showing God’s plan for love and commitment.
Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 29:15-30): Jacob’s perseverance in working for Rachel’s hand showed sacrificial love in pursuit of marriage.
Hosea and Gomer (Hosea 3): Hosea’s faithful love for Gomer, despite her unfaithfulness, reflected God’s covenant love for His people.
Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:18-24): God created Eve as Adam’s partner, establishing marriage as a divine institution.

7 Comments by People

“St. Valentine’s novena helped us grow in patience and love during our engagement.” – Emily, 28.
“Praying to St. Joseph brought us peace about our future together.” – Daniel, 31.
“St. Maria Goretti’s novena strengthened our commitment to purity.” – Claire, 26.
“St. Rita’s novena taught us to forgive and move forward in love.” – Mark, 34.
“St. Anne’s novena united us in faith and purpose for marriage.” – Sophia, 29.
“St. Gianna’s novena inspired us to prepare well for our vocation.” – Thomas, 32.
“Our Lady of Cana’s novena filled us with gratitude for our engagement.” – Rachel, 27.

10 Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind… it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12 – “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Genesis 2:24 – “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Proverbs 18:22 – “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
Song of Solomon 8:7 – “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.”
1 John 4:19 – “We love because he first loved us.”
Matthew 19:6 – “What God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Psalm 37:4 – “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Devotional Associated with the Topic

Building a Marriage on Christ
Begin each day with a moment of prayer as a couple, inviting God into your relationship. Read one of the listed Bible verses and share how it applies to your engagement. Write a short prayer together, asking for God’s guidance in a specific aspect of your marriage preparation (e.g., communication, finances). Perform a small act of love for each other, such as a kind note or a shared prayer, to reflect Christ’s love. This devotional fosters unity, faith, and preparation for a Christ-centered marriage.

3 Stories of Random Catholic Saints

Saint Valentine (Feast: February 14): A 3rd-century martyr, Valentine blessed Christian marriages despite persecution, becoming the patron of engaged couples.
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla (Feast: April 28): A 20th-century mother, Gianna sacrificed her life for her unborn child, exemplifying selfless love in marriage.
Saint Louis and Zelie Martin (Feast: July 12): Parents of St. Therese, this couple lived a holy marriage, raising their children in faith and love.

5 Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounters with People

Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11): Jesus blessed a wedding by turning water into wine, showing His care for married couples.
Samaritan Woman (John 4:7-26): Jesus spoke with love and truth to the woman at the well, teaching honest communication for relationships.
Peter’s Mother-in-Law (Matthew 8:14-15): Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, showing His care for family life and service.
Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42): Jesus taught Martha to prioritize faith, guiding couples to balance duties with devotion.
Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10): Jesus’ call transformed Zacchaeus’ heart, showing how love leads to repentance and renewal.

10 Prophetic Declarations

I declare that our engagement is blessed by God’s boundless love.
I proclaim that our marriage will be built on Christ’s foundation.
I decree that unity strengthens our relationship through God’s grace.
I declare that forgiveness and patience guide our journey together.
I proclaim that purity and chastity honor our future marriage.
I decree that our communication reflects God’s truth and love.
I declare that sacrificial love shapes our commitment to each other.
I proclaim that God prepares us for a holy and joyful marriage.
I decree that gratitude fills our hearts for God’s gift of love.
I declare that our marriage will glorify God and bless others.

10 Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests

“God’s love will guide your engagement to a holy marriage.” – Fr. Joseph Kim, 2025 homily.
“Build your marriage on Christ, and it will stand firm.” – Fr. Michael Tran, 2025 sermon.
“Trust God’s plan for your love; He will lead you.” – Fr. Thomas Lee, 2025 retreat.
“Forgiveness is the cornerstone of a Christ-centered marriage.” – Fr. James Patel, 2025 Mass.
“Live purely now to honor your sacred vocation.” – Fr. Andrew Garcia, 2025 talk.
“Speak with love and truth to strengthen your bond.” – Fr. Steven Wong, 2025 homily.
“Sacrificial love reflects Christ’s heart in your engagement.” – Fr. Mark Chen, 2025 conference.
“God is preparing you for a marriage that glorifies Him.” – Fr. Daniel Brown, 2025 sermon.
“Give thanks daily for the gift of your love.” – Fr. Robert Nguyen, 2025 Mass.
“Your marriage will shine as a beacon of God’s love.” – Fr. Peter Smith, 2025 retreat.

10 Prayer Points

Heavenly Father, fill our engagement with Your selfless love.
Lord Jesus, unite us in faith and purpose for our marriage.
Holy Spirit, guide us to trust God’s plan for our future.
God, teach us to forgive and be patient with each other.
Father, strengthen us to live in purity and chastity.
Lord, bless our communication with honesty and understanding.
Jesus, help us love each other sacrificially, as You love us.
Holy Spirit, prepare our hearts for the sacrament of marriage.
God, fill us with gratitude for the gift of our engagement.
Father, bless our future marriage to glorify Your name.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation: Entrusting Your Engagement to God
As a couple, find a quiet space and sit together, holding hands if possible. Take three deep breaths, inviting God’s presence into your relationship. Visualize standing at the altar, with Jesus and Mary present, blessing your future marriage. Recall a moment when your love grew stronger—perhaps a shared prayer or a kind gesture. Whisper, “Thank You, Lord.” Now, imagine placing your engagement—plans, fears, dreams—into Mary’s hands at Cana. Hear her say, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). Feel God’s peace enveloping your relationship. Spend five minutes in silence, praying for each other’s needs. End by saying together, “Lord, we entrust our engagement to You. Guide us to a holy marriage.” Carry this peace into your day. Repeat daily during the novena to deepen your trust in God’s plan for your love.