Novena: The Power of Prayer [Hardcover]

Barbara Calamari (Author), Sandra Di Pasqua (Author), Peka Devotional Cards (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1999

Today's spirituality movement stresses the holistic value and the power of prayer. But one special, long-established form of intention and affirmation has been overlooked: the novena. Perennially popular in the Catholic Church, a novena is a nine-day period of prayer for a particular grace or intention, often offered as a supplication to a saint with expertise in a particular area. Novena, a volume that will enchant the eye and touch the soul, traces its history and brings together thirty-six of the best-known novenas. Each is accompanied by a luminous image of its affiliated saint--fiercely beautiful and intensely human--adapted, with a contemporary air, from a traditional prayer card; by a brief discussion of the saint's life and particular specialty; and by instructions on when, and why, to use the novena. Novena is divided into four sections: novenas to the saints, the angels, the madonna (each revealing a different aspect of her personality), and the Divinity. An appendix cross-references specific concerns with appropriate novenas: We learn how the saints themselves transcended such problems as a turbulent youth, a difficult marriage, or abuse. The ideal gift for Easter and Mother's Day, this jewel of a book has year-round bestselling potential.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The novena (from novem, Latin for "nine") is a prayer for a blessing, repeated nine times a day for nine days in a row, usually offered to a saint. "Generally, the saints are invoked for more material or health-related problems while the angels are invoked for more universal problems or to change a life path. The madonna can be invoked for anything but is most effective for those in distress of the soul, the guilt-ridden, and those troubled by family discord. The novenas directed toward God himself are the most spiritual and intense," write Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua in the introduction to their beautiful new book, Novena: The Power of Prayer.

Illustrated with ravishing color portraits of saints, angels, and the madonna, each novena included in this book is complemented by a short history of the accompanying figure, related dates on the liturgical calendar, and stories about believers who have prayed these prayers. Even if you're not planning to pray a novena, this book is an entertaining and useful reference to one of the most popular prayer traditions in Catholicism. You'll learn, for instance, that St. Paul is the patron saint of both snake bite and journalists. Wonder if there's any connection. --Michael Joseph Gross

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Studio (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670884448
• ISBN-13: 978-0670884445
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #353,689 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BOOK!!!, April 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Novena: The Power of Prayer (Hardcover)

I am 10 years old. I was looking around a Book store when I saw this beautiful book. I read it with my mom, we found it extremely interesting and amazing. We bought it and we love it. I have learned a lot from this book. This book is very interesting. It is very spiritual. My favorite chapter is about Saint Michael the Archangel. There are 36 Saints, angels and prayers to the madonna. Great job on the book.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous, reverent, prayerful, October 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Novena: The Power of Prayer (Hardcover)

I'm SO glad I bought this book! The art work is beautiful, the prayers are simple and eloquent and the brief biographies of the saints as well as the descriptions of the angels are inspiring. I'm particularly pleased that my all time favorite saint, Saint Rita of Cascia is included in the line up of saints. The book is a quick read, if reading is all you want to do with it, but I find myself returning again and again to look at the pictures, do a quick meditation on a Saint or angel or to just say a short prayer, thanking God for giving us all these wonderful guides. I'm pretty sure that God will abundantly bless the authors of this book.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TRULY BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL BOOK, March 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Novena: The Power of Prayer (Hardcover)

This book is breathtaking in its sheer beauty. It was given to me by a friend who noticed it in the "spiritual section" of a large bookstore, but I would definitely have put it in "Noteworthy New Releases" and the "Art Section". It's beautiful to the eye, not only for its images of the Personas, but also for its overall design-- the whole impact is that of well-rounded beauty. The writing also excels. Each accompanying article flows delightfully and is full of interesting and inspiring information. I feel the need to caution, that this is not a book only for Catholics. Its tone and intent of eclectic spirituality is distinctly put forth in the introduction and well executed throughout. It will be a joy to anyone with an eye for beauty, any degree of spiritual bent,and/or the slightest inkling or hope of the the remotest possiblity of the potentiality for a miracle.