Dec. 16 is a special day for Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama. As a child growing up in Colombia, he enjoyed Dec. 16 because it was nine days before Christmas and the first day of a novena he would pray with his family. The word novena is derived from the Latin word for nine and refers to nine days of prayer.
The bishop recalls the Christmas tree in his home and praying together with his family. He also remembers how his mother shared chocolates after the prayers.
Today the faithful are invited to join a novena, too.
“The Holy Family brings families together,” Bishop Luis said.
A Christmas Novena – The Children of the Promise – encourages ceaseless hope.
Pray the Christmas Novena (PDF) | Reza la Novena de Navidad (PDF)