Expert: Fr. Michael - 2/6/2012

Question
I'm interesting in doing the 54 rosary novena.  Do I write my partition and place on alter and start the novena.  If I miss a day do I start over.  Does the rosary have to be done at a certain time of the day.  Please give me more information for this novena.  Thank you for your attention on this matter.
God bless you

Answer
This little-known devotion, of is of relatively recent vintage, associated supposedly with an apparition.  Therefore, according to the warnings of the Church and the Saints, one should be very careful not to fall into superstitution over it.  The purpose of a devotion is not to attempt to force God to do something -- that, of course, would be ridiculous, but to touch our own souls with faith, hope, and charity, particularly the acceptance of God's will, not our own.

The Novena consists of five decades of the Rosary each day for twenty seven days in petition, then immediately five decades each day for twenty seven days in thanksgiving, whether or not the request has been granted.  The Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries are said in
cycle throughout the 54 days.  There are no other provisions given.