What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
novena
Example
She prayed a novena for her sick grandmother. [novena: noun]
Example
He decided to do a novena to St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes. [novena: noun]
litany
Example
The priest led the litany of the saints during the Mass. [litany: noun]
Example
She went on a litany of complaints about her job. [litany: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Litany is more commonly used than novena in everyday language, especially in non-religious contexts where it refers to a long and repetitive list of complaints or criticisms. Novena is a more specialized term used mainly in Catholic religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between novena and litany?
Novena is a formal term used mainly in religious contexts, while litany can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the tone and purpose of the prayer or petition.
