99 Day Discernment Novena

Discernment should be honest, patient, and free. The 99 Day Discernment Novena gives students and young adults a steady rhythm for seeking God’s call through Scripture, prayer, reflection, and practical questions.

The Novena is meant to be walked, not rushed. Many people set aside about 20 minutes for a normal day, while some days may invite more time. The point is not to force an answer by a deadline. The point is to make space for God to speak and for grace to work on the heart over time.

What is the 99 Day Novena?

The 99 Day Discernment Novena is a guided prayer experience for Catholics who want to seek God’s call with honesty, patience, and courage. It was created for college students and young adults, but its deeper purpose is simple: help a person listen to the Lord over time and take the next faithful step.

Each day gives the discerner a theme, Scripture, reflection, prayer, and questions. The rhythm is intentionally slow. Life-state discernment is rarely helped by rushing; the 99 days create space for grace to work on the heart.

Who is it for?

This experience is especially helpful for young adults asking serious questions about priesthood, religious life, consecrated life, and the deeper shape of God’s call. It can also help someone discerning marriage by inviting them to pray honestly about every path the Lord may be asking them to consider, including whether God may be calling them toward a celibate vocation.

Because the Novena asks real questions, it is best done with someone the discerner trusts: a spiritual director, pastor, campus minister, mentor, Brother, or another wise guide.

What to expect

• A daily theme connected to identity, prayer, freedom, and God’s call.
• A Scripture passage.
• A reflection.
• Prayer questions for honest conversation with God.
• A semester-length pace that gives discernment room to breathe.

Why the Brothers recommend it

The Brothers have walked with many young people through this Novena. The fruit is often clarity, but not always instant certainty. Many people receive a next step. Many grow in prayer. Some come to a blessed clarity about what the Lord is inviting them to.

This resource has no hidden agenda. The goal is not to pressure someone toward the Brotherhood, priesthood, religious life, or any other path. The goal is freedom: to help a young person listen honestly for the lifelong call God is actually giving.

Start the Novena

The full Novena can be done online at 99daynovena.org.

If you are a man discerning religious life or Brotherhood, the Brothers would be glad to talk with you. If your discernment is broader, ask a trusted spiritual advisor, pastor, campus minister, or mentor to walk with you as you pray.