Jack Wintz, OFM, wore many editorial hats at St. Anthony Messenger before his retirement in 2018. He is also the author of Friar Jack's Favorite Prayers and Saint Anthony of Padua: His Life, Legends, and Devotions, both published by Franciscan Media.
Novenas began in the early Middle Ages in Spain and France as a nine-day preparation before Christmas. The number nine represents the months Jesus lived in his mother’s womb.