The Marian Center of Springfield, along with the Serra Club of Springfield, is once again sponsoring a Novena to the Immaculate Conception beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, Nov. 30 and continuing through the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, which is Monday, Dec. 8.

This is the 22nd year for the annual novena, which this time is entitled "Mary Thru the Eyes of Pope Francis." The novena will begin each evening at 7 p.m.

A novena is a series of prayers that are said for nine straight days in a row, usually as a prayer of petition but sometimes as a prayer of thanksgiving. In fact, the word novena comes from the Latin word novem meaning "nine."

The prayer evening begins with exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a rosary. The first decade will be led by the presider, followed by decades led by the congregation members. The speakers will then give a talk at the conclusion of the rosary.

According to Emma Brandon, long-time president of the Springfield Serra Club, 2014 has been a challenging year. "The need for this novena is most imperative at a time of distress in our country and world," she said.

Brandon offered a brief summary of the speakers and their topics:

• Sunday, Nov. 30, "Mary, Mother of Our Joy," by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki

• Monday, Dec. 1, "Mary, Untier of Knots," by Father Robert Jallas

• Tuesday, Dec. 2, "Mary, Virgin of Listening and Contemplation," by Father Kevin Laughery

• Wednesday, Dec. 3, "Mary, Cour-ageous Evangelist," by Father Donald Patrick Gibbons

• Thursday, Dec. 4, "Mary, Victorious in Battle," by Father Christopher House

• Friday, Dec. 5, "Mary, Mother of the Poor and Vulnerable," by Father Jeff Grant

• Saturday, Dec. 6, "Mary, Gentle in Mercy," by Father David Hoefler, Vicar General

• Sunday, Dec. 7, "Mary, Bride of the Eternal Wedding Feast," by Father Bernard Thomas Donovan

• Monday, Dec. 8, "Feast Day of 'The Immaculate Conception,'" by Father Seth Brown.

The mission of Serra Club is to affirm current priests, deacons and consecrated men and women; to foster an environment that is conducive to vocations to ordained or consecrated life; and for its own members to grow in holiness and their own Catholic faith. The Marian Center, located at 313 E. Monroe in Springfield and founded by Dr. David Mack more than 25 years ago, is a non-for-profit organization that offers a wide array of religious items.

For more information, call the Marian Center at (217) 744-3610.