The Marian Center of Springfield is sponsoring the 23rd annual Novena to the Immaculate Conception beginning Monday, Nov. 30 and continuing through Tuesday, Dec. 8, which is the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception.

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. The word novena comes from the Latin word novem, meaning nine.

The novena will be held at Christ the King Church, 1930 Barberry Drive in Springfield, beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. The theme of this year's novena is "Mary, Model of Disciples" and recognizes that Mary reveals to her son's followers who they are and what they are to do.

According to organizers, each night's topic clarifies and expounds on a certain aspect of committed Christian discipleship by drawing upon Mary's illuminating and fruitful expression of it. Additionally, these reflections are meant to help people live a more passionate life in Christ.

The prayer evening begins with exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a rosary. The speakers will then give a talk at the conclusion of the rosary.

Here is a brief summer of the novena speakers and their topics:

• Monday, Nov. 30, "Mary, Known to be Chosen," by Father Jeff Grant;
• Tuesday, Dec. 1, "Mary, Fiat to the Father," by Father Martin Smith;
• Wednesday, Dec. 2, "Mary, Witness and Intercessor of the Miraculous," by Father Barry Harmon;
• Thursday, Dec. 3, "Mary, Queen of the Apostles," by Father George Nellikunnel, SAC;
• Friday, Dec. 4, "Mary, Companion and Comforter to Christ," by Father Tom Donovan;
• Saturday, Dec. 5, "Mary, Bearer of Suffering and Sacrifice," by Father George Nellikunnel, SAC;
• Sunday, Dec. 6, "Mary, Joyful in the Resurrection," by Father George Nellikunnel, SAC;
• Monday, Dec. 7, "Mary, Temple of God's Own Holiness," by Father Kevin Laughery;
• Tuesday, Dec. 8, "Mary, Destined for Glory," by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki.

In addition to being sponsored by The Marian Center, the annual novena is supported by the Serra Club, whose mission 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 was founded more than 25 years ago and is a non-for-profit organization that offers a wide array of religious items.