This novena can be prayed at any time of the year but the faithful are accustomed to pray the Novena of the Spirit starting on November 1 (All Saints' Day) to mark the start of the month for souls in Purgatory.  There are also those who pray for him starting on October 24 in preparation for the Day of the Spirits of All Faithful People (November 2).  This novena can also be prayed for the spirits of family/relatives who have recently died or prayed before the anniversary of the death of the family/relative spirits.