Cyril of Jerusalem Novena
Contents
Show HideSt. Cyril of Jerusalem was a bishop of Jerusalem and a Doctor of the Church. During his years as bishop of Jerusalem, Cyril endured misunderstanding and opposition with great patience.
Today, Cyril is remembered for defending orthodoxy during the time of the Arian heresy, and he played a part of the council that promulgated the Nicene Creed. His writings, particularly his Catecheses, remain a celebrated expression of our faith today.
You can invoke the intercession of St. Cyril of Jerusalem for any of your intentions.
About St. Cyril of Jerusalem
We know very little about St. Cyril of Jerusalem’s early life.
Historians believe that St. Cyril of Jerusalem was born in 315 AD, just two years after Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.
This change ended the persecution the faithful faced for several centuries. However, the Church now faced a few problems with emerging heresies. Arianism—the heresy that denied the divinity of Christ—became the most widespread.
St. Cyril most likely came from a Christian family in Jerusalem and was well educated in the Scriptures. For this reason, after Cyril became a priest, his bishop, St. Maximus, charged him with instructing the catechumens.
The catechetical lectures he gave were written down and are still an important part of the Church’s treasury today. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI praised the saint for his "integral" catechesis and said that his teaching "remains emblematic for the catechetical formation of Christians today."
When St. Maximus died, Cyril became the bishop of Jerusalem. This decision landed him in the middle of the Arian controversy.
Because the Arian bishop Acacius supported Cyril’s appointment, orthodox bishops criticized the decision, while heretical bishops thought they could count on his support. Both were wrong.
Conflict quickly arose between Cyril and Acacius over the latter’s authority in Jerusalem. Acacius was the bishop of Caesarea which, Cyril argued, gave him authority over all of Palestine except for the apostolic see of Jerusalem.
During a council, Acacius accused Cyril of insubordination and the selling of Church goods (which Cyril did to help the poor during a famine in Jerusalem). Many now believe that a theological difference may have also led to this accusation by Acacius.
Cyril was banished, not for the last time; Cyril would be exiled three times over a 20-year period, with his final exile lasting 11 years.
When Cyril finally returned, he found Jerusalem ravaged with heresy, schism, and discord. And unfortunately he could not put the city back together.
However, he did witness a great victory for the Church when he attended the Council at Constantinople in 381. The council promulgated the Nicene Creed, which officially condemned Arianism.
Cyril accepted the word “consubstantial,” or the belief that Christ is of the same nature as the Father, and in doing so, he exonerated himself from the remaining rumors about his orthodoxy.
Not only that, but many members of the council praised him for fighting "a good fight in various places against the Arians."
Cyril died at the age of 70 in Jerusalem. He was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1882.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem’s Feast Day: March 18
Why Pray the St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena?
St. Cyril of Jerusalem has no official patronage; however, you can pray to him for many different intentions.
During his priesthood, St. Cyril of Jerusalem taught the faith to those who wished to enter the Church. You can ask for his intercession if you are a catechist or for the catechists in your parish to teach the faith with clarity and conviction.
St. Cyril also faced a lot of misunderstanding during his life. If you find yourself facing misunderstanding and difficulties in your life, especially because of your faith, pray to St. Cyril for the grace to endure it with patience.
You can pray the St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena for any intention!
Cyril of Jerusalem Novena Prayers
Cyril of Jerusalem Novena - Day 1
Day’s Prayers:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord God, I thank you for the gift of St. Cyril of Jerusalem and his legacy in the Church. Help me to learn from his life on how I can best serve you.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, in the earliest days of your priestly ministry you were charged with the education and care of those seeking to come into the Church.
You taught the faith with clarity and conviction and took care to form not only the minds of those who heard your words, but their hearts as well.
You left us a model for sharing the truth and beauty of our faith with both our words and our deeds.
Open my mind and heart, dear teacher, and help me to pursue knowledge of the Church and her teachings. Set my heart on fire with love of the word of God like yours.
Teach me to recognize my unique role in the building up of the Body of Christ. Help me pay attention to the opportunities God gives me to proclaim the Gospel to others—both in word and action.
Pray that I may have the courage to follow that call whenever it should arise and pray that those who need it may be open to receiving it.
Please pray also for the intention I now bring to you . . .
(Mention your intentions here)
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Cyril of Jerusalem Novena - Day 2
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord God, I thank you for the gift of St. Cyril of Jerusalem and his legacy in the Church. Help me to learn from his life on how I can best serve you.
St. Cyril, you spoke to the catechumens preparing to enter the Church about the great gift that is the sacrament of baptism.
You spoke of it as “a ransom to captives; a remission of offenses; a death of sin; a new-birth of the soul; a garment of light; a holy indissoluble seal; a chariot to heaven; the delight of Paradise; a welcome into the kingdom; the gift of adoption!”
I want to rejoice in this gift that has been given to me; teach me as you taught your students. Open my eyes to the glory of my baptism; cultivate a grateful heart so that I may live my life as a song of praise to the Lord.
Pray that I may be made worthy of such a gift.
Please also pray for the intention I hold within my heart . . .
(Mention your intentions here)
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Cyril of Jerusalem Novena - Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord God, I thank you for the gift of St. Cyril of Jerusalem and his legacy in the Church. Help me to learn from his life on how I can best serve you.
St. Cyril, during your years as bishop of Jerusalem, you witnessed a great famine in your land. You saw your flock in great hunger and need.
As you yourself had no money to give, you followed the example of the likes of great Ambrose and Augustine and sold some of the goods of the churches. You recognized the poor and needy as the true treasures of the Church.
When I am faced with those who are suffering as you did, dear Cyril, keep me from turning a blind eye to their pain.
Instead reveal to me the face of Christ in them. Increase my generosity; help me become more willing to share the gifts God has entrusted to me with my brothers and sisters in need.
Pray for all the poor, suffering, and hungry, especially those in my own community. Pray that my heart might overflow with love for them.
Pray also for my special intention . . .
(Mention your intentions here)
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Cyril of Jerusalem Novena - Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord God, I thank you for the gift of St. Cyril of Jerusalem and his legacy in the Church. Help me to learn from his life on how I can best serve you.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, you faced years of misunderstanding and unjust treatment. Some misjudged orthodoxy, while others hated you for opposing their heresy.
You were unfairly accused, your character slandered. You were forced from your home for close to two decades. Yet you faced it all with patience.
When I encounter those who misunderstand me—whether it be accidental or intentional—help me respond with patience. Help me grow in humility that I may not concern myself with upholding my reputation in the eyes of others.
Pray that my actions flow only from my love of God, not the desire to be noticed or praised.
Please pray for the special intention I entrust to you today . . .
(Mention your intentions here)
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Cyril of Jerusalem Novena - Day 5
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord God, I thank you for the gift of St. Cyril of Jerusalem and his legacy in the Church. Help me to learn from his life on how I can best serve you.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, when you finally returned home to Jerusalem from your third and final exile, you returned to chaos and strife.
You found the Church, your bride, bleeding as heresy and schism choked the life from it. But you did not run.
Instead you did your best to put the pieces back together, trusting God’s promise to remain faithful to His Church, to bring beauty from the ashes.
Help me, faithful Cyril, not to turn from great challenges but rather to see them as an opportunity to love God and His people.
Embolden my love of God and desire to become a saint, even in difficult circumstances. Show me how to sow seeds of peace especially in the midst of great tribulations.
Pray that I may grow more trusting in the promises of the Lord and for the special intention I bring to you today . . .
(Mention your intentions here)
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Cyril of Jerusalem Novena - Day 6
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord God, I thank you for the gift of St. Cyril of Jerusalem and his legacy in the Church. Help me to learn from his life on how I can best serve you.
St. Cyril, you were in attendance at the council that promulgated the Nicene Creed. You consented to the teaching of Christ being consubstantial with the Father. You played your part in upholding the truth and formally condemned the heresy that led so many people astray.
Holy Bishop, your quest for the truth about God was rewarded, and you helped shape the Church’s understanding of God even into today. Reveal to me more of who God is, and help me boldly proclaim the Creed, even when it does not align with the popular opinion.
Pray that my love for truth may always outweigh my desire to be liked or esteemed in the eyes of my family, friends, and peers.
Pray also for the special intention I entrust to you today . . .
(Mention your intentions here)
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Cyril of Jerusalem Novena - Day 7
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord God, I thank you for the gift of St. Cyril of Jerusalem and his legacy in the Church. Help me to learn from his life on how I can best serve you.
St. Cyril, you were in attendance at the council that promulgated the Nicene Creed. You consented to the teaching of Christ being consubstantial with the Father. You played your part in upholding the truth and formally condemned the heresy that led so many people astray.
Holy Bishop, your quest for the truth about God was rewarded, and you helped shape the Church’s understanding of God even into today. Reveal to me more of who God is, and help me boldly proclaim the Creed, even when it does not align with the popular opinion.
Pray that my love for truth may always outweigh my desire to be liked or esteemed in the eyes of my family, friends, and peers.
Pray also for the special intention I entrust to you today . . .
(Mention your intentions here)
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Cyril of Jerusalem Novena - Day 8
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord God, I thank you for the gift of St. Cyril of Jerusalem and his legacy in the Church. Help me to learn from his life how I can best serve you.
St. Cyril, during the Council at Constantinople, you were recognized by your fellow bishops as a defender of truth. You along with other Church Fathers wrestled with the ideas we now profess as truth, paving the way for us to better know God.
You worked to stop the spread of heresey as it attempted to divide the Church and steal many souls from Christ.
While I might not have the opportunity to formally condemn untrue teaching as you did, I will still face the pressures from society to abandon my beliefs. Please give me the courage to defend my faith.
Help me recognize the voice of the Shepherd over the noise of the world, and when necessary, show me correct falsehoods with charity and humility.
Pray also for the intention I bring to you today . . .
(Mention your intentions here)
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Cyril of Jerusalem Novena - Day 9
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Lord God, I thank you for the gift of St. Cyril of Jerusalem and his legacy in the Church. Help me to learn from his life about how I can best serve you.
St. Cyril, despite the many challenges you faced during your life, especially in your years as a bishop, you became who God made you to be.
You are remembered for your ability as a teacher to present the truth in all its goodness and splendor, as well as being a defender of the faith and a Doctor of the Church.
Let the knowledge of you I have gained over these past nine days remain an example to me on my own journey.
Continue to walk beside me in prayer and guide my steps along the path laid out for me. Help me grow in holiness so that we might one day meet face to face in heaven.
Please pray for me and my intentions, especially . . .
(Mention your intentions here)
. . . that it would be happily resolved, should it be God’s will.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.