Novena of Grace

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The Novena of Grace to St. Francis Xavier traditionally begins on March 4th, but you can pray it any time. Many people pray it leading up to St. Francis' feast day, December 3rd, starting on November 24th.

The novena prayers come from an apparition of St. Francis Xavier to Fr. Marcello Mastrilli, SJ after Fr. Mastrilli was mortally wounded by a falling hammer.

St. Francis Xavier appeared to him and said to Fr. Mastrilli:


"All those who implore my help daily for nine consecutive days, from the fourth to the twelfth of March inclusive and worthily receive the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion on one of the nine days will experience my protection and may hope with entire assurance to obtain from God any Grace they ask that is for the good of their souls and the glory of God."

After this vision, Fr. Mastrilli was healed of the injury and he spread word of his healing, of this apparition of St. Francis Xavier and of the "Novena of Grace". Fr. Mastrilli went on to become a martyr in Japan and the novena went on to become popular around the world, especially among Jesuits.

Why Pray the Novena of Grace?

Here is a list of petitions for which the Novena Prayers are traditionally prayed.

  • for the Pope, Bishops, and Church Leaders
  • for Priests, Deacons and Ministers
  • for Religious Brothers and Sisters
  • for Vocations, Discernment and Guidance
  • for the Needs of Missionaries
  • for Catholic Schools and Seminaries
  • for the Leaders of Nations
  • for Peace and Justice among Nations
  • for Holiness and Respect of Life
  • in Solidarity with the Poor and Oppressed
  • for Refugees and the Homeless
  • for Employment
  • for Generosity in Sharing Gifts and Blessings
  • for a Greater Response to Gospel values
  • for a Happy Marriage
  • for the Care and Love of Children
  • for the Gift of Children
  • for Family Reconciliation and Unity
  • for Our Beloved Faithful Departed
  • for Healing of Relationships
  • for Healing of Addictions
  • for Cure of Illness
  • for Good Health
  • for Conversion of Heart
  • for Inner Spiritual Healing
  • for Serenity, Courage, and Wisdom
  • for the Gifts of Faith, Hope, and Love

Novena of Grace Prayers

Novena of Grace - Day 1

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Lord, open our lips - And we shall praise Your Name.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O most admirable and loving St. Francis Xavier, in union with you, we adore the Divine Majesty. While joyfully giving thanks to God for the wonderful graces, which God conferred upon you in life, and for the greater glory with which God has gifted you in heaven, we come to you with heartfelt love, asking you to secure for us, by your powerful intercession, the precious blessings of living and dying in the state of grace. 

We also ask you to obtain the favors we seek in this Novena.

(Mention your petition here.)

But if what we ask is not for the glory of God, or for the good of our souls, obtain for us what is most conducive to both. 

Amen.  

Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Almighty God, by the preaching of St. Francis Xavier You won many peoples to Yourself. Give his zeal for the faith to all who believe in You, that Your Church may rejoice to see the virtue and number of the faithful increase throughout the world.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Optional: 3 Our Father's and 3 Hail Mary's in memory of Saint Francis Xavier's devotion to the Most Holy Trinity

10 Glory be's in thanksgiving for the graces received during his 10 years of apostleship.

Novena of Grace - Day 2

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Lord, open our lips - And we shall praise Your Name.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Lord God, our Father, we honor the memory of the Apostle of the East, St. Francis Xavier. The remembrance of the favors with which You blessed him during life and of his glory after death, fills us with joy; and we unite with him in offering to You our sincere tribute of thanksgiving and of grace. We ask You to grant us, through his powerful intercession, the inestimable blessings of living and dying in the state of grace. We also ask You to grant us the favors we seek in this novena.

(Mention your intentions here)

But if what we ask is not for the glory of God and the good of our souls, grant us, we pray, what is more conducive to both.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.  

Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Almighty God, by the preaching of St. Francis Xavier You won many peoples to Yourself. Give his zeal for the faith to all who believe in You, that Your Church may rejoice to see the virtue and number of the faithful increase throughout the world.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Optional: 3 Our Father's and 3 Hail Mary's in memory of Saint Francis Xavier's devotion to the Most Holy Trinity

10 Glory be's in thanksgiving for the graces received during his 10 years of apostleship.

Novena of Grace - Day 3

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Lord, open our lips - And we shall praise Your Name.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O most admirable and loving St. Francis Xavier, in union with you, we adore the Divine Majesty. While joyfully giving thanks to God for the wonderful graces, which God conferred upon you in life, and for the greater glory with which God has gifted you in heaven, we come to you with heartfelt love, asking you to secure for us, by your powerful intercession, the precious blessings of living and dying in the state of grace. 

We also ask you to obtain the favors we seek in this Novena.

(Mention your petition here.)

But if what we ask is not for the glory of God, or for the good of our souls, obtain for us what is most conducive to both. 

Amen.  

Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Almighty God, by the preaching of St. Francis Xavier You won many peoples to Yourself. Give his zeal for the faith to all who believe in You, that Your Church may rejoice to see the virtue and number of the faithful increase throughout the world.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Optional: 3 Our Father's and 3 Hail Mary's in memory of Saint Francis Xavier's devotion to the Most Holy Trinity

10 Glory be's in thanksgiving for the graces received during his 10 years of apostleship.

Novena of Grace - Day 4

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Lord, open our lips - And we shall praise Your Name.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Lord God, our Father, we honor the memory of the Apostle of the East, St. Francis Xavier. The remembrance of the favors with which You blessed him during life and of his glory after death, fills us with joy; and we unite with him in offering to You our sincere tribute of thanksgiving and of grace. We ask You to grant us, through his powerful intercession, the inestimable blessings of living and dying in the state of grace. We also ask You to grant us the favors we seek in this novena.

(Mention your intentions here)

But if what we ask is not for the glory of God and the good of our souls, grant us, we pray, what is more conducive to both.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.  

Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Almighty God, by the preaching of St. Francis Xavier You won many peoples to Yourself. Give his zeal for the faith to all who believe in You, that Your Church may rejoice to see the virtue and number of the faithful increase throughout the world.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Optional: 3 Our Father's and 3 Hail Mary's in memory of Saint Francis Xavier's devotion to the Most Holy Trinity

10 Glory be's in thanksgiving for the graces received during his 10 years of apostleship.

Novena of Grace - Day 5

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Lord, open our lips - And we shall praise Your Name.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O most admirable and loving St. Francis Xavier, in union with you, we adore the Divine Majesty. While joyfully giving thanks to God for the wonderful graces, which God conferred upon you in life, and for the greater glory with which God has gifted you in heaven, we come to you with heartfelt love, asking you to secure for us, by your powerful intercession, the precious blessings of living and dying in the state of grace. 

We also ask you to obtain the favors we seek in this Novena.

(Mention your petition here.)

But if what we ask is not for the glory of God, or for the good of our souls, obtain for us what is most conducive to both. 

Amen.  

Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Almighty God, by the preaching of St. Francis Xavier You won many peoples to Yourself. Give his zeal for the faith to all who believe in You, that Your Church may rejoice to see the virtue and number of the faithful increase throughout the world.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Optional: 3 Our Father's and 3 Hail Mary's in memory of Saint Francis Xavier's devotion to the Most Holy Trinity

10 Glory be's in thanksgiving for the graces received during his 10 years of apostleship.

Novena of Grace - Day 6

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Lord, open our lips - And we shall praise Your Name.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Lord God, our Father, we honor the memory of the Apostle of the East, St. Francis Xavier. The remembrance of the favors with which You blessed him during life and of his glory after death, fills us with joy; and we unite with him in offering to You our sincere tribute of thanksgiving and of grace. We ask You to grant us, through his powerful intercession, the inestimable blessings of living and dying in the state of grace. We also ask You to grant us the favors we seek in this novena.

(Mention your intentions here)

But if what we ask is not for the glory of God and the good of our souls, grant us, we pray, what is more conducive to both.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.  

Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Almighty God, by the preaching of St. Francis Xavier You won many peoples to Yourself. Give his zeal for the faith to all who believe in You, that Your Church may rejoice to see the virtue and number of the faithful increase throughout the world.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Optional: 3 Our Father's and 3 Hail Mary's in memory of Saint Francis Xavier's devotion to the Most Holy Trinity

10 Glory be's in thanksgiving for the graces received during his 10 years of apostleship.

Novena of Grace - Day 7

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Lord, open our lips - And we shall praise Your Name.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O most admirable and loving St. Francis Xavier, in union with you, we adore the Divine Majesty. While joyfully giving thanks to God for the wonderful graces, which God conferred upon you in life, and for the greater glory with which God has gifted you in heaven, we come to you with heartfelt love, asking you to secure for us, by your powerful intercession, the precious blessings of living and dying in the state of grace. 

We also ask you to obtain the favors we seek in this Novena.

(Mention your petition here.)

But if what we ask is not for the glory of God, or for the good of our souls, obtain for us what is most conducive to both. 

Amen.  

Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Almighty God, by the preaching of St. Francis Xavier You won many peoples to Yourself. Give his zeal for the faith to all who believe in You, that Your Church may rejoice to see the virtue and number of the faithful increase throughout the world.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Optional: 3 Our Father's and 3 Hail Mary's in memory of Saint Francis Xavier's devotion to the Most Holy Trinity

10 Glory be's in thanksgiving for the graces received during his 10 years of apostleship.

Novena of Grace - Day 8

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Lord, open our lips - And we shall praise Your Name.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Lord God, our Father, we honor the memory of the Apostle of the East, St. Francis Xavier. The remembrance of the favors with which You blessed him during life and of his glory after death, fills us with joy; and we unite with him in offering to You our sincere tribute of thanksgiving and of grace. We ask You to grant us, through his powerful intercession, the inestimable blessings of living and dying in the state of grace. We also ask You to grant us the favors we seek in this novena.

(Mention your intentions here)

But if what we ask is not for the glory of God and the good of our souls, grant us, we pray, what is more conducive to both.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.  

Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Almighty God, by the preaching of St. Francis Xavier You won many peoples to Yourself. Give his zeal for the faith to all who believe in You, that Your Church may rejoice to see the virtue and number of the faithful increase throughout the world.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Optional: 3 Our Father's and 3 Hail Mary's in memory of Saint Francis Xavier's devotion to the Most Holy Trinity

10 Glory be's in thanksgiving for the graces received during his 10 years of apostleship.

Novena of Grace - Day 9

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Lord, open our lips - And we shall praise Your Name.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

O most admirable and loving St. Francis Xavier, in union with you, we adore the Divine Majesty. While joyfully giving thanks to God for the wonderful graces, which God conferred upon you in life, and for the greater glory with which God has gifted you in heaven, we come to you with heartfelt love, asking you to secure for us, by your powerful intercession, the precious blessings of living and dying in the state of grace. 

We also ask you to obtain the favors we seek in this Novena.

(Mention your petition here.)

But if what we ask is not for the glory of God, or for the good of our souls, obtain for us what is most conducive to both. 

Amen.  

Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Almighty God, by the preaching of St. Francis Xavier You won many peoples to Yourself. Give his zeal for the faith to all who believe in You, that Your Church may rejoice to see the virtue and number of the faithful increase throughout the world.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Optional: 3 Our Father's and 3 Hail Mary's in memory of Saint Francis Xavier's devotion to the Most Holy Trinity

10 Glory be's in thanksgiving for the graces received during his 10 years of apostleship.

Prayers adapted from the "Xavier Missionaries" prayers that are purported to have been passed down for centuries.