St. Ignatius of Loyola Novena
Contents
Show HideSt. Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish priest and theologian who founded the Society of Jesus (also known as the Jesuits). Known for his profound spiritual insights, especially the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius dedicated his life to the greater glory of God through education, missionary work, and the promotion of deep spiritual growth.
Because of his work, countless people were brought to Christ. St. Ignatius of Loyola’s legacy continues to inspire those seeking discernment, spiritual renewal, and a deeper relationship with God. Ask for St. Ignatius of Loyola’s intercession so that you may be guided in your own spiritual journey.
About Saint Ignatius of Loyola
St. Ignatius Loyola was born in 1491 to a family of minor nobility in northern Spain; he was the youngest of 13 children.
His early life was characterized by a pursuit of military glory and worldly success. Raised in a noble family, he served as a page and later as a soldier, developing a reputation for his bravery and chivalry. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 1521 when he was seriously injured by a cannonball during the Battle of Pamplona.
While recovering from his injuries at his family's castle, Ignatius experienced a profound spiritual transformation. With little to occupy his time, he read the only available books, which included a life of Christ and a collection of saints' lives. These readings inspired him to reflect on his own life and led to a deep conversion experience. Ignatius decided to dedicate his life to God, trading his military ambitions for spiritual ones.
In 1522, Ignatius made a pilgrimage to the Montserrat shrine and then spent a year in the town of Manresa, where he practiced intense prayer, penance, and spiritual exercises. It was during this period that he began to formulate the spiritual practices that would later become the foundation of the Jesuits' Spiritual Exercises. These exercises are designed to help individuals deepen their relationship with God through meditation, contemplation, and discernment.
Ignatius' next steps included a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and studies in theology and philosophy. He attended the University of Alcalá, the University of Salamanca, and later the University of Paris, where he earned his master's degree.
It was in Paris that Ignatius gathered a small group of like-minded men, including Francis Xavier and Peter Faber, who would become the first members of the Society of Jesus. In 1534, they took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, committing themselves to work for the greater glory of God and the service of souls.
Pope Paul III officially recognized the Society of Jesus in 1540. Under Ignatius' leadership, the Jesuits became a major force in the Counter-Reformation, emphasizing education, missionary work, and the spread of Catholicism. Ignatius served as the first superior general of the order and did so until his death in 1556.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola was canonized by Pope Gregory XV in 1622. His legacy endures through the global influence of the Jesuits in education, social justice, and spiritual formation. Ignatius' life and teachings continue to inspire countless individuals to seek a deeper relationship with God and to discern their calling in life.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s Feast Day: July 31
Why Pray the Saint Ignatius of Loyola Novena?
St. Ignatius of Loyola is the patron saint of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), so you can pray for his order in the world today, as well as for the many Jesuit-run schools, colleges, and universities around the world.
Because of his time in the military as a young man, St. Ignatius is also the patron saint of soldiers. If you or someone you know is a soldier, you can ask for St. Ignatius’ prayers for protection and courage.
St. Ignatius is also the patron saint of spiritual retreats because of his development of the Spiritual Exercises, a structured program of prayer and meditation designed to deepen one's relationship with God. If you or someone you know will be undertaking a spiritual retreat soon, you can seek his intercession for spiritual renewal, clarity in discernment, and a deeper understanding of God's will in your life.
You can pray the Saint Ignatius of Loyola Novena for any intention!
St. Ignatius of Loyola Novena Prayers
St. Ignatius of Loyola Novena - Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O noble St. Ignatius, from even your childhood you had the heart of a noble soldier for Christ. You were drawn to stories of bravery and courage and felt the stirrings of greatness in your own soul. While recovering from your injuries, you found the stories of the fiercest love of Christ and the heroic acts of those who followed Him, and from those stories you knew you found the truth.
May the same fire that burned in your heart burn in mine.
Help bring about a deeper conversion in me, and help me fall deeper in love with Christ. Strengthen my conviction to the truth and walk with me so that I can keep heaven before my eyes throughout the whole of my life.
Pray for me, and especially for the intention I bring to you now . . .
[Mention your intention].
Heavenly Father, hear my request brought to You by Your servant Ignatius if it be for Your glory. Grant me the same grace that You gave to St. Ignatius so that I may share his zeal for Christ and for building up Your kingdom.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius of Loyola Novena - Day 2
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius, you taught that discernment is the key to understanding and following God's will. In your own life you were attuned to the stirrings in your heart and soul, and you used them to go in the direction God wanted you to go.
Help me to discern God's voice amidst the noise of the world. Grant me the wisdom to recognize His guidance and the courage to follow it faithfully. Keep me from the trap of over-discernment that leads to paralysis, and instead, help me confidently move toward God.
Open my heart to the Holy Spirit so He may illuminate my mind and heart, revealing the path that leads to greater service and love of God.
Pray for me and especially for the intention I bring to you now . . .
[Mention your intention].
Heavenly Father, hear my request brought to You by Your servant Ignatius if it be for Your glory. Grant me the same grace that You gave to St. Ignatius so that I may share his zeal for Christ and for building up Your kingdom.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius of Loyola Novena - Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O St. Ignatius, your life was marked by an extraordinary zeal for the salvation of souls. You felt God's call to “help souls” and to share what you learned with others so that they might have their own hearts changed. Increase in my heart my zeal for souls.
Help me to share in your passion for evangelization. Teach me to see each person as a beloved child of God, worthy of hearing the Good News. Inspire me to be a beacon of Christ's love and truth in a world that so desperately needs it. Give me the courage to be an effective witness to God’s goodness in all I say and do.
Pray for me and especially for the intention I bring to you now . . .
[Mention your intention].
Heavenly Father, hear my request brought to You by Your servant Ignatius if it be for Your glory. Grant me the same grace that You gave to St. Ignatius so that I may share his zeal for Christ and for building up Your kingdom.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius of Loyola Novena - Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O St. Ignatius, during your time as a pilgrim, you wrote the Spiritual Exercises–a profound gift to the spiritual treasury of the Church and a powerful means of growing closer to God.
Help me to embrace these exercises in my own life, seeking to deepen my relationship with the Lord through prayer, reflection, and contemplation. Cultivate in me the discipline to persevere in prayer so that I am more convicted to live out my faith. May I be open to the transforming power of God's love and grace.
Pray for me and especially for the intention I bring to you now . . .
[Mention your intention].
Heavenly Father, hear my request brought to You by Your servant Ignatius if it be for Your glory. Grant me the same grace that You gave to St. Ignatius so that I may share his zeal for Christ and for building up Your kingdom.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius of Loyola Novena - Day 5
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, your life exemplified a profound love of learning and a commitment to intellectual growth for the glory of God. You understood that a well-formed mind could better understand and communicate the truths of the faith. Your studies brought you closer to a true knowledge of God.
Cultivate in me a love of learning so that I may come to better know and love God. Teach me to seek wisdom in all my endeavors and to use my knowledge to serve others. Grant me the humility and perseverance to dig deeper into the truths of our faith.
Pray for me and especially for the intention I bring to you now . . .
[Mention your intention].
Heavenly Father, hear my request brought to You by Your servant Ignatius if it be for Your glory. Grant me the same grace that You gave to St. Ignatius so that I may share his zeal for Christ and for building up Your kingdom.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius of Loyola Novena - Day 6
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, you exemplified the virtues of humility and obedience to God throughout your life. You knew that true freedom comes from submitting one's will to God and living in humble service to others. These virtues were evident in your leadership, following Christ's example of a servant leader—one who seeks to serve rather than be served.
Teach me to submit my will to God and to embrace the freedom that comes from living in His will. Cultivate these virtues in my heart so that I can live a life of obedient and humble discipleship. Help me to glorify God in all things.
Pray for me and especially for the intention I bring to you now . . .
[Mention your intention].
Heavenly Father, hear my request brought to You by Your servant Ignatius if it be for Your glory. Grant me the same grace that You gave to St. Ignatius so that I may share his zeal for Christ and for building up Your kingdom.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius of Loyola Novena - Day 7
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius, you exemplified a profound trust in divine providence throughout your life. Despite the many challenges and obstacles you faced, you remained confident in God’s plan and provision. Your steadfast faith allowed you to undertake great works for the glory of God.
Help me to follow your example and to trust in God's loving care. Teach me to surrender my fears and uncertainties to Him and to believe that He has a plan for my life. May I seek first the kingdom of God and trust that everything else will be added unto me.
Pray for me and especially for the intention I bring to you now . . .
[Mention your intention].
Heavenly Father, hear my request brought to You by Your servant Ignatius if it be for Your glory. Grant me the same grace that You gave to St. Ignatius so that I may share his zeal for Christ and for building up Your kingdom.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius of Loyola Novena - Day 8
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O St. Ignatius, you often prayed the words “Take Lord, and receive.” You radically offered all you have and all you are back to the One from whom it was given. You gladly gave everything to the Lord, allowing Him to do with it what He wills.
Help me pray these words with sincerity of heart. Loosen my grip on what is not mine to grasp and to offer it back to the Lord with humility and trust. Help me truly know the love God has for me so that I may not fear His will for me.
Pray for me and especially for the intention I bring to you now . . .
[Mention your intention].
Heavenly Father, hear my request brought to You by Your servant Ignatius if it be for Your glory. Grant me the same grace that You gave to St. Ignatius so that I may share his zeal for Christ and for building up Your kingdom.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius of Loyola Novena - Day 9
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Ignatius, you lived by your motto “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam," doing all things for “for the greater glory of God.” All of your works pointed back to God.
Help me to adopt this same principle in my own life. Teach me to glorify God in all that I do. Show me the ways in which I may serve others selflessly and take advantage of the opportunities to use my talents and resources for building up God’s kingdom. Help me dedicate my life to serving Christ and to making His name known and loved as you did.
Pray for me and especially for the intention I bring to you now . . .
[Mention your intention].
Heavenly Father, hear my request brought to You by Your servant Ignatius if it be for Your glory. Grant me the same grace that You gave to St. Ignatius so that I may share his zeal for Christ and for building up Your kingdom.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.