St. John of God Novena
Contents
Show HideDo you want to radically trust your life to God and be brave in your faith life? Saint John of God exemplified bravery when he ran into a burning building to save those inside. He is a very holy saint who will pray fervently for you!
Join us in praying this novena, inspired by the life of this courageous saint!
About St. John of God
Saint John of God's life was riddled with tragedy and strife. Despite this tragedy, he found his call to holiness, his vocation, and path to God. John was born in Portugal in 1495 and shortly thereafter was separated from his parents at the young age of eight.
He found refuge in the home of a man named El Mayoral, and John began learning the skills of a shepherd there.
When he grew older, the allure of travel and personal gain attracted him to fight in the war. While at war, he tried to retrieve food for his comrades but instead found himself on enemy lines. During this time he prayed to Mary, saying, "Mother of God, come to my help. Pray to your holy Son for me so that he may save me from this peril in which I find myself."
He was able to make his way back but found himself in peril again when he didn't follow through with orders and was to be hanged. His life was spared and he began to question his worldly life.
While searching for answers to his life, he returned to Granada and found out both of his parents had passed away. He became a shepherd again but felt a tugging on his heart to tend to the needs of others.
He went on to Gibraltar, where he sold religious books promoting the Faith. He encouraged everyone to pick topics on the Faith, versus the secular books he sold.
After he heard a sermon by St. John of Avila, he was so moved that he begged God for mercy and beat himself in public. Many people questioned his mental stability, so he was encouraged to meet with Saint John of Avila who advised him to not focus on himself, but instead, to serve others if he wished to make amends for his past life.
He quickly took up a new lifestyle and founded a hospital for the sick, poor and destitute. He would tend to the needs of his patients during the day and beg alms in the evening to keep his hospital running.
He gave to others without even a thought to his own life. He once ran into a burning building to save the patients of a hospital and jumped into a river to try and save his friend. Even his impulsiveness was at the service of others and God.
His deep humility and devout prayer life led him to not question who he served, no one was unworthy or undeserving of his help. He was given the name John of God by the Bishop of Tuy who had heard of John's life and tendency to give others the cloak off his back.
St. John of God's efforts even drew in others to aid his service, which continues today in the religious order the Brothers Hospitallers of St. John of God.
St. John of God’s Feast Day: March 8
Why Pray the St. John of God Novena?
Saint John of God devoted himself to a life of prayer and caring for the physical and spiritual needs of others. Every aspect of his life was used for the good of others, even his impulsiveness.
He even ran into a burning building to save those inside. Because of this courageous act he is the patron saint of firefighters. He experienced a radical conversion that led to him serving others in many different ways. He is also the patron booksellers, firefighters, nurses, the sick, and hospitals.
If you would like to experience a further conversion of faith in your life, then look to this humble saint example and join us in praying this novena.
You can pray the St. John of God Novena for any intention!
St. John of God Novena Prayers
St. John of God Novena - Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear God, your mercy worked a great conversion in St. John of God's life, and I too seek a further conversion of heart. Please help me to amend my ways as St. John of God did, so that others might say that I am Yours first and foremost.
I praise you Lord, for your kindness and mercy knows no limits. Your greatness inspired St. John of God to live a life of deep humility and prayer, and I ask for a share of that grace.
St John of God please pray for (State your intentions here).
St. John of God you possessed a holy zeal that led you to follow God with a heart brimming with love. You were quick to serve others and follow God's promptings in your life.
Help me to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit without hesitation. Pray that I too may have a zeal for the things of God and be quick to serve others. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John of God Novena - Day 2
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear God, your mercy worked a great conversion in St. John of God's life, and I too seek a further conversion of heart. Please help me to amend my ways as St. John of God did, so that others might say that I am Yours first and foremost.
I praise you Lord, for your kindness and mercy knows no limits. Your greatness inspired St. John of God to live a life of deep humility and prayer, and I ask for a share of that grace.
St John of God please pray for (State your intentions here).
Your charity has inspired many to follow in your footsteps, St. John. I thank God for your dedication to serving the poor and proclaiming the kingdom of God.
Please help me to respond to the needs of those most immediate in my life. Let my work speak to the greatness and generosity of God. Help me to step out of my comfort zone to do what God is calling me to do even when it may seem out of the ordinary or cost me the approval of my peers. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John of God Novena - Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear God, your mercy worked a great conversion in St. John of God's life, and I too seek a further conversion of heart. Please help me to amend my ways as St. John of God did, so that others might say that I am Yours first and foremost.
I praise you Lord, for your kindness and mercy knows no limits. Your greatness inspired St. John of God to live a life of deep humility and prayer, and I ask for a share of that grace.
St John of God please pray for (State your intentions here).
St. John of God, when you heard the message of the gospel, you gave up a life of sin and converted to a life in Christ. Pray for me that I may abandon the things in my life that are keeping me from God.
Please pray for those who have fallen away from the faith that they may come to know the saving love of Christ. Please pray for those trapped in a life of sin that they may be freed from the bondage of sin. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John of God Novena - Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear God, your mercy worked a great conversion in St. John of God's life, and I too seek a further conversion of heart. Please help me to amend my ways as St. John of God did, so that others might say that I am Yours first and foremost.
I praise you Lord, for your kindness and mercy knows no limits. Your greatness inspired St. John of God to live a life of deep humility and prayer, and I ask for a share of that grace.
St John of God please pray for (State your intentions here).
You lived a life begging and caring for the outcasts of society, St. John of God. You gave freely, even to the point of having no clothes.
Please pray that I may give freely the best of what I have to those who need it most. Help me to be compassionate and see Jesus in every person I meet. Help me to give even when it stretches me. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John of God Novena - Day 5
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear God, your mercy worked a great conversion in St. John of God's life, and I too seek a further conversion of heart. Please help me to amend my ways as St. John of God did, so that others might say that I am Yours first and foremost.
I praise you Lord, for your kindness and mercy knows no limits. Your greatness inspired St. John of God to live a life of deep humility and prayer, and I ask for a share of that grace.
St John of God please pray for (State your intentions here).
You followed the spiritual direction of wise counsel for your life, St John. Help me to seek the wisdom of others when I am in the process of discerning God's will.
Help me to accept my shortcomings and strengths and let my life be transformed by Christ. Help me to turn to prayer in times of doubt and hardships. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John of God Novena - Day 6
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear God, your mercy worked a great conversion in St. John of God's life, and I too seek a further conversion of heart. Please help me to amend my ways as St. John of God did, so that others might say that I am Yours first and foremost.
I praise you Lord, for your kindness and mercy knows no limits. Your greatness inspired St. John of God to live a life of deep humility and prayer, and I ask for a share of that grace.
St John of God please pray for (State your intentions here).
You were considered by many in your community to have experienced mental illness and to have served those with mental illness. Please pray for my own mental health, that I may seek support from my community and health care professionals when necessary.
I pray for those who live with mental illness that they may have the strength for the suffering that they endure and receive the support that they need. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John of God Novena - Day 7
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear God, your mercy worked a great conversion in St. John of God's life, and I too seek a further conversion of heart. Please help me to amend my ways as St. John of God did, so that others might say that I am God's first and foremost.
I praise you Lord, for your kindness and mercy knows no limits. Your greatness inspired St. John of God to live a life of deep humility and prayer, and I ask for a share of that grace.
St John of God please pray for (State your intentions here).
You are the patron of hospitals and firefighters, St. John. You ran into a burning building to save the lives of those within!
Please pray for those who have dedicated their lives to serving those in their community and their families whose lives are also greatly affected by this noble work. Help them when faced with adverse situations. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John of God Novena - Day 8
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear God, your mercy worked a great conversion in St. John of God's life, and I too seek a further conversion of heart. Please help me to amend my ways as St. John of God did, so that others might say that I am God's first and foremost.
I praise you Lord, for your kindness and mercy knows no limits. Your greatness inspired St. John of God to live a life of deep humility and prayer, and I ask for a share of that grace.
St John of God please pray for (State your intentions here).
You begged on behalf of those you served, St. John. Please help me to comfort those around me who are suffering. Please help me to seek to build a community that cares for the outcasts and vulnerable people around me.
Help me to serve those closest to me in my daily interactions. I pray that I may love my family well and help my friends grow in holiness. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. John of God Novena - Day 9
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear God, your mercy worked a great conversion in St. John of God's life, and I too seek a further conversion of heart. Please help me to amend my ways as St. John of God did, so that others might say that I am God's first and foremost.
I praise you Lord, for your kindness and mercy knows no limits. Your greatness inspired St. John of God to live a life of deep humility and prayer, and I ask for a share of that grace.
St John of God please pray for (State your intentions here).
St. John of God, your humility saved your ministry. Please pray that I may not seek rewards or praise here on earth, but that all I do may be pleasing to God.
Help me to consider others and their needs first. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.