Office of Ignatian Spirituality

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Novena of Grace, March 4-12

Uniting in Prayer Through the Intercession of St. Francis Xavier

We invite you to join us in praying the Novena of Grace of Saint Francis Xavier (March 4-12).

The present form of the Novena of Grace was begun in the 17th century by Fr. Marcello Mastrilli, SJ (1603-1637). While working in Naples, he sustained serious head injuries. Prayers were offered to St. Francis Xavier and Fr. Mastrilli recovered. In his prayer, Fr. Mastrilli heard the promise that whoever took time each year to complete the nine days of prayer would "experience Francis’s protection and might hope with great assurance that any grace they asked of God would be granted, provided it be for their good and the glory of God."

The Novena of Grace is traditionally prayed in the nine days leading up to March 12, the day Francis was declared a saint in 1622.

Click here for a printable PDF of the Novena prayer.


The Novena of Grace

Most loveable and loving St. Francis Xavier, in union with you I adore the Divine Majesty. The remembrance of the favors with which God blessed you during your life and your glory after thanksgiving and praise. I ask you to secure for me through your powerful intercession the inestimable blessing of living and dying in the state of grace. I also pray that I obtain the favors I ask in this Novena.

(Mention your petitions.)
But if what I ask is not for the glory of God, or for the good of my soul, please obtain for me what is more conducive for both. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.
V. Pray for us, St. Francis Xavier.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:
O God, by the preaching and miracles of St. Francis Xavier, you were pleased to bring into your Church the nations of the Indies. Grant that we who reverence his glorious merits may also imitate his example.We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.