“A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; He that has found one has found a treasure.”
– Sirach 6:14
About the Holy Friendship Novena
The Holy Friendship Novena is a Catholic prayer for the gift of faithful and holy friendships. Through this novena, we ask Jesus to bless our friendships with love, trust, kindness, and faith, and to place people in our lives who will help us grow closer to God.
True friendship is a beautiful gift from God. A holy friend encourages us in times of difficulty, shares our joys and sorrows, and helps us remain faithful on our journey toward heaven. Pray this novena for your friends, for the gift of new friendships, or for friendships that you desire to bring closer to Christ.
What is the Holy Friendship Novena?
The Holy Friendship Novena is a Catholic prayer asking God to bless us with faithful friendships that help us grow in love, faith, holiness, and trust in Him.
Why should I pray for holy friendships?
Good friendships can be a great blessing in our spiritual lives. We can pray for friends who encourage us to follow Christ and who help us remain faithful during life’s joys and difficulties.
Can I pray this novena for my friends?
Yes. You can pray this novena for your existing friends, asking God to bless and strengthen your friendships and guide you both toward holiness.
Can I pray for a new friendship?
Yes. You can ask God to place faithful and trustworthy people in your life and to guide you toward friendships that are good for your spiritual journey.
Which saints can I ask to intercede for my friendships?
This novena includes several saints known for holy friendships, including Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare, Saint Francis de Sales, Saint Jane de Chantal, Saint John Bosco, Saint Francis Xavier, and Saint Louis and Saint Zélie Martin.
How many days do I pray the Holy Friendship Novena?
A novena is traditionally prayed for nine days. You can begin at any time and offer each day’s prayer for your friends or for your personal intention.
Can I pray this novena for a struggling friendship?
Yes. You can bring a difficult friendship before God and ask Him for healing, wisdom, forgiveness, patience, and the grace to treat one another with Christian love.
What should I ask God for in a friendship?
You can ask for friends who are faithful, trustworthy, compassionate, and encouraging, and for the grace to be a good and faithful friend to others.
Day 1 – Holy Friendship Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy God, Mighty God,
Benevolent Creator and Lover of All Life,
I praise You and I glorify You!
Your beloved Son has called me “friend!” As I quietly come to You to contemplate the great gift of His gracious friendship with me, please calm my mind and still my body.
Bring me to a deep awareness, O my Father in Heaven, of Your presence with me right here, right now—above me, below me, behind me, before me, around me, beside me, and within me.
I lovingly thank You for Your infinite goodness to me, particularly today for the gift of Jesus’ friendship with me and for the example He has given me for my friendships with others.
I thank You for the examples the saints have given me in the ways and blessings of holy friendship.
I ask You to grant me the gift of holy friendships in my life, with individuals who will walk faithfully side by side and arm in arm with me, back to You, as we travel our pilgrim journeys on this earth together.
Amen.
Prayer
Jesus, loving companion of Your children,
You have extended Your friendship to all.
You opened Your arms without discrimination,
offering Your warmth to those seeking comfort.
Endow me with the virtue of such friendship,
to know, love, and trust all on an equal basis;
to share my kindness without favoritism,
and to be compassionate toward the destitute.
Fashion my heart to reflect Your qualities,
those befitting a cordial and loving friendship.
Jesus, You showed me the way to true friendship.
Blessed is Your amazing and loving presence!
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
The Concluding Litany
Saint Bonaventure and Saint Thomas,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Dominic Savio and Saint John Bosco,
pray for me and my friends.
Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur and Sister Marie Goby,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Louis and Saint Zélie Martin,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Martin de Porres and Saint Rose of Lima,
pray for me and my friends.
All the angels and saints,
pray for me and my friends,
that we may always lead each other to holiness and heaven.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Day 2 – Holy Friendship Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy God, Mighty God,
Benevolent Creator and Lover of All Life,
I praise You and I glorify You!
Your beloved Son has called me “friend!” As I quietly come to You to contemplate the great gift of His gracious friendship with me, please calm my mind and still my body.
Bring me to a deep awareness, O my Father in Heaven, of Your presence with me right here, right now—above me, below me, behind me, before me, around me, beside me, and within me.
I lovingly thank You for Your infinite goodness to me, particularly today for the gift of Jesus’ friendship with me and for the example He has given me for my friendships with others.
I thank You for the examples the saints have given me in the ways and blessings of holy friendship.
I ask You to grant me the gift of holy friendships in my life, with individuals who will walk faithfully side by side and arm in arm with me, back to You, as we travel our pilgrim journeys on this earth together.
Amen.
Prayer
Jesus, loving companion of Your children,
You have extended Your friendship to all.
You opened Your arms without discrimination,
offering Your warmth to those seeking comfort.
Endow me with the virtue of such friendship,
to know, love, and trust all on an equal basis;
to share my kindness without favoritism,
and to be compassionate toward the destitute.
Fashion my heart to reflect Your qualities,
those befitting a cordial and loving friendship.
Jesus, You showed me the way to true friendship.
Blessed is Your amazing and loving presence!
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
The Concluding Litany
Saint Bonaventure and Saint Thomas,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Dominic Savio and Saint John Bosco,
pray for me and my friends.
Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur and Sister Marie Goby,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Louis and Saint Zélie Martin,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Martin de Porres and Saint Rose of Lima,
pray for me and my friends.
All the angels and saints,
pray for me and my friends,
that we may always lead each other to holiness and heaven.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Day 3 – Holy Friendship Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy God, Mighty God,
Benevolent Creator and Lover of All Life,
I praise You and I glorify You!
Your beloved Son has called me “friend!” As I quietly come to You to contemplate the great gift of His gracious friendship with me, please calm my mind and still my body.
Bring me to a deep awareness, O my Father in Heaven, of Your presence with me right here, right now—above me, below me, behind me, before me, around me, beside me, and within me.
I lovingly thank You for Your infinite goodness to me, particularly today for the gift of Jesus’ friendship with me and for the example He has given me for my friendships with others.
I thank You for the examples the saints have given me in the ways and blessings of holy friendship.
I ask You to grant me the gift of holy friendships in my life, with individuals who will walk faithfully side by side and arm in arm with me, back to You, as we travel our pilgrim journeys on this earth together.
Amen.
Prayer
Jesus, loving companion of Your children,
You have extended Your friendship to all.
You opened Your arms without discrimination,
offering Your warmth to those seeking comfort.
Endow me with the virtue of such friendship,
to know, love, and trust all on an equal basis;
to share my kindness without favoritism,
and to be compassionate toward the destitute.
Fashion my heart to reflect Your qualities,
those befitting a cordial and loving friendship.
Jesus, You showed me the way to true friendship.
Blessed is Your amazing and loving presence!
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
The Concluding Litany
Saint Bonaventure and Saint Thomas,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Dominic Savio and Saint John Bosco,
pray for me and my friends.
Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur and Sister Marie Goby,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Louis and Saint Zélie Martin,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Martin de Porres and Saint Rose of Lima,
pray for me and my friends.
All the angels and saints,
pray for me and my friends,
that we may always lead each other to holiness and heaven.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Day 4 – Holy Friendship Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy God, Mighty God,
Benevolent Creator and Lover of All Life,
I praise You and I glorify You!
Your beloved Son has called me “friend!” As I quietly come to You to contemplate the great gift of His gracious friendship with me, please calm my mind and still my body.
Bring me to a deep awareness, O my Father in Heaven, of Your presence with me right here, right now—above me, below me, behind me, before me, around me, beside me, and within me.
I lovingly thank You for Your infinite goodness to me, particularly today for the gift of Jesus’ friendship with me and for the example He has given me for my friendships with others.
I thank You for the examples the saints have given me in the ways and blessings of holy friendship.
I ask You to grant me the gift of holy friendships in my life, with individuals who will walk faithfully side by side and arm in arm with me, back to You, as we travel our pilgrim journeys on this earth together.
Amen.
Prayer
Jesus, loving companion of Your children,
You have extended Your friendship to all.
You opened Your arms without discrimination,
offering Your warmth to those seeking comfort.
Endow me with the virtue of such friendship,
to know, love, and trust all on an equal basis;
to share my kindness without favoritism,
and to be compassionate toward the destitute.
Fashion my heart to reflect Your qualities,
those befitting a cordial and loving friendship.
Jesus, You showed me the way to true friendship.
Blessed is Your amazing and loving presence!
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
The Concluding Litany
Saint Bonaventure and Saint Thomas,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Dominic Savio and Saint John Bosco,
pray for me and my friends.
Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur and Sister Marie Goby,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Louis and Saint Zélie Martin,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Martin de Porres and Saint Rose of Lima,
pray for me and my friends.
All the angels and saints,
pray for me and my friends,
that we may always lead each other to holiness and heaven.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Day 5 – Holy Friendship Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy God, Mighty God,
Benevolent Creator and Lover of All Life,
I praise You and I glorify You!
Your beloved Son has called me “friend!” As I quietly come to You to contemplate the great gift of His gracious friendship with me, please calm my mind and still my body.
Bring me to a deep awareness, O my Father in Heaven, of Your presence with me right here, right now—above me, below me, behind me, before me, around me, beside me, and within me.
I lovingly thank You for Your infinite goodness to me, particularly today for the gift of Jesus’ friendship with me and for the example He has given me for my friendships with others.
I thank You for the examples the saints have given me in the ways and blessings of holy friendship.
I ask You to grant me the gift of holy friendships in my life, with individuals who will walk faithfully side by side and arm in arm with me, back to You, as we travel our pilgrim journeys on this earth together.
Amen.
Prayer
Jesus, loving companion of Your children,
You have extended Your friendship to all.
You opened Your arms without discrimination,
offering Your warmth to those seeking comfort.
Endow me with the virtue of such friendship,
to know, love, and trust all on an equal basis;
to share my kindness without favoritism,
and to be compassionate toward the destitute.
Fashion my heart to reflect Your qualities,
those befitting a cordial and loving friendship.
Jesus, You showed me the way to true friendship.
Blessed is Your amazing and loving presence!
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
The Concluding Litany
Saint Bonaventure and Saint Thomas,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Dominic Savio and Saint John Bosco,
pray for me and my friends.
Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur and Sister Marie Goby,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Louis and Saint Zélie Martin,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Martin de Porres and Saint Rose of Lima,
pray for me and my friends.
All the angels and saints,
pray for me and my friends,
that we may always lead each other to holiness and heaven.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Day 6 – Holy Friendship Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy God, Mighty God,
Benevolent Creator and Lover of All Life,
I praise You and I glorify You!
Your beloved Son has called me “friend!” As I quietly come to You to contemplate the great gift of His gracious friendship with me, please calm my mind and still my body.
Bring me to a deep awareness, O my Father in Heaven, of Your presence with me right here, right now—above me, below me, behind me, before me, around me, beside me, and within me.
I lovingly thank You for Your infinite goodness to me, particularly today for the gift of Jesus’ friendship with me and for the example He has given me for my friendships with others.
I thank You for the examples the saints have given me in the ways and blessings of holy friendship.
I ask You to grant me the gift of holy friendships in my life, with individuals who will walk faithfully side by side and arm in arm with me, back to You, as we travel our pilgrim journeys on this earth together.
Amen.
Prayer
Jesus, loving companion of Your children,
You have extended Your friendship to all.
You opened Your arms without discrimination,
offering Your warmth to those seeking comfort.
Endow me with the virtue of such friendship,
to know, love, and trust all on an equal basis;
to share my kindness without favoritism,
and to be compassionate toward the destitute.
Fashion my heart to reflect Your qualities,
those befitting a cordial and loving friendship.
Jesus, You showed me the way to true friendship.
Blessed is Your amazing and loving presence!
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
The Concluding Litany
Saint Bonaventure and Saint Thomas,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Dominic Savio and Saint John Bosco,
pray for me and my friends.
Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur and Sister Marie Goby,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Louis and Saint Zélie Martin,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Martin de Porres and Saint Rose of Lima,
pray for me and my friends.
All the angels and saints,
pray for me and my friends,
that we may always lead each other to holiness and heaven.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Day 7 – Holy Friendship Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy God, Mighty God,
Benevolent Creator and Lover of All Life,
I praise You and I glorify You!
Your beloved Son has called me “friend!” As I quietly come to You to contemplate the great gift of His gracious friendship with me, please calm my mind and still my body.
Bring me to a deep awareness, O my Father in Heaven, of Your presence with me right here, right now—above me, below me, behind me, before me, around me, beside me, and within me.
I lovingly thank You for Your infinite goodness to me, particularly today for the gift of Jesus’ friendship with me and for the example He has given me for my friendships with others.
I thank You for the examples the saints have given me in the ways and blessings of holy friendship.
I ask You to grant me the gift of holy friendships in my life, with individuals who will walk faithfully side by side and arm in arm with me, back to You, as we travel our pilgrim journeys on this earth together.
Amen.
Prayer
Jesus, loving companion of Your children,
You have extended Your friendship to all.
You opened Your arms without discrimination,
offering Your warmth to those seeking comfort.
Endow me with the virtue of such friendship,
to know, love, and trust all on an equal basis;
to share my kindness without favoritism,
and to be compassionate toward the destitute.
Fashion my heart to reflect Your qualities,
those befitting a cordial and loving friendship.
Jesus, You showed me the way to true friendship.
Blessed is Your amazing and loving presence!
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
The Concluding Litany
Saint Bonaventure and Saint Thomas,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Dominic Savio and Saint John Bosco,
pray for me and my friends.
Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur and Sister Marie Goby,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Louis and Saint Zélie Martin,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Martin de Porres and Saint Rose of Lima,
pray for me and my friends.
All the angels and saints,
pray for me and my friends,
that we may always lead each other to holiness and heaven.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Day 8 – Holy Friendship Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy God, Mighty God,
Benevolent Creator and Lover of All Life,
I praise You and I glorify You!
Your beloved Son has called me “friend!” As I quietly come to You to contemplate the great gift of His gracious friendship with me, please calm my mind and still my body.
Bring me to a deep awareness, O my Father in Heaven, of Your presence with me right here, right now—above me, below me, behind me, before me, around me, beside me, and within me.
I lovingly thank You for Your infinite goodness to me, particularly today for the gift of Jesus’ friendship with me and for the example He has given me for my friendships with others.
I thank You for the examples the saints have given me in the ways and blessings of holy friendship.
I ask You to grant me the gift of holy friendships in my life, with individuals who will walk faithfully side by side and arm in arm with me, back to You, as we travel our pilgrim journeys on this earth together.
Amen.
Prayer
Jesus, loving companion of Your children,
You have extended Your friendship to all.
You opened Your arms without discrimination,
offering Your warmth to those seeking comfort.
Endow me with the virtue of such friendship,
to know, love, and trust all on an equal basis;
to share my kindness without favoritism,
and to be compassionate toward the destitute.
Fashion my heart to reflect Your qualities,
those befitting a cordial and loving friendship.
Jesus, You showed me the way to true friendship.
Blessed is Your amazing and loving presence!
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
The Concluding Litany
Saint Bonaventure and Saint Thomas,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Dominic Savio and Saint John Bosco,
pray for me and my friends.
Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur and Sister Marie Goby,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Louis and Saint Zélie Martin,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Martin de Porres and Saint Rose of Lima,
pray for me and my friends.
All the angels and saints,
pray for me and my friends,
that we may always lead each other to holiness and heaven.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Day 9 – Holy Friendship Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Holy God, Mighty God,
Benevolent Creator and Lover of All Life,
I praise You and I glorify You!
Your beloved Son has called me “friend!” As I quietly come to You to contemplate the great gift of His gracious friendship with me, please calm my mind and still my body.
Bring me to a deep awareness, O my Father in Heaven, of Your presence with me right here, right now—above me, below me, behind me, before me, around me, beside me, and within me.
I lovingly thank You for Your infinite goodness to me, particularly today for the gift of Jesus’ friendship with me and for the example He has given me for my friendships with others.
I thank You for the examples the saints have given me in the ways and blessings of holy friendship.
I ask You to grant me the gift of holy friendships in my life, with individuals who will walk faithfully side by side and arm in arm with me, back to You, as we travel our pilgrim journeys on this earth together.
Amen.
Prayer
Jesus, loving companion of Your children,
You have extended Your friendship to all.
You opened Your arms without discrimination,
offering Your warmth to those seeking comfort.
Endow me with the virtue of such friendship,
to know, love, and trust all on an equal basis;
to share my kindness without favoritism,
and to be compassionate toward the destitute.
Fashion my heart to reflect Your qualities,
those befitting a cordial and loving friendship.
Jesus, You showed me the way to true friendship.
Blessed is Your amazing and loving presence!
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
The Concluding Litany
Saint Bonaventure and Saint Thomas,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Dominic Savio and Saint John Bosco,
pray for me and my friends.
Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur and Sister Marie Goby,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Louis and Saint Zélie Martin,
pray for me and my friends.
Saint Martin de Porres and Saint Rose of Lima,
pray for me and my friends.
All the angels and saints,
pray for me and my friends,
that we may always lead each other to holiness and heaven.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.