About the Novena for Priests
The Novena for Priests is a beautiful Catholic devotion that invites the faithful to pray for the sanctification of priests and for an increase in holy vocations. Throughout the Church’s history, priests have been entrusted with preaching the Gospel, celebrating the Holy Eucharist, administering the Sacraments, and caring for the spiritual needs of God’s people.
Jesus Himself called His disciples to pray for laborers in His harvest (Matthew 9:38). By praying this novena, we ask the Lord to strengthen priests with wisdom, fidelity, humility, and zeal, so that they may faithfully serve His Church.
This novena is especially fitting before the feast of Saint John Vianney on August 4, during the annual World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, on Holy Thursday, or at any time throughout the year when praying for priests and seminarians.
Why should I pray the Novena for Priests?
Priests dedicate their lives to serving Christ and His Church through the celebration of the Sacraments, preaching the Gospel, and caring for God’s people. This novena asks God to strengthen them in holiness, wisdom, courage, and perseverance.
What can I pray for during this novena?
You may pray for:
- Holiness of priests
- Protection from temptation
- Strength and perseverance
- Wisdom in ministry
- Healing and encouragement
- An increase in priestly vocations
- Your parish priest or a specific priest by name
When should I pray the Novena for Priests?
This novena may be prayed at any time during the year. It is especially appropriate:
- Before the feast of Saint John Vianney (August 4)
- Before ordinations
- During Holy Thursday
- During Eucharistic Adoration
- Whenever priests are especially in need of prayer
Who is the patron saint of parish priests?
Saint John Vianney, also known as the Curé of Ars, is the patron saint of parish priests. His life of prayer, humility, and tireless ministry continues to inspire priests around the world.
Why do Catholics pray for priests?
Catholics pray for priests because they have a unique mission in the Church to celebrate the Sacraments, proclaim God’s Word, and shepherd the faithful. Prayer supports them in remaining faithful to their vocation and strengthens them in their service to Christ.
Does the Bible encourage praying for Church leaders?
Yes. Sacred Scripture encourages Christians to pray for one another and especially for those entrusted with leadership in the Church. Praying for priests is an important way to support those who dedicate their lives to serving God’s people.
| Novena Begins: | July 26 |
| Feast Day: | August 4 |
Day 1 – Novena For Priests
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, You have entrusted Your Church to the care of Your priests. Pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon them, that they may faithfully preach Your Gospel, celebrate the Holy Sacraments with reverence, and lead Your people with wisdom, humility, and love.
Strengthen them in times of trial, keep them faithful to their sacred vocation, and fill them with zeal for the salvation of souls. May they always be united to You in prayer and become holy shepherds after Your own Heart.
Holy Mary, Mother of Priests, intercede for them.
Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, pray for them.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend them.
Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, pray for them.
I also ask You to grant the intention I now place before You:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord Jesus, bless all priests with holiness, courage, and perseverance, and raise up many generous vocations to serve Your Church.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Novena For Priests
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, You have entrusted Your Church to the care of Your priests. Pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon them, that they may faithfully preach Your Gospel, celebrate the Holy Sacraments with reverence, and lead Your people with wisdom, humility, and love.
Strengthen them in times of trial, keep them faithful to their sacred vocation, and fill them with zeal for the salvation of souls. May they always be united to You in prayer and become holy shepherds after Your own Heart.
Holy Mary, Mother of Priests, intercede for them.
Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, pray for them.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend them.
Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, pray for them.
I also ask You to grant the intention I now place before You:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord Jesus, bless all priests with holiness, courage, and perseverance, and raise up many generous vocations to serve Your Church.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Novena For Priests
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, You have entrusted Your Church to the care of Your priests. Pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon them, that they may faithfully preach Your Gospel, celebrate the Holy Sacraments with reverence, and lead Your people with wisdom, humility, and love.
Strengthen them in times of trial, keep them faithful to their sacred vocation, and fill them with zeal for the salvation of souls. May they always be united to You in prayer and become holy shepherds after Your own Heart.
Holy Mary, Mother of Priests, intercede for them.
Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, pray for them.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend them.
Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, pray for them.
I also ask You to grant the intention I now place before You:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord Jesus, bless all priests with holiness, courage, and perseverance, and raise up many generous vocations to serve Your Church.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Novena For Priests
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, You have entrusted Your Church to the care of Your priests. Pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon them, that they may faithfully preach Your Gospel, celebrate the Holy Sacraments with reverence, and lead Your people with wisdom, humility, and love.
Strengthen them in times of trial, keep them faithful to their sacred vocation, and fill them with zeal for the salvation of souls. May they always be united to You in prayer and become holy shepherds after Your own Heart.
Holy Mary, Mother of Priests, intercede for them.
Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, pray for them.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend them.
Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, pray for them.
I also ask You to grant the intention I now place before You:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord Jesus, bless all priests with holiness, courage, and perseverance, and raise up many generous vocations to serve Your Church.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Novena For Priests
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, You have entrusted Your Church to the care of Your priests. Pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon them, that they may faithfully preach Your Gospel, celebrate the Holy Sacraments with reverence, and lead Your people with wisdom, humility, and love.
Strengthen them in times of trial, keep them faithful to their sacred vocation, and fill them with zeal for the salvation of souls. May they always be united to You in prayer and become holy shepherds after Your own Heart.
Holy Mary, Mother of Priests, intercede for them.
Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, pray for them.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend them.
Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, pray for them.
I also ask You to grant the intention I now place before You:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord Jesus, bless all priests with holiness, courage, and perseverance, and raise up many generous vocations to serve Your Church.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Novena For Priests
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, You have entrusted Your Church to the care of Your priests. Pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon them, that they may faithfully preach Your Gospel, celebrate the Holy Sacraments with reverence, and lead Your people with wisdom, humility, and love.
Strengthen them in times of trial, keep them faithful to their sacred vocation, and fill them with zeal for the salvation of souls. May they always be united to You in prayer and become holy shepherds after Your own Heart.
Holy Mary, Mother of Priests, intercede for them.
Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, pray for them.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend them.
Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, pray for them.
I also ask You to grant the intention I now place before You:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord Jesus, bless all priests with holiness, courage, and perseverance, and raise up many generous vocations to serve Your Church.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Novena For Priests
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, You have entrusted Your Church to the care of Your priests. Pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon them, that they may faithfully preach Your Gospel, celebrate the Holy Sacraments with reverence, and lead Your people with wisdom, humility, and love.
Strengthen them in times of trial, keep them faithful to their sacred vocation, and fill them with zeal for the salvation of souls. May they always be united to You in prayer and become holy shepherds after Your own Heart.
Holy Mary, Mother of Priests, intercede for them.
Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, pray for them.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend them.
Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, pray for them.
I also ask You to grant the intention I now place before You:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord Jesus, bless all priests with holiness, courage, and perseverance, and raise up many generous vocations to serve Your Church.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Novena For Priests
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, You have entrusted Your Church to the care of Your priests. Pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon them, that they may faithfully preach Your Gospel, celebrate the Holy Sacraments with reverence, and lead Your people with wisdom, humility, and love.
Strengthen them in times of trial, keep them faithful to their sacred vocation, and fill them with zeal for the salvation of souls. May they always be united to You in prayer and become holy shepherds after Your own Heart.
Holy Mary, Mother of Priests, intercede for them.
Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, pray for them.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend them.
Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, pray for them.
I also ask You to grant the intention I now place before You:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord Jesus, bless all priests with holiness, courage, and perseverance, and raise up many generous vocations to serve Your Church.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Novena For Priests
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, You have entrusted Your Church to the care of Your priests. Pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon them, that they may faithfully preach Your Gospel, celebrate the Holy Sacraments with reverence, and lead Your people with wisdom, humility, and love.
Strengthen them in times of trial, keep them faithful to their sacred vocation, and fill them with zeal for the salvation of souls. May they always be united to You in prayer and become holy shepherds after Your own Heart.
Holy Mary, Mother of Priests, intercede for them.
Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, pray for them.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend them.
Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, pray for them.
I also ask You to grant the intention I now place before You:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord Jesus, bless all priests with holiness, courage, and perseverance, and raise up many generous vocations to serve Your Church.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
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