About the Novena of Grace
The Novena of Grace in honor of St. Francis Xavier is one of the oldest and most beloved novenas in the Catholic Church. It became especially popular through the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and has been prayed by countless faithful seeking the saint’s powerful intercession.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux had a deep devotion to St. Francis Xavier and prayed this ancient novena several times. Her letters suggest that she prayed it in 1888 (Letter 43) and again in 1897, when she asked for the grace to “spend my heaven in doing good upon earth” (Letter 221)—a desire that became one of the defining themes of her spirituality.
St. Francis Xavier (1506–1552), one of the first companions of St. Ignatius of Loyola, spent approximately ten years as a missionary in India, Southeast Asia, and Japan, bringing the Gospel to countless people through his tireless preaching, charity, and unwavering faith. He is honored as one of the greatest missionaries in the history of the Catholic Church.
The Promise Associated with the Novena of Grace
According to a long-standing Jesuit tradition, St. Francis Xavier appeared to Father Marcello Mastrilli, S.J. (1603–1637), who had been gravely injured. During the apparition, the saint promised his special intercession for those who would faithfully pray this novena.
The traditional promise reads:
“All those who implore my help daily for nine consecutive days, from the 4th to the 12th of March inclusive, and worthily receive the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist on one of the nine days, will experience my protection and may confidently hope to obtain from God any grace they ask, provided it is for the good of their souls and the greater glory of God.”
Because of this promise, the novena is traditionally prayed each year from March 4 through March 12, although many Catholics also pray it at other times whenever they seek St. Francis Xavier’s powerful intercession.
What is the Novena of Grace?
The Novena of Grace is a traditional nine-day Catholic devotion dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, one of the Church’s greatest missionaries. Through this novena, the faithful ask God for spiritual and temporal blessings while seeking the powerful intercession of St. Francis Xavier.
Why is it called the Novena of Grace?
The devotion is known as the Novena of Grace because countless Catholics have experienced God’s blessings while praying it with faith. The title also reflects the long-standing tradition associated with St. Francis Xavier’s promise of special intercession for those who faithfully complete the novena and receive the Sacraments.
When is the Novena of Grace prayed?
The novena is traditionally prayed each year from March 4 through March 12 also can be prayed November 25 through December 3. These dates commemorate the devotion’s historical origins and have been observed by Catholics for centuries. However, the novena may also be prayed at any time of the year whenever a special intention or need arises.
What is the promise associated with the Novena of Grace?
According to Jesuit tradition, St. Francis Xavier promised his special intercession for those who pray the novena for nine consecutive days, receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist during the novena, and ask for a favor that is in accordance with God’s will and for the good of their soul.
Who was Father Marcello Mastrilli?
Father Marcello Mastrilli was a Jesuit priest from Italy who had a deep devotion to St. Francis Xavier. After suffering a serious injury, he prayed for the saint’s intercession and experienced a remarkable recovery. His testimony helped spread the Novena of Grace throughout the Catholic world.
Did St. Thérèse of Lisieux pray the Novena of Grace?
Yes. St. Thérèse of Lisieux had a special devotion to St. Francis Xavier and prayed the Novena of Grace more than once. In one of her final letters, she asked through his intercession for the grace to “spend my heaven doing good upon earth,” a desire that became one of the defining themes of her spiritual life.
What intentions can I bring to the Novena of Grace?
You may pray the Novena of Grace for any intention that is pleasing to God. Many people ask for stronger faith, conversion of loved ones, healing, guidance in difficult decisions, missionary zeal, protection during travel, perseverance in trials, or the grace to grow in holiness.
Why is St. Francis Xavier an important saint?
St. Francis Xavier is remembered as one of the greatest missionaries in Christian history. During his missionary journeys throughout Asia, he proclaimed the Gospel, baptized thousands, and established Christian communities. His life continues to inspire Catholics to share Christ with courage, charity, and unwavering faith.
When is the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier?
The Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis Xavier each year on December 3. He is honored as the Patron Saint of Catholic Missions, missionaries, and those dedicated to spreading the Gospel throughout the world.
| Novena Begins: | November 25 / March 4 |
| Feast Day: | December 3 / March 12 |
Day 1 – Novena of Grace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O most kind St. Francis Xavier, full of charity, I respectfully adore the Divine Majesty with you. Rejoicing in the singular graces God bestowed upon you during your earthly life and in the glory He has granted you in heaven, I give heartfelt thanks to God for His wonderful gifts to you.
With all my heart, I ask you to obtain for me, through your efficacious intercession, the principal grace of living a holy life and dying a holy death. I also humbly ask you to obtain for me the following favor:
(Mention your request here…)
If what I ask is not for the greater glory of God and the good of my soul, please obtain for me instead the grace that will be most pleasing to God and most beneficial for my salvation.
Amen.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Novena of Grace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O most kind St. Francis Xavier, full of charity, I respectfully adore the Divine Majesty with you. Rejoicing in the singular graces God bestowed upon you during your earthly life and in the glory He has granted you in heaven, I give heartfelt thanks to God for His wonderful gifts to you.
With all my heart, I ask you to obtain for me, through your efficacious intercession, the principal grace of living a holy life and dying a holy death. I also humbly ask you to obtain for me the following favor:
(Mention your request here…)
If what I ask is not for the greater glory of God and the good of my soul, please obtain for me instead the grace that will be most pleasing to God and most beneficial for my salvation.
Amen.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Novena of Grace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O most kind St. Francis Xavier, full of charity, I respectfully adore the Divine Majesty with you. Rejoicing in the singular graces God bestowed upon you during your earthly life and in the glory He has granted you in heaven, I give heartfelt thanks to God for His wonderful gifts to you.
With all my heart, I ask you to obtain for me, through your efficacious intercession, the principal grace of living a holy life and dying a holy death. I also humbly ask you to obtain for me the following favor:
(Mention your request here…)
If what I ask is not for the greater glory of God and the good of my soul, please obtain for me instead the grace that will be most pleasing to God and most beneficial for my salvation.
Amen.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Novena of Grace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O most kind St. Francis Xavier, full of charity, I respectfully adore the Divine Majesty with you. Rejoicing in the singular graces God bestowed upon you during your earthly life and in the glory He has granted you in heaven, I give heartfelt thanks to God for His wonderful gifts to you.
With all my heart, I ask you to obtain for me, through your efficacious intercession, the principal grace of living a holy life and dying a holy death. I also humbly ask you to obtain for me the following favor:
(Mention your request here…)
If what I ask is not for the greater glory of God and the good of my soul, please obtain for me instead the grace that will be most pleasing to God and most beneficial for my salvation.
Amen.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Novena of Grace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O most kind St. Francis Xavier, full of charity, I respectfully adore the Divine Majesty with you. Rejoicing in the singular graces God bestowed upon you during your earthly life and in the glory He has granted you in heaven, I give heartfelt thanks to God for His wonderful gifts to you.
With all my heart, I ask you to obtain for me, through your efficacious intercession, the principal grace of living a holy life and dying a holy death. I also humbly ask you to obtain for me the following favor:
(Mention your request here…)
If what I ask is not for the greater glory of God and the good of my soul, please obtain for me instead the grace that will be most pleasing to God and most beneficial for my salvation.
Amen.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Novena of Grace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O most kind St. Francis Xavier, full of charity, I respectfully adore the Divine Majesty with you. Rejoicing in the singular graces God bestowed upon you during your earthly life and in the glory He has granted you in heaven, I give heartfelt thanks to God for His wonderful gifts to you.
With all my heart, I ask you to obtain for me, through your efficacious intercession, the principal grace of living a holy life and dying a holy death. I also humbly ask you to obtain for me the following favor:
(Mention your request here…)
If what I ask is not for the greater glory of God and the good of my soul, please obtain for me instead the grace that will be most pleasing to God and most beneficial for my salvation.
Amen.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Novena of Grace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O most kind St. Francis Xavier, full of charity, I respectfully adore the Divine Majesty with you. Rejoicing in the singular graces God bestowed upon you during your earthly life and in the glory He has granted you in heaven, I give heartfelt thanks to God for His wonderful gifts to you.
With all my heart, I ask you to obtain for me, through your efficacious intercession, the principal grace of living a holy life and dying a holy death. I also humbly ask you to obtain for me the following favor:
(Mention your request here…)
If what I ask is not for the greater glory of God and the good of my soul, please obtain for me instead the grace that will be most pleasing to God and most beneficial for my salvation.
Amen.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Novena of Grace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O most kind St. Francis Xavier, full of charity, I respectfully adore the Divine Majesty with you. Rejoicing in the singular graces God bestowed upon you during your earthly life and in the glory He has granted you in heaven, I give heartfelt thanks to God for His wonderful gifts to you.
With all my heart, I ask you to obtain for me, through your efficacious intercession, the principal grace of living a holy life and dying a holy death. I also humbly ask you to obtain for me the following favor:
(Mention your request here…)
If what I ask is not for the greater glory of God and the good of my soul, please obtain for me instead the grace that will be most pleasing to God and most beneficial for my salvation.
Amen.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Novena of GraceLet us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O most kind St. Francis Xavier, full of charity, I respectfully adore the Divine Majesty with you. Rejoicing in the singular graces God bestowed upon you during your earthly life and in the glory He has granted you in heaven, I give heartfelt thanks to God for His wonderful gifts to you.
With all my heart, I ask you to obtain for me, through your efficacious intercession, the principal grace of living a holy life and dying a holy death. I also humbly ask you to obtain for me the following favor:
(Mention your request here…)
If what I ask is not for the greater glory of God and the good of my soul, please obtain for me instead the grace that will be most pleasing to God and most beneficial for my salvation.
Amen.
St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…