About St. Louis
St. Louis IX (1214–1270), commonly known as St. Louis, King of France, became king at the age of twelve under the guidance of his mother, Queen Blanche of Castile. Throughout his reign, he sought to govern with justice, mercy, and deep Christian faith, becoming one of the most admired monarchs in history.
Known for his daily prayer, care for the poor, and commitment to peace, St. Louis personally served those in need and encouraged the practice of charity throughout his kingdom. He also supported the Church, promoted justice, and sought to rule according to the teachings of Christ.
St. Louis was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis, embracing Franciscan spirituality while fulfilling his duties as king. His life demonstrated that holiness is possible in every vocation, including public leadership and family life. He died in 1270 while on crusade and was canonized in 1297 by Pope Boniface VIII. His feast day is celebrated on August 25.
Why Pray the St. Louis Novena?
- To grow in holiness and virtue
- To seek wisdom in leadership and decision-making
- To pray for Christian families
- To ask for humility and generosity
- To grow in faith while serving others
- To seek justice, peace, and charity
- To entrust your personal intentions to God through St. Louis’ intercession
Who was St. Louis?
St. Louis IX was the King of France from 1226 to 1270. He is remembered as a holy ruler who governed with justice, cared deeply for the poor, and lived a life of prayer and charity.
What is St. Louis the patron saint of?
St. Louis is the patron saint of the Third Order of St. Francis, French monarchs, fathers, builders, and those in public service and leadership.
Why is St. Louis important in the Catholic Church?
St. Louis showed that political leadership and deep holiness can go hand in hand. His life of justice, humility, and service to the poor continues to inspire Catholics around the world.
What can I pray for in the St. Louis Novena?
You may pray for wisdom, holy leadership, family life, justice, humility, perseverance, success in serving others, or any personal intention.
When should I pray the St. Louis Novena?
You may pray the novena at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it on August 16 so that it concludes on St. Louis’ feast day, August 25.
How long is the St. Louis Novena?
The St. Louis Novena is prayed for nine consecutive days, asking God to hear your prayers through the intercession of St. Louis.
Can I pray the St. Louis Novena for someone else?
Yes. You may offer this novena for your family, friends, public leaders, clergy, or anyone in need of wisdom, justice, and God’s grace.
| Novena Begins: | August 16 |
| Feast Day: | August 25 |
Patron Saint of Third Order of St. Francis, France, French monarchy; hairdressers
Day 1: Novena to St. Louis IX, King of France
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy King St. Louis, worthy son of our Holy Father St. Francis and patron of the Third Order, intercede for me with our Heavenly Father.
Obtain for me the grace to follow in thy footsteps, to be always a dutiful child of St. Francis, and to observe faithfully, all the days of my life, the holy Rule which thou didst love so ardently and keep so faithfully.
Be my guide and protector, so that I may never stray from the path of virtue, but may increase daily in holiness and perfection, and finally merit to be numbered among the chosen ones of our Seraphic Father in Heaven.
Amen.
O God, who didst exalt blessed Louis, Thy Confessor, from an earthly realm to the glory of Thy heavenly Kingdom, grant, we pray Thee, that by his merits and intercession we may be made heirs of the King of Kings, Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 2: Novena to St. Louis IX, King of France
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy King St. Louis, worthy son of our Holy Father St. Francis and patron of the Third Order, intercede for me with our Heavenly Father.
Obtain for me the grace to follow in thy footsteps, to be always a dutiful child of St. Francis, and to observe faithfully, all the days of my life, the holy Rule which thou didst love so ardently and keep so faithfully.
Be my guide and protector, so that I may never stray from the path of virtue, but may increase daily in holiness and perfection, and finally merit to be numbered among the chosen ones of our Seraphic Father in Heaven.
Amen.
O God, who didst exalt blessed Louis, Thy Confessor, from an earthly realm to the glory of Thy heavenly Kingdom, grant, we pray Thee, that by his merits and intercession we may be made heirs of the King of Kings, Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 3: Novena to St. Louis IX, King of France
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy King St. Louis, worthy son of our Holy Father St. Francis and patron of the Third Order, intercede for me with our Heavenly Father.
Obtain for me the grace to follow in thy footsteps, to be always a dutiful child of St. Francis, and to observe faithfully, all the days of my life, the holy Rule which thou didst love so ardently and keep so faithfully.
Be my guide and protector, so that I may never stray from the path of virtue, but may increase daily in holiness and perfection, and finally merit to be numbered among the chosen ones of our Seraphic Father in Heaven.
Amen.
O God, who didst exalt blessed Louis, Thy Confessor, from an earthly realm to the glory of Thy heavenly Kingdom, grant, we pray Thee, that by his merits and intercession we may be made heirs of the King of Kings, Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 4: Novena to St. Louis IX, King of France
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy King St. Louis, worthy son of our Holy Father St. Francis and patron of the Third Order, intercede for me with our Heavenly Father.
Obtain for me the grace to follow in thy footsteps, to be always a dutiful child of St. Francis, and to observe faithfully, all the days of my life, the holy Rule which thou didst love so ardently and keep so faithfully.
Be my guide and protector, so that I may never stray from the path of virtue, but may increase daily in holiness and perfection, and finally merit to be numbered among the chosen ones of our Seraphic Father in Heaven.
Amen.
O God, who didst exalt blessed Louis, Thy Confessor, from an earthly realm to the glory of Thy heavenly Kingdom, grant, we pray Thee, that by his merits and intercession we may be made heirs of the King of Kings, Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 5: Novena to St. Louis IX, King of France
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy King St. Louis, worthy son of our Holy Father St. Francis and patron of the Third Order, intercede for me with our Heavenly Father.
Obtain for me the grace to follow in thy footsteps, to be always a dutiful child of St. Francis, and to observe faithfully, all the days of my life, the holy Rule which thou didst love so ardently and keep so faithfully.
Be my guide and protector, so that I may never stray from the path of virtue, but may increase daily in holiness and perfection, and finally merit to be numbered among the chosen ones of our Seraphic Father in Heaven.
Amen.
O God, who didst exalt blessed Louis, Thy Confessor, from an earthly realm to the glory of Thy heavenly Kingdom, grant, we pray Thee, that by his merits and intercession we may be made heirs of the King of Kings, Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 6: Novena to St. Louis IX, King of France
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy King St. Louis, worthy son of our Holy Father St. Francis and patron of the Third Order, intercede for me with our Heavenly Father.
Obtain for me the grace to follow in thy footsteps, to be always a dutiful child of St. Francis, and to observe faithfully, all the days of my life, the holy Rule which thou didst love so ardently and keep so faithfully.
Be my guide and protector, so that I may never stray from the path of virtue, but may increase daily in holiness and perfection, and finally merit to be numbered among the chosen ones of our Seraphic Father in Heaven.
Amen.
O God, who didst exalt blessed Louis, Thy Confessor, from an earthly realm to the glory of Thy heavenly Kingdom, grant, we pray Thee, that by his merits and intercession we may be made heirs of the King of Kings, Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 7: Novena to St. Louis IX, King of France
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy King St. Louis, worthy son of our Holy Father St. Francis and patron of the Third Order, intercede for me with our Heavenly Father.
Obtain for me the grace to follow in thy footsteps, to be always a dutiful child of St. Francis, and to observe faithfully, all the days of my life, the holy Rule which thou didst love so ardently and keep so faithfully.
Be my guide and protector, so that I may never stray from the path of virtue, but may increase daily in holiness and perfection, and finally merit to be numbered among the chosen ones of our Seraphic Father in Heaven.
Amen.
O God, who didst exalt blessed Louis, Thy Confessor, from an earthly realm to the glory of Thy heavenly Kingdom, grant, we pray Thee, that by his merits and intercession we may be made heirs of the King of Kings, Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 8: Novena to St. Louis IX, King of France
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy King St. Louis, worthy son of our Holy Father St. Francis and patron of the Third Order, intercede for me with our Heavenly Father.
Obtain for me the grace to follow in thy footsteps, to be always a dutiful child of St. Francis, and to observe faithfully, all the days of my life, the holy Rule which thou didst love so ardently and keep so faithfully.
Be my guide and protector, so that I may never stray from the path of virtue, but may increase daily in holiness and perfection, and finally merit to be numbered among the chosen ones of our Seraphic Father in Heaven.
Amen.
O God, who didst exalt blessed Louis, Thy Confessor, from an earthly realm to the glory of Thy heavenly Kingdom, grant, we pray Thee, that by his merits and intercession we may be made heirs of the King of Kings, Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 9: Novena to St. Louis IX, King of France
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy King St. Louis, worthy son of our Holy Father St. Francis and patron of the Third Order, intercede for me with our Heavenly Father.
Obtain for me the grace to follow in thy footsteps, to be always a dutiful child of St. Francis, and to observe faithfully, all the days of my life, the holy Rule which thou didst love so ardently and keep so faithfully.
Be my guide and protector, so that I may never stray from the path of virtue, but may increase daily in holiness and perfection, and finally merit to be numbered among the chosen ones of our Seraphic Father in Heaven.
Amen.
O God, who didst exalt blessed Louis, Thy Confessor, from an earthly realm to the glory of Thy heavenly Kingdom, grant, we pray Thee, that by his merits and intercession we may be made heirs of the King of Kings, Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
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