About St. Odilia of Alsace
St. Odilia of Alsace (c. 662–720), also known as St. Ottilia, was born in the region of Alsace, France, during the seventh century. According to tradition, she was born blind but miraculously received her sight at baptism. Her life became a powerful witness to God’s grace and mercy.
The daughter of Duke Adalrich of Alsace, Odilia faced many challenges during her early life. Despite opposition, she pursued a life dedicated to God and eventually founded the monastery of Hohenburg on Mount Odile, where she served as abbess. She devoted herself to prayer, caring for the poor, and serving those in need.
St. Odilia became known for her deep faith, her compassion for the suffering, and her devotion to Christ. Because of her connection with healing and sight, she is especially honored as the patron saint of the blind and those suffering from eye diseases.
Her shrine at Mount Sainte-Odile in Alsace remains an important place of pilgrimage. Her feast day is celebrated on December 13.
Who was St. Odilia?
St. Odilia was a seventh-century Christian virgin and abbess from Alsace, France. She is remembered for her faith, charity, and dedication to God, especially through her service to the poor and suffering.
What is the St. Odilia Novena for?
The St. Odilia Novena is prayed for healing, especially for eye problems and blindness, as well as for spiritual clarity, courage, faithfulness, and guidance in following God’s will.
Why is St. Odilia the patron saint of the blind?
According to tradition, St. Odilia was born blind and received her sight at baptism. Because of this connection with healing and vision, Christians have invoked her intercession for those experiencing difficulties with their eyesight.
When should I pray the St. Odilia Novena?
You may pray the novena at any time of the year. Many Catholics pray it before her feast day on December 13, but it can be offered whenever you seek her prayers and God’s grace.
What can I ask St. Odilia to pray for?
You may ask St. Odilia’s intercession for physical healing, spiritual renewal, guidance in difficult decisions, strength during suffering, and a deeper trust in God’s providence.
What can we learn from St. Odilia?
St. Odilia teaches us to trust in God’s plan, remain faithful during difficulties, serve others with compassion, and seek true spiritual vision—the ability to recognize God’s presence and love in our lives.
Where is St. Odilia especially honored?
St. Odilia is especially honored at the Mont Sainte-Odile monastery in Alsace, France, which has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries.
When is the Feast Day of St. Odilia?
The Feast of St. Odilia is celebrated on December 13. She is remembered as a faithful servant of God, a virgin abbess, and a powerful intercessor for those seeking healing and grace.
| Novena Begins: | December 4rd |
| Feast Day: | December 13th |
Patron St. of: the blind or partially sighted, Alsace, France
Day 1 – Novena to St. Odilia of Alsace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I command you: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9
Lord our God, for the glory of Your name, You gave St. Odilia the courage to offer her life in martyrdom as a witness to Christ. Through her powerful intercession, help me to know Your will and give me the strength to follow it, so that I may remain faithful to Christ until the end of my life.
If it is Your holy will, grant my special request and lead me one day to share eternal life with Christ in glory, together with St. Odilia and all the saints.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Odilia, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Novena to St. Odilia of Alsace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I command you: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9
Lord our God, for the glory of Your name, You gave St. Odilia the courage to offer her life in martyrdom as a witness to Christ. Through her powerful intercession, help me to know Your will and give me the strength to follow it, so that I may remain faithful to Christ until the end of my life.
If it is Your holy will, grant my special request and lead me one day to share eternal life with Christ in glory, together with St. Odilia and all the saints.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Odilia, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Novena to St. Odilia of Alsace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I command you: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9
Lord our God, for the glory of Your name, You gave St. Odilia the courage to offer her life in martyrdom as a witness to Christ. Through her powerful intercession, help me to know Your will and give me the strength to follow it, so that I may remain faithful to Christ until the end of my life.
If it is Your holy will, grant my special request and lead me one day to share eternal life with Christ in glory, together with St. Odilia and all the saints.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Odilia, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Novena to St. Odilia of Alsace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I command you: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9
Lord our God, for the glory of Your name, You gave St. Odilia the courage to offer her life in martyrdom as a witness to Christ. Through her powerful intercession, help me to know Your will and give me the strength to follow it, so that I may remain faithful to Christ until the end of my life.
If it is Your holy will, grant my special request and lead me one day to share eternal life with Christ in glory, together with St. Odilia and all the saints.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Odilia, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Novena to St. Odilia of Alsace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I command you: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9
Lord our God, for the glory of Your name, You gave St. Odilia the courage to offer her life in martyrdom as a witness to Christ. Through her powerful intercession, help me to know Your will and give me the strength to follow it, so that I may remain faithful to Christ until the end of my life.
If it is Your holy will, grant my special request and lead me one day to share eternal life with Christ in glory, together with St. Odilia and all the saints.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Odilia, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Novena to St. Odilia of Alsace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I command you: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9
Lord our God, for the glory of Your name, You gave St. Odilia the courage to offer her life in martyrdom as a witness to Christ. Through her powerful intercession, help me to know Your will and give me the strength to follow it, so that I may remain faithful to Christ until the end of my life.
If it is Your holy will, grant my special request and lead me one day to share eternal life with Christ in glory, together with St. Odilia and all the saints.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Odilia, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Novena to St. Odilia of Alsace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I command you: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9
Lord our God, for the glory of Your name, You gave St. Odilia the courage to offer her life in martyrdom as a witness to Christ. Through her powerful intercession, help me to know Your will and give me the strength to follow it, so that I may remain faithful to Christ until the end of my life.
If it is Your holy will, grant my special request and lead me one day to share eternal life with Christ in glory, together with St. Odilia and all the saints.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Odilia, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Novena to St. Odilia of Alsace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I command you: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9
Lord our God, for the glory of Your name, You gave St. Odilia the courage to offer her life in martyrdom as a witness to Christ. Through her powerful intercession, help me to know Your will and give me the strength to follow it, so that I may remain faithful to Christ until the end of my life.
If it is Your holy will, grant my special request and lead me one day to share eternal life with Christ in glory, together with St. Odilia and all the saints.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Odilia, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Novena to St. Odilia of Alsace
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I command you: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9
Lord our God, for the glory of Your name, You gave St. Odilia the courage to offer her life in martyrdom as a witness to Christ. Through her powerful intercession, help me to know Your will and give me the strength to follow it, so that I may remain faithful to Christ until the end of my life.
If it is Your holy will, grant my special request and lead me one day to share eternal life with Christ in glory, together with St. Odilia and all the saints.
I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Odilia, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…