About St. Titus Brandsma
Saint Titus Brandsma was born Anno Sjoerd Brandsma in 1881 in Bolsward. He entered the Carmelite Order as a young man, taking the name Titus, and was ordained a priest in 1905. A gifted scholar, journalist, and professor, he became known for his deep spirituality, intellectual brilliance, and unwavering commitment to the truth.
During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Fr. Titus courageously defended the freedom of the Catholic press and opposed the spread of Nazi ideology. Because of his refusal to cooperate with injustice, he was arrested in 1942 and imprisoned in several camps before being transferred to the Dachau concentration camp.
Even amid persecution and suffering, St. Titus remained a witness to Christ’s love, showing kindness and forgiveness to everyone he met, including his captors. He died in Dachau on July 26, 1942, after receiving a lethal injection.
Pope Francis canonized him in 2022. Today, St. Titus Brandsma is remembered as a fearless defender of truth, religious freedom, and human dignity, inspiring Catholics to remain faithful to Christ in every circumstance.
Who was Saint Titus Brandsma?
St. Titus Brandsma was a Dutch Carmelite priest, professor, journalist, and martyr who courageously defended the Catholic faith and freedom of the press during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
What is St. Titus Brandsma the patron saint of?
Although he has no officially designated universal patronage, he is widely invoked by:
- Journalists
- Catholic writers
- Carmelite communities
- Those suffering persecution
- Defenders of religious freedom
- People seeking courage to stand for the truth
What do people pray for in the St. Titus Brandsma Novena?
Many Catholics pray this novena for:
- Courage to live the Gospel
- Strength during persecution or hardship
- Perseverance in faith
- Wisdom to defend truth with charity
- Forgiveness toward enemies
- Peace and trust in God’s providence
When is the feast day of Saint Titus Brandsma?
His feast day is celebrated on July 27.
Why should I pray the St. Titus Brandsma Novena?
The St. Titus Brandsma Novena is a beautiful way to seek his intercession for courage, fidelity, and perseverance. His witness reminds us to stand firm in the truth, defend the dignity of every person, and respond to hatred with Christian love and forgiveness.
| Novena Begins: | July 18 |
| Feast Day: | July 27 |
Patron Saint of Catholic Journalists, Friesland
Day 1: Novena to St. Titus Brandsma
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God,
Your servant Saint Titus Brandsma labored zealously in Your vineyard and freely gave his life because of his faith in You.
Through his intercession, I ask for Your mercy and help.
Heavenly Father, Saint Titus never refused those who sought his help. In his name, I come before You with my needs:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord, help me always to imitate the great faith, generous love, and burning zeal of Saint Titus Brandsma.
May my life glorify You in all things, and through the example and intercession of Saint Titus, draw me ever closer to Your Son.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of Carmel, pray for us.
Saint Titus Brandsma, Carmelite and Martyr, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 2: Novena to St. Titus Brandsma
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God,
Your servant Saint Titus Brandsma labored zealously in Your vineyard and freely gave his life because of his faith in You.
Through his intercession, I ask for Your mercy and help.
Heavenly Father, Saint Titus never refused those who sought his help. In his name, I come before You with my needs:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord, help me always to imitate the great faith, generous love, and burning zeal of Saint Titus Brandsma.
May my life glorify You in all things, and through the example and intercession of Saint Titus, draw me ever closer to Your Son.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of Carmel, pray for us.
Saint Titus Brandsma, Carmelite and Martyr, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 3: Novena to St. Titus Brandsma
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God,
Your servant Saint Titus Brandsma labored zealously in Your vineyard and freely gave his life because of his faith in You.
Through his intercession, I ask for Your mercy and help.
Heavenly Father, Saint Titus never refused those who sought his help. In his name, I come before You with my needs:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord, help me always to imitate the great faith, generous love, and burning zeal of Saint Titus Brandsma.
May my life glorify You in all things, and through the example and intercession of Saint Titus, draw me ever closer to Your Son.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of Carmel, pray for us.
Saint Titus Brandsma, Carmelite and Martyr, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 4: Novena to St. Titus Brandsma
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God,
Your servant Saint Titus Brandsma labored zealously in Your vineyard and freely gave his life because of his faith in You.
Through his intercession, I ask for Your mercy and help.
Heavenly Father, Saint Titus never refused those who sought his help. In his name, I come before You with my needs:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord, help me always to imitate the great faith, generous love, and burning zeal of Saint Titus Brandsma.
May my life glorify You in all things, and through the example and intercession of Saint Titus, draw me ever closer to Your Son.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of Carmel, pray for us.
Saint Titus Brandsma, Carmelite and Martyr, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 5: Novena to St. Titus Brandsma
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God,
Your servant Saint Titus Brandsma labored zealously in Your vineyard and freely gave his life because of his faith in You.
Through his intercession, I ask for Your mercy and help.
Heavenly Father, Saint Titus never refused those who sought his help. In his name, I come before You with my needs:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord, help me always to imitate the great faith, generous love, and burning zeal of Saint Titus Brandsma.
May my life glorify You in all things, and through the example and intercession of Saint Titus, draw me ever closer to Your Son.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of Carmel, pray for us.
Saint Titus Brandsma, Carmelite and Martyr, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 6: Novena to St. Titus Brandsma
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God,
Your servant Saint Titus Brandsma labored zealously in Your vineyard and freely gave his life because of his faith in You.
Through his intercession, I ask for Your mercy and help.
Heavenly Father, Saint Titus never refused those who sought his help. In his name, I come before You with my needs:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord, help me always to imitate the great faith, generous love, and burning zeal of Saint Titus Brandsma.
May my life glorify You in all things, and through the example and intercession of Saint Titus, draw me ever closer to Your Son.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of Carmel, pray for us.
Saint Titus Brandsma, Carmelite and Martyr, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 7: Novena to St. Titus Brandsma
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God,
Your servant Saint Titus Brandsma labored zealously in Your vineyard and freely gave his life because of his faith in You.
Through his intercession, I ask for Your mercy and help.
Heavenly Father, Saint Titus never refused those who sought his help. In his name, I come before You with my needs:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord, help me always to imitate the great faith, generous love, and burning zeal of Saint Titus Brandsma.
May my life glorify You in all things, and through the example and intercession of Saint Titus, draw me ever closer to Your Son.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of Carmel, pray for us.
Saint Titus Brandsma, Carmelite and Martyr, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 8: Novena to St. Titus Brandsma
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God,
Your servant Saint Titus Brandsma labored zealously in Your vineyard and freely gave his life because of his faith in You.
Through his intercession, I ask for Your mercy and help.
Heavenly Father, Saint Titus never refused those who sought his help. In his name, I come before You with my needs:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord, help me always to imitate the great faith, generous love, and burning zeal of Saint Titus Brandsma.
May my life glorify You in all things, and through the example and intercession of Saint Titus, draw me ever closer to Your Son.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of Carmel, pray for us.
Saint Titus Brandsma, Carmelite and Martyr, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 9: Novena to St. Titus Brandsma
Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving God,
Your servant Saint Titus Brandsma labored zealously in Your vineyard and freely gave his life because of his faith in You.
Through his intercession, I ask for Your mercy and help.
Heavenly Father, Saint Titus never refused those who sought his help. In his name, I come before You with my needs:
(Mention your request here…)
Lord, help me always to imitate the great faith, generous love, and burning zeal of Saint Titus Brandsma.
May my life glorify You in all things, and through the example and intercession of Saint Titus, draw me ever closer to Your Son.
Amen.
Mary, Mother of Carmel, pray for us.
Saint Titus Brandsma, Carmelite and Martyr, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…