About Saint Celestine V
Saint Celestine V (c. 1215–1296), born Pietro Angelerio, was an Italian Benedictine monk and hermit renowned for his holiness, simplicity, and love of prayer. He founded the monastic community later known as the Celestines, a branch of the Benedictine Order dedicated to a life of penance and contemplation.
Following a lengthy papal vacancy, he was unexpectedly elected Pope in 1294. Although deeply holy, he soon realized that he lacked the administrative abilities required to govern the Church effectively. After serving for only about five months, he voluntarily resigned the papacy—an extraordinary act of humility and obedience.
After his resignation, he lived in prayer and seclusion until his death. He was canonized by Pope Clement V in 1313 and is honored as a model of humility, detachment from worldly honors, and complete trust in God.
His feast day is celebrated on May 19.
What Can I Pray the St. Celestine V Novena For?
You can pray this novena for:
- Humility and freedom from pride.
- Wisdom in making important decisions.
- Discernment of God’s will.
- Trust in God’s providence.
- Courage to accept your limitations.
- The Holy Father and Church leaders.
- Priests, bishops, and religious.
- Peace of heart during major life changes.
- Growth in holiness and simplicity.
Who was St. Celestine V?
St. Celestine V was an Italian monk, hermit, founder of the Celestine Order, and Pope of the Catholic Church. He is remembered for his holiness and for voluntarily resigning the papacy out of humility and love for the Church.
When is the feast day of St. Celestine V?
The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Celestine V on May 19.
Why did St. Celestine V resign as pope?
St. Celestine V recognized that he lacked the gifts needed to govern the Church effectively. In an extraordinary act of humility, he freely resigned so that someone better suited to the office could lead the Church.
What is St. Celestine V the patron saint of?
Although St. Celestine V does not have a widely recognized official patronage, many Catholics seek his intercession for humility, discernment, wise leadership, and trust in God’s will.
What can I pray for in the St. Celestine V Novena?
You may pray for humility, wisdom, courage to make difficult decisions, freedom from pride, guidance in discerning God’s will, peace of heart, and prayers for the Pope and all Church leaders.
How do I pray the St. Celestine V Novena?
Pray the novena once each day for nine consecutive days, offering your intentions to God through the intercession of St. Celestine V. Conclude each day with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Can I pray this novena for the Pope?
Yes. Because St. Celestine V personally experienced the immense responsibilities of the papacy, this novena is especially appropriate for praying for the Holy Father, bishops, priests, and all who serve the Church.
Why should Catholics pray to St. Celestine V?
St. Celestine V reminds us that holiness is measured not by worldly success but by faithful obedience to God. His example encourages us to seek humility, embrace God’s will, and trust Him in every stage of life.
| Novena Begins: | May 10 |
| Feastday: | May 19 |
Patron Saint of Bookbinders, Aquila, Urbino, Molise, Sant’Angelo Limosano
Day 1 – St. Celestine V, Pope Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Saint Celestine V, you were chosen by God to shepherd His Church as the Successor of Saint Peter. Though your pontificate lasted only a few months, your humility and holiness shone brightly before the whole Church.
Recognizing that you were not called to govern the Church in the way the office required, you humbly resigned the papacy rather than seek honor or power for yourself. Your profound humility and sincere desire to do God’s will continue to inspire the faithful.
After your resignation, you accepted a life of obscurity and suffering, spending your remaining days in prayer, trusting completely in God’s providence. You sought neither worldly recognition nor personal glory, but only to serve Christ with a humble and obedient heart.
Pray for us, dear Saint Celestine, that we may grow in humility, seek God’s will above our own, and never desire worldly honors or positions of power.
Intercede especially for our Holy Father, the Pope, and for all who lead the Church. Obtain for them the wisdom, courage, and strength they need to faithfully shepherd God’s people. May they always be guided by the Holy Spirit and remain faithful servants of Christ.
Help us to trust God’s plan for our lives, to accept our limitations with peace, and to serve Him faithfully wherever He calls us.
Amen.
Saint Celestine V, humble pope and faithful servant of Christ, pray for us.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Celestine V, Pope Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Saint Celestine V, you were chosen by God to shepherd His Church as the Successor of Saint Peter. Though your pontificate lasted only a few months, your humility and holiness shone brightly before the whole Church.
Recognizing that you were not called to govern the Church in the way the office required, you humbly resigned the papacy rather than seek honor or power for yourself. Your profound humility and sincere desire to do God’s will continue to inspire the faithful.
After your resignation, you accepted a life of obscurity and suffering, spending your remaining days in prayer, trusting completely in God’s providence. You sought neither worldly recognition nor personal glory, but only to serve Christ with a humble and obedient heart.
Pray for us, dear Saint Celestine, that we may grow in humility, seek God’s will above our own, and never desire worldly honors or positions of power.
Intercede especially for our Holy Father, the Pope, and for all who lead the Church. Obtain for them the wisdom, courage, and strength they need to faithfully shepherd God’s people. May they always be guided by the Holy Spirit and remain faithful servants of Christ.
Help us to trust God’s plan for our lives, to accept our limitations with peace, and to serve Him faithfully wherever He calls us.
Amen.
Saint Celestine V, humble pope and faithful servant of Christ, pray for us.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Celestine V, Pope Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Saint Celestine V, you were chosen by God to shepherd His Church as the Successor of Saint Peter. Though your pontificate lasted only a few months, your humility and holiness shone brightly before the whole Church.
Recognizing that you were not called to govern the Church in the way the office required, you humbly resigned the papacy rather than seek honor or power for yourself. Your profound humility and sincere desire to do God’s will continue to inspire the faithful.
After your resignation, you accepted a life of obscurity and suffering, spending your remaining days in prayer, trusting completely in God’s providence. You sought neither worldly recognition nor personal glory, but only to serve Christ with a humble and obedient heart.
Pray for us, dear Saint Celestine, that we may grow in humility, seek God’s will above our own, and never desire worldly honors or positions of power.
Intercede especially for our Holy Father, the Pope, and for all who lead the Church. Obtain for them the wisdom, courage, and strength they need to faithfully shepherd God’s people. May they always be guided by the Holy Spirit and remain faithful servants of Christ.
Help us to trust God’s plan for our lives, to accept our limitations with peace, and to serve Him faithfully wherever He calls us.
Amen.
Saint Celestine V, humble pope and faithful servant of Christ, pray for us.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Celestine V, Pope Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Saint Celestine V, you were chosen by God to shepherd His Church as the Successor of Saint Peter. Though your pontificate lasted only a few months, your humility and holiness shone brightly before the whole Church.
Recognizing that you were not called to govern the Church in the way the office required, you humbly resigned the papacy rather than seek honor or power for yourself. Your profound humility and sincere desire to do God’s will continue to inspire the faithful.
After your resignation, you accepted a life of obscurity and suffering, spending your remaining days in prayer, trusting completely in God’s providence. You sought neither worldly recognition nor personal glory, but only to serve Christ with a humble and obedient heart.
Pray for us, dear Saint Celestine, that we may grow in humility, seek God’s will above our own, and never desire worldly honors or positions of power.
Intercede especially for our Holy Father, the Pope, and for all who lead the Church. Obtain for them the wisdom, courage, and strength they need to faithfully shepherd God’s people. May they always be guided by the Holy Spirit and remain faithful servants of Christ.
Help us to trust God’s plan for our lives, to accept our limitations with peace, and to serve Him faithfully wherever He calls us.
Amen.
Saint Celestine V, humble pope and faithful servant of Christ, pray for us.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Celestine V, Pope Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Saint Celestine V, you were chosen by God to shepherd His Church as the Successor of Saint Peter. Though your pontificate lasted only a few months, your humility and holiness shone brightly before the whole Church.
Recognizing that you were not called to govern the Church in the way the office required, you humbly resigned the papacy rather than seek honor or power for yourself. Your profound humility and sincere desire to do God’s will continue to inspire the faithful.
After your resignation, you accepted a life of obscurity and suffering, spending your remaining days in prayer, trusting completely in God’s providence. You sought neither worldly recognition nor personal glory, but only to serve Christ with a humble and obedient heart.
Pray for us, dear Saint Celestine, that we may grow in humility, seek God’s will above our own, and never desire worldly honors or positions of power.
Intercede especially for our Holy Father, the Pope, and for all who lead the Church. Obtain for them the wisdom, courage, and strength they need to faithfully shepherd God’s people. May they always be guided by the Holy Spirit and remain faithful servants of Christ.
Help us to trust God’s plan for our lives, to accept our limitations with peace, and to serve Him faithfully wherever He calls us.
Amen.
Saint Celestine V, humble pope and faithful servant of Christ, pray for us.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Celestine V, Pope Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Saint Celestine V, you were chosen by God to shepherd His Church as the Successor of Saint Peter. Though your pontificate lasted only a few months, your humility and holiness shone brightly before the whole Church.
Recognizing that you were not called to govern the Church in the way the office required, you humbly resigned the papacy rather than seek honor or power for yourself. Your profound humility and sincere desire to do God’s will continue to inspire the faithful.
After your resignation, you accepted a life of obscurity and suffering, spending your remaining days in prayer, trusting completely in God’s providence. You sought neither worldly recognition nor personal glory, but only to serve Christ with a humble and obedient heart.
Pray for us, dear Saint Celestine, that we may grow in humility, seek God’s will above our own, and never desire worldly honors or positions of power.
Intercede especially for our Holy Father, the Pope, and for all who lead the Church. Obtain for them the wisdom, courage, and strength they need to faithfully shepherd God’s people. May they always be guided by the Holy Spirit and remain faithful servants of Christ.
Help us to trust God’s plan for our lives, to accept our limitations with peace, and to serve Him faithfully wherever He calls us.
Amen.
Saint Celestine V, humble pope and faithful servant of Christ, pray for us.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Celestine V, Pope Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Saint Celestine V, you were chosen by God to shepherd His Church as the Successor of Saint Peter. Though your pontificate lasted only a few months, your humility and holiness shone brightly before the whole Church.
Recognizing that you were not called to govern the Church in the way the office required, you humbly resigned the papacy rather than seek honor or power for yourself. Your profound humility and sincere desire to do God’s will continue to inspire the faithful.
After your resignation, you accepted a life of obscurity and suffering, spending your remaining days in prayer, trusting completely in God’s providence. You sought neither worldly recognition nor personal glory, but only to serve Christ with a humble and obedient heart.
Pray for us, dear Saint Celestine, that we may grow in humility, seek God’s will above our own, and never desire worldly honors or positions of power.
Intercede especially for our Holy Father, the Pope, and for all who lead the Church. Obtain for them the wisdom, courage, and strength they need to faithfully shepherd God’s people. May they always be guided by the Holy Spirit and remain faithful servants of Christ.
Help us to trust God’s plan for our lives, to accept our limitations with peace, and to serve Him faithfully wherever He calls us.
Amen.
Saint Celestine V, humble pope and faithful servant of Christ, pray for us.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Celestine V, Pope Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Saint Celestine V, you were chosen by God to shepherd His Church as the Successor of Saint Peter. Though your pontificate lasted only a few months, your humility and holiness shone brightly before the whole Church.
Recognizing that you were not called to govern the Church in the way the office required, you humbly resigned the papacy rather than seek honor or power for yourself. Your profound humility and sincere desire to do God’s will continue to inspire the faithful.
After your resignation, you accepted a life of obscurity and suffering, spending your remaining days in prayer, trusting completely in God’s providence. You sought neither worldly recognition nor personal glory, but only to serve Christ with a humble and obedient heart.
Pray for us, dear Saint Celestine, that we may grow in humility, seek God’s will above our own, and never desire worldly honors or positions of power.
Intercede especially for our Holy Father, the Pope, and for all who lead the Church. Obtain for them the wisdom, courage, and strength they need to faithfully shepherd God’s people. May they always be guided by the Holy Spirit and remain faithful servants of Christ.
Help us to trust God’s plan for our lives, to accept our limitations with peace, and to serve Him faithfully wherever He calls us.
Amen.
Saint Celestine V, humble pope and faithful servant of Christ, pray for us.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Celestine V, Pope Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Saint Celestine V, you were chosen by God to shepherd His Church as the Successor of Saint Peter. Though your pontificate lasted only a few months, your humility and holiness shone brightly before the whole Church.
Recognizing that you were not called to govern the Church in the way the office required, you humbly resigned the papacy rather than seek honor or power for yourself. Your profound humility and sincere desire to do God’s will continue to inspire the faithful.
After your resignation, you accepted a life of obscurity and suffering, spending your remaining days in prayer, trusting completely in God’s providence. You sought neither worldly recognition nor personal glory, but only to serve Christ with a humble and obedient heart.
Pray for us, dear Saint Celestine, that we may grow in humility, seek God’s will above our own, and never desire worldly honors or positions of power.
Intercede especially for our Holy Father, the Pope, and for all who lead the Church. Obtain for them the wisdom, courage, and strength they need to faithfully shepherd God’s people. May they always be guided by the Holy Spirit and remain faithful servants of Christ.
Help us to trust God’s plan for our lives, to accept our limitations with peace, and to serve Him faithfully wherever He calls us.
Amen.
Saint Celestine V, humble pope and faithful servant of Christ, pray for us.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…