About St. John of Avila
St. John of Avila (1499–1569) was a Spanish priest, preacher, mystic, and spiritual writer whose holiness transformed countless lives during the Catholic Reformation.
After discerning his vocation to the priesthood, he dedicated himself entirely to preaching Christ with humility, charity, and unwavering fidelity to the Catholic faith. His sermons inspired widespread conversion, and he became a trusted spiritual director to many saints, including St. Teresa of Ávila, St. John of God, St. Francis Borgia, and St. John of the Cross.
St. John of Avila also played a vital role in the formation of priests, emphasizing holiness, sound doctrine, and pastoral care. His spiritual masterpiece, Audi, Filia (Listen, O Daughter), remains a treasured work of Catholic spirituality.
Recognizing his profound theological wisdom and lasting influence, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church on October 7, 2012.
His feast day is celebrated each year on May 10.
What Can I Pray the St. John of Avila Novena For?
You can pray this novena for:
- Growth in wisdom and holiness.
- A deeper love for Jesus Christ.
- Greater trust in God’s will.
- Guidance in prayer and discernment.
- Faithful and holy priests.
- Vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
- Spiritual renewal and conversion.
- Strength to proclaim and defend the Catholic faith.
- Teachers, catechists, and spiritual directors.
- Perseverance in following Christ.
What is the St. John of Avila Novena?
The St. John of Avila Novena is a nine-day Catholic prayer asking for the intercession of St. John of Avila. It is prayed for wisdom, holiness, faithful priests, spiritual growth, and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ
Who was St. John of Avila?
St. John of Avila was a Spanish priest, mystic, preacher, and Doctor of the Church. He became one of the greatest spiritual teachers of the sixteenth century and influenced many saints through his preaching and writings.
When is the feast day of St. John of Avila?
The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. John of Avila on May 10.
Why is St. John of Avila a Doctor of the Church?
He was named a Doctor of the Church because of his outstanding contributions to Catholic theology, spiritual formation, and priestly ministry. His writings continue to guide Christians in living a holy life.
What is St. John of Avila the patron saint of?
St. John of Avila is the patron saint of Spanish secular clergy. He is also widely invoked by priests, seminarians, spiritual directors, catechists, and those seeking wisdom in the spiritual life.
What can I ask St. John of Avila to pray for?
Many Catholics ask his intercession for holiness, discernment, stronger faith, guidance in prayer, faithful priests, successful evangelization, and perseverance in living the Gospel.
How do I pray the St. John of Avila Novena?
Pray the novena once each day for nine consecutive days, presenting your personal intentions to God through the intercession of St. John of Avila. Conclude each day by praying one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Can I pray this novena for priests and seminarians?
Yes. Since St. John of Avila dedicated much of his ministry to forming holy priests, this novena is especially appropriate for praying for priests, seminarians, bishops, and vocations to the priesthood.
Why should Catholics pray to St. John of Avila?
St. John of Avila reminds us that true wisdom begins with knowing and loving Christ. His life encourages us to seek holiness through prayer, humility, faithful service, and complete trust in God.
| Novena Begins: | May 1 |
| Feast Day: | May 10 |
Day 1 – St. John of Avila Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty and eternal God,
You gave Your holy Church Saint John of Avila as a Doctor of the Church. Grant that the truths he taught, inspired by the Holy Spirit, may always remain firmly rooted in our hearts.
As You have graciously given him to us as a patron and guide, may we also have him as our faithful defender and intercessor, that through his prayers we may obtain Your mercy and the graces we seek.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint John of Avila, faithful preacher of the Gospel,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, Doctor of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, guide of souls and patron of priests,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. John of Avila Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty and eternal God,
You gave Your holy Church Saint John of Avila as a Doctor of the Church. Grant that the truths he taught, inspired by the Holy Spirit, may always remain firmly rooted in our hearts.
As You have graciously given him to us as a patron and guide, may we also have him as our faithful defender and intercessor, that through his prayers we may obtain Your mercy and the graces we seek.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint John of Avila, faithful preacher of the Gospel,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, Doctor of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, guide of souls and patron of priests,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. John of Avila Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty and eternal God,
You gave Your holy Church Saint John of Avila as a Doctor of the Church. Grant that the truths he taught, inspired by the Holy Spirit, may always remain firmly rooted in our hearts.
As You have graciously given him to us as a patron and guide, may we also have him as our faithful defender and intercessor, that through his prayers we may obtain Your mercy and the graces we seek.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint John of Avila, faithful preacher of the Gospel,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, Doctor of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, guide of souls and patron of priests,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. John of Avila Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty and eternal God,
You gave Your holy Church Saint John of Avila as a Doctor of the Church. Grant that the truths he taught, inspired by the Holy Spirit, may always remain firmly rooted in our hearts.
As You have graciously given him to us as a patron and guide, may we also have him as our faithful defender and intercessor, that through his prayers we may obtain Your mercy and the graces we seek.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint John of Avila, faithful preacher of the Gospel,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, Doctor of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, guide of souls and patron of priests,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. John of Avila Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty and eternal God,
You gave Your holy Church Saint John of Avila as a Doctor of the Church. Grant that the truths he taught, inspired by the Holy Spirit, may always remain firmly rooted in our hearts.
As You have graciously given him to us as a patron and guide, may we also have him as our faithful defender and intercessor, that through his prayers we may obtain Your mercy and the graces we seek.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint John of Avila, faithful preacher of the Gospel,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, Doctor of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, guide of souls and patron of priests,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. John of Avila Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty and eternal God,
You gave Your holy Church Saint John of Avila as a Doctor of the Church. Grant that the truths he taught, inspired by the Holy Spirit, may always remain firmly rooted in our hearts.
As You have graciously given him to us as a patron and guide, may we also have him as our faithful defender and intercessor, that through his prayers we may obtain Your mercy and the graces we seek.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint John of Avila, faithful preacher of the Gospel,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, Doctor of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, guide of souls and patron of priests,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. John of Avila Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty and eternal God,
You gave Your holy Church Saint John of Avila as a Doctor of the Church. Grant that the truths he taught, inspired by the Holy Spirit, may always remain firmly rooted in our hearts.
As You have graciously given him to us as a patron and guide, may we also have him as our faithful defender and intercessor, that through his prayers we may obtain Your mercy and the graces we seek.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint John of Avila, faithful preacher of the Gospel,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, Doctor of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, guide of souls and patron of priests,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. John of Avila Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty and eternal God,
You gave Your holy Church Saint John of Avila as a Doctor of the Church. Grant that the truths he taught, inspired by the Holy Spirit, may always remain firmly rooted in our hearts.
As You have graciously given him to us as a patron and guide, may we also have him as our faithful defender and intercessor, that through his prayers we may obtain Your mercy and the graces we seek.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint John of Avila, faithful preacher of the Gospel,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, Doctor of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, guide of souls and patron of priests,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. John of Avila Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty and eternal God,
You gave Your holy Church Saint John of Avila as a Doctor of the Church. Grant that the truths he taught, inspired by the Holy Spirit, may always remain firmly rooted in our hearts.
As You have graciously given him to us as a patron and guide, may we also have him as our faithful defender and intercessor, that through his prayers we may obtain Your mercy and the graces we seek.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Saint John of Avila, faithful preacher of the Gospel,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, Doctor of the Church,
pray for us.
Saint John of Avila, guide of souls and patron of priests,
pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…