About St. Joseph Cafasso
St. Joseph Cafasso (1811–1860) was an Italian priest, spiritual director, and one of the most beloved confessors of the nineteenth century. Ordained for the Archdiocese of Turin, he became widely known for his holiness, humility, and extraordinary compassion toward sinners.
St. Joseph Cafasso dedicated countless hours to hearing confessions and helping people grow closer to Christ. He was especially devoted to visiting prisoners, offering them spiritual guidance, and preparing those condemned to death to meet God with repentance and hope. Because of this ministry, he became known as the “Priest of the Gallows.”
He was also the spiritual director and mentor of St. John Bosco, encouraging and supporting him in his mission to care for poor and abandoned boys.
St. Joseph Cafasso’s life reminds us that God’s mercy is always available to those who sincerely seek Him and that no soul is beyond the reach of His grace.
He was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1947.
His feast day is celebrated on June 23.
Who was St. Joseph Cafasso?
St. Joseph Cafasso was an Italian Catholic priest, confessor, and spiritual director known for his ministry to prisoners, seminarians, and those seeking God’s mercy. He is remembered for his holiness, compassion, and dedication to the salvation of souls.
What is the St. Joseph Cafasso Novena for?
The novena is commonly prayed for:
- The conversion of loved ones
- A return to the Catholic faith
- Perseverance in prayer
- Growth in faith
- Love for the Holy Eucharist
- Priests and seminarians
- Prisoners and those in difficult situations
- Personal prayer intentions
When is the feast day of St. Joseph Cafasso?
His feast day is celebrated on June 23.
When should I pray the St. Joseph Cafasso Novena?
You may pray this novena at any time of the year. Many Catholics begin it on June 14 in preparation for his feast day.
Why is St. Joseph Cafasso important?
St. Joseph Cafasso devoted his priesthood to leading souls to Christ through confession, spiritual direction, and acts of mercy. His ministry to prisoners and his guidance of St. John Bosco continue to inspire Catholics to trust in God’s mercy and care for those in need.
What is St. Joseph Cafasso the patron saint of?
St. Joseph Cafasso is the patron saint of prisoners and prison chaplains. He is also invoked by those praying for conversions, priests, seminarians, and souls seeking God’s mercy.
How do I pray the St. Joseph Cafasso Novena?
Begin with the Sign of the Cross, pray the novena prayer, present your personal intention, and conclude with:
- Pray One: Our Father
- Pray One: Hail Mary
- Pray One: Glory Be
Can I pray this novena for someone who has left the Catholic Church?
Yes. St. Joseph Cafasso had a deep love for the salvation of souls and tirelessly worked to bring people back to God. Many Catholics pray this novena for family members and friends who have fallen away from the faith, asking for the grace of conversion and a renewed relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.
| Novena Begins: | June 14 |
| Feast Day: | June 23 |
Day 1: Saint Joseph Cafasso Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Joseph Cafasso, faithful priest, compassionate confessor, and devoted servant of Christ, we ask for your powerful intercession before the throne of God.
Pray for us and for all our loved ones. Help us to be freed from the prisons of sin, impatience, fear, and doubt. Through your prayers, obtain for those who have wandered from the Catholic faith the grace of conversion and a joyful return to the loving embrace of Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.
Renew within us the precious gift of faith. Increase our love for the Most Blessed Sacrament, deepen our devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and inspire in us a tender love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we always walk faithfully with our Blessed Mother as she leads us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the favor we now humbly ask, if it is according to God’s holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
May we persevere in faith, hope, and charity throughout our lives and one day rejoice with you in the glory of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Joseph Cafasso, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2: Saint Joseph Cafasso Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Joseph Cafasso, faithful priest, compassionate confessor, and devoted servant of Christ, we ask for your powerful intercession before the throne of God.
Pray for us and for all our loved ones. Help us to be freed from the prisons of sin, impatience, fear, and doubt. Through your prayers, obtain for those who have wandered from the Catholic faith the grace of conversion and a joyful return to the loving embrace of Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.
Renew within us the precious gift of faith. Increase our love for the Most Blessed Sacrament, deepen our devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and inspire in us a tender love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we always walk faithfully with our Blessed Mother as she leads us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the favor we now humbly ask, if it is according to God’s holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
May we persevere in faith, hope, and charity throughout our lives and one day rejoice with you in the glory of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Joseph Cafasso, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3: Saint Joseph Cafasso Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Joseph Cafasso, faithful priest, compassionate confessor, and devoted servant of Christ, we ask for your powerful intercession before the throne of God.
Pray for us and for all our loved ones. Help us to be freed from the prisons of sin, impatience, fear, and doubt. Through your prayers, obtain for those who have wandered from the Catholic faith the grace of conversion and a joyful return to the loving embrace of Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.
Renew within us the precious gift of faith. Increase our love for the Most Blessed Sacrament, deepen our devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and inspire in us a tender love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we always walk faithfully with our Blessed Mother as she leads us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the favor we now humbly ask, if it is according to God’s holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
May we persevere in faith, hope, and charity throughout our lives and one day rejoice with you in the glory of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Joseph Cafasso, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4: Saint Joseph Cafasso Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Joseph Cafasso, faithful priest, compassionate confessor, and devoted servant of Christ, we ask for your powerful intercession before the throne of God.
Pray for us and for all our loved ones. Help us to be freed from the prisons of sin, impatience, fear, and doubt. Through your prayers, obtain for those who have wandered from the Catholic faith the grace of conversion and a joyful return to the loving embrace of Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.
Renew within us the precious gift of faith. Increase our love for the Most Blessed Sacrament, deepen our devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and inspire in us a tender love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we always walk faithfully with our Blessed Mother as she leads us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the favor we now humbly ask, if it is according to God’s holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
May we persevere in faith, hope, and charity throughout our lives and one day rejoice with you in the glory of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Joseph Cafasso, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5: Saint Joseph Cafasso Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Joseph Cafasso, faithful priest, compassionate confessor, and devoted servant of Christ, we ask for your powerful intercession before the throne of God.
Pray for us and for all our loved ones. Help us to be freed from the prisons of sin, impatience, fear, and doubt. Through your prayers, obtain for those who have wandered from the Catholic faith the grace of conversion and a joyful return to the loving embrace of Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.
Renew within us the precious gift of faith. Increase our love for the Most Blessed Sacrament, deepen our devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and inspire in us a tender love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we always walk faithfully with our Blessed Mother as she leads us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the favor we now humbly ask, if it is according to God’s holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
May we persevere in faith, hope, and charity throughout our lives and one day rejoice with you in the glory of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Joseph Cafasso, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6: Saint Joseph Cafasso Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Joseph Cafasso, faithful priest, compassionate confessor, and devoted servant of Christ, we ask for your powerful intercession before the throne of God.
Pray for us and for all our loved ones. Help us to be freed from the prisons of sin, impatience, fear, and doubt. Through your prayers, obtain for those who have wandered from the Catholic faith the grace of conversion and a joyful return to the loving embrace of Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.
Renew within us the precious gift of faith. Increase our love for the Most Blessed Sacrament, deepen our devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and inspire in us a tender love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we always walk faithfully with our Blessed Mother as she leads us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the favor we now humbly ask, if it is according to God’s holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
May we persevere in faith, hope, and charity throughout our lives and one day rejoice with you in the glory of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Joseph Cafasso, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7: Saint Joseph Cafasso Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Joseph Cafasso, faithful priest, compassionate confessor, and devoted servant of Christ, we ask for your powerful intercession before the throne of God.
Pray for us and for all our loved ones. Help us to be freed from the prisons of sin, impatience, fear, and doubt. Through your prayers, obtain for those who have wandered from the Catholic faith the grace of conversion and a joyful return to the loving embrace of Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.
Renew within us the precious gift of faith. Increase our love for the Most Blessed Sacrament, deepen our devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and inspire in us a tender love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we always walk faithfully with our Blessed Mother as she leads us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the favor we now humbly ask, if it is according to God’s holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
May we persevere in faith, hope, and charity throughout our lives and one day rejoice with you in the glory of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Joseph Cafasso, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8: Saint Joseph Cafasso Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Joseph Cafasso, faithful priest, compassionate confessor, and devoted servant of Christ, we ask for your powerful intercession before the throne of God.
Pray for us and for all our loved ones. Help us to be freed from the prisons of sin, impatience, fear, and doubt. Through your prayers, obtain for those who have wandered from the Catholic faith the grace of conversion and a joyful return to the loving embrace of Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.
Renew within us the precious gift of faith. Increase our love for the Most Blessed Sacrament, deepen our devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and inspire in us a tender love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we always walk faithfully with our Blessed Mother as she leads us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the favor we now humbly ask, if it is according to God’s holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
May we persevere in faith, hope, and charity throughout our lives and one day rejoice with you in the glory of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Joseph Cafasso, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9: Saint Joseph Cafasso Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Joseph Cafasso, faithful priest, compassionate confessor, and devoted servant of Christ, we ask for your powerful intercession before the throne of God.
Pray for us and for all our loved ones. Help us to be freed from the prisons of sin, impatience, fear, and doubt. Through your prayers, obtain for those who have wandered from the Catholic faith the grace of conversion and a joyful return to the loving embrace of Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.
Renew within us the precious gift of faith. Increase our love for the Most Blessed Sacrament, deepen our devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and inspire in us a tender love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. May we always walk faithfully with our Blessed Mother as she leads us ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the favor we now humbly ask, if it is according to God’s holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
May we persevere in faith, hope, and charity throughout our lives and one day rejoice with you in the glory of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Joseph Cafasso, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…