Saint Paul the Apostle Novena – Prayer for Faith and Conversion

Q: What is St. Paul the Apostle known for?

Short Biography (Catholic Perspective): St. Paul—born Saul of Tarsus around AD 5—was initially a zealous persecutor of the Church. On the road to Damascus, the risen Christ appeared to him in a brilliant light (Acts 9), calling him to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. Converted and baptized, Paul became the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” tirelessly planting Christian communities across Asia Minor and Europe: Antioch, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, and ultimately Rome. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he composed fourteen epistles—now cherished parts of Sacred Scripture—teaching the mysteries of grace, the unity of the Body of Christ, and the transformative power of faith. Though imprisoned, beaten, and shipwrecked for Christ’s sake, Paul never wavered, famously declaring, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). He crowned his apostolic mission with martyrdom in Rome, offering his life in union with Christ’s own sacrificial love. Short Prayer O glorious St. Paul, whose conversion lights our path, teach us to preach the Gospel with courage, to value the treasure of faith above all else, and to bear every hardship for the love of Christ. Pray that we, too, may live by grace and die in hope of resurrection. Amen.

What is St. Paul the Apostle known for?

Short Biography (Catholic Perspective):
St. Paul—born Saul of Tarsus around AD 5—was initially a zealous persecutor of the Church. On the road to Damascus, the risen Christ appeared to him in a brilliant light (Acts 9), calling him to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. Converted and baptized, Paul became the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” tirelessly planting Christian communities across Asia Minor and Europe: Antioch, Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi, and ultimately Rome.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he composed fourteen epistles—now cherished parts of Sacred Scripture—teaching the mysteries of grace, the unity of the Body of Christ, and the transformative power of faith. Though imprisoned, beaten, and shipwrecked for Christ’s sake, Paul never wavered, famously declaring, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). He crowned his apostolic mission with martyrdom in Rome, offering his life in union with Christ’s own sacrificial love.

Short Prayer
O glorious St. Paul, whose conversion lights our path,
teach us to preach the Gospel with courage,
to value the treasure of faith above all else,
and to bear every hardship for the love of Christ.
Pray that we, too, may live by grace and die in hope of resurrection. Amen.

What is the Saint Paul the Apostle Novena?

The Saint Paul the Apostle Novena is a nine-day Catholic prayer devotion seeking the intercession of St. Paul for faith, conversion, courage, and spiritual strength.

Who was St. Paul?

St. Paul was one of the most influential Apostles of the early Church. After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, he dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What is St. Paul the patron saint of?

St. Paul is often invoked by missionaries, evangelists, theologians, writers, and those seeking conversion and courage in faith.

When should I pray the Saint Paul the Apostle Novena?

You can pray this novena at any time during the year, especially before his feast day on June 25, celebrated with Saint Peter.

How do I pray the Saint Paul the Apostle Novena?

Pray the novena once each day for nine consecutive days. Present your prayer intention, pray the daily novena prayer, and ask St. Paul to intercede for you before God

Can I pray the Saint Paul the Apostle Novena for conversion?

Yes. Many Catholics pray this novena for personal conversion, the conversion of loved ones, and the strength to live the Gospel more fully.

Why is St. Paul important to Catholics?

St. Paul helped spread Christianity throughout the Roman world and wrote many New Testament letters. His life powerfully shows God’s mercy, grace, and transforming love.

Novena Begins:	January 16
Feast Day:	January 25

Patron Saint of Gentile Christians, Missions, Theologians

Day 1 – St. Paul Novena

Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O glorious St. Paul, after persecuting the Church, you became, by God’s grace, her most zealous Apostle. To carry the knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Divine Savior, to the uttermost parts of the earth, you joyfully endured imprisonment, scourgings, stonings, shipwreck, and every manner of persecution, finally shedding the last drop of your blood for the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Obtain for us the grace to labor faithfully in spreading the Catholic faith and to accept with courage whatever trials and sufferings God permits in our lives.

(Mention your intention here.)

Help us to be inspired by your holy Epistles, to imitate your unwavering faith, and to share in your burning love for Jesus Christ. May we remain steadfast in our vocation, persevere to the end, and, having finished our earthly course, join you in praising and glorifying the Most Holy Trinity forever in Heaven.