About St. Cyril of Jerusalem
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386) served as Bishop of Jerusalem during one of the most challenging periods in the early Church. He courageously defended the true faith against the Arian heresy and endured exile several times because of his fidelity to Catholic doctrine.
St. Cyril is best known for his Catechetical Lectures, a series of teachings given to those preparing for Baptism and to the newly baptized. These writings remain among the Church’s most valuable explanations of the sacraments, especially Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist.
Because of his outstanding contribution to Catholic theology and catechesis, Pope Leo XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1883.
St. Cyril died around A.D. 386, and his feast day is celebrated on March 18. His life continues to inspire Catholics to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and His Church.
Who was St. Cyril of Jerusalem?
St. Cyril of Jerusalem was a fourth-century bishop, theologian, and Doctor of the Church. He is best known for teaching the Catholic faith and explaining the sacraments to those preparing to enter the Church.
What is the St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena?
The St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena is a traditional nine-day Catholic prayer asking for his intercession to obtain wisdom, stronger faith, devotion to the sacraments, and perseverance in living the Gospel.
When should I pray the St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena?
Many Catholics begin the novena on March 9 to conclude on March 18, his feast day. However, this novena may be prayed at any time throughout the year.
What is St. Cyril of Jerusalem the patron saint of?
Although St. Cyril of Jerusalem does not have an officially designated universal patronage, he is widely invoked by catechists, theologians, teachers of the faith, seminarians, and those preparing to receive the sacraments because of his lifelong dedication to Christian instruction.
Why is St. Cyril of Jerusalem important?
St. Cyril helped preserve the true Catholic faith during a time of theological controversy. His writings on the sacraments remain some of the clearest explanations from the early Church and continue to guide Catholics today.
What are the Catechetical Lectures?
The Catechetical Lectures are a collection of teachings delivered by St. Cyril to catechumens and newly baptized Christians. They explain the Apostles’ Creed, the sacraments, Christian morality, and the mystery of the Holy Eucharist.
What can I pray for through St. Cyril of Jerusalem’s intercession?
You may ask St. Cyril to pray for:
- A deeper understanding of the Catholic faith
- Wisdom and discernment
- Love for the Holy Eucharist
- Devotion to the sacraments
- Catechists and teachers
- Seminarians and priests
- Converts and catechumens
- Perseverance in the faith
- Unity within the Church
- Your personal intentions
Why is St. Cyril a Doctor of the Church?
He was declared a Doctor of the Church because of his faithful teaching, especially his clear explanations of Catholic doctrine and the sacraments, which continue to benefit the Church centuries later.
Is this a traditional Catholic novena?
Yes. This is a traditional Catholic novena that honors St. Cyril of Jerusalem and asks for his intercession while directing all prayers to God through Jesus Christ.
Can I pray this novena for someone else?
Yes. You may offer the St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena for family members, students, catechists, priests, converts to the faith, those preparing to receive the sacraments, or anyone seeking spiritual wisdom and God’s grace.
| Novena Begins: | March 9 |
| Feast Day: | March 18 |
Patron Saint of Catechists
Day 1 – St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, strengthen Your Church through the sacraments of Your grace. Through the teaching, prayers, and powerful intercession of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, may we enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and remain steadfast in the true faith.
Grant us the grace to grow in wisdom, to cherish the Holy Eucharist and the other sacraments, and to live as faithful witnesses of the Gospel. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, strengthen Your Church through the sacraments of Your grace. Through the teaching, prayers, and powerful intercession of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, may we enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and remain steadfast in the true faith.
Grant us the grace to grow in wisdom, to cherish the Holy Eucharist and the other sacraments, and to live as faithful witnesses of the Gospel. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, strengthen Your Church through the sacraments of Your grace. Through the teaching, prayers, and powerful intercession of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, may we enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and remain steadfast in the true faith.
Grant us the grace to grow in wisdom, to cherish the Holy Eucharist and the other sacraments, and to live as faithful witnesses of the Gospel. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, strengthen Your Church through the sacraments of Your grace. Through the teaching, prayers, and powerful intercession of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, may we enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and remain steadfast in the true faith.
Grant us the grace to grow in wisdom, to cherish the Holy Eucharist and the other sacraments, and to live as faithful witnesses of the Gospel. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, strengthen Your Church through the sacraments of Your grace. Through the teaching, prayers, and powerful intercession of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, may we enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and remain steadfast in the true faith.
Grant us the grace to grow in wisdom, to cherish the Holy Eucharist and the other sacraments, and to live as faithful witnesses of the Gospel. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, strengthen Your Church through the sacraments of Your grace. Through the teaching, prayers, and powerful intercession of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, may we enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and remain steadfast in the true faith.
Grant us the grace to grow in wisdom, to cherish the Holy Eucharist and the other sacraments, and to live as faithful witnesses of the Gospel. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, strengthen Your Church through the sacraments of Your grace. Through the teaching, prayers, and powerful intercession of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, may we enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and remain steadfast in the true faith.
Grant us the grace to grow in wisdom, to cherish the Holy Eucharist and the other sacraments, and to live as faithful witnesses of the Gospel. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, strengthen Your Church through the sacraments of Your grace. Through the teaching, prayers, and powerful intercession of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, may we enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and remain steadfast in the true faith.
Grant us the grace to grow in wisdom, to cherish the Holy Eucharist and the other sacraments, and to live as faithful witnesses of the Gospel. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Cyril of Jerusalem Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, strengthen Your Church through the sacraments of Your grace. Through the teaching, prayers, and powerful intercession of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, may we enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and remain steadfast in the true faith.
Grant us the grace to grow in wisdom, to cherish the Holy Eucharist and the other sacraments, and to live as faithful witnesses of the Gospel. If it is Your holy will, grant the favor we now humbly ask.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…