About St. Francis Xavier
St. Francis Xavier (1506–1552) was born into a noble Basque family in Spain. A companion of St. Ignatius of Loyola and one of the first members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), he set out as a missionary to Asia. Landing in Goa in 1542, he traveled tirelessly—by ship, on foot, and even under threat—to India, Japan, the Malay Archipelago, and the coast of China, baptizing thousands and founding Christian communities. Renowned for his zeal, gentleness, and trust in God’s providence, he often walked uncharted paths to bring the Gospel to new lands. He died on Shangchuan Island, China, awaiting permission to enter the mainland. Canonized in 1622, St. Francis Xavier remains a model of missionary courage and apostolic charity.
Short Prayer:
O glorious St. Francis Xavier, whose zeal carried the faith of Christ to distant shores, obtain for us the grace to share the Gospel boldly, to serve the least among us with joy, and to trust always in the loving guidance of our Lord. Amen.
What is the St. Francis Xavier Novena?
The St. Francis Xavier Novena is a nine-day Catholic prayer devotion seeking his intercession for stronger faith, missionary zeal, and courage in spreading the Gospel.
Who was St. Francis Xavier?
St. Francis Xavier was a Jesuit priest and missionary who preached Christianity across Asia and became one of the greatest evangelizers in Church history.
What is St. Francis Xavier the patron saint of?
St. Francis Xavier is the patron saint of missionaries, foreign missions, and those spreading the Catholic faith.
When should I pray the St. Francis Xavier Novena?
You can pray this novena at any time, especially before his feast day on December 3 or when praying for evangelization and missionary work.
How do I pray the St. Francis Xavier Novena?
Pray the novena once each day for nine consecutive days. Offer your prayer intention, pray the novena prayer, and ask St. Francis Xavier to intercede for you before God.
Can I pray this novena for missionary work?
Yes. Many Catholics pray this novena for missionaries, evangelization efforts, and the courage to share Christ with others.
Why is St. Francis Xavier important to Catholics?
St. Francis Xavier is important because his life demonstrates extraordinary zeal for souls, deep love for Christ, and tireless dedication to spreading the Gospel worldwide.
| Novena Begins: | November 24 |
| Feastday: | December 3 |
Name Meaning: “The free man”
Patron Saint of: African missions, foreign missions, navigators, parish missions, plague epidemics, propagation of the faith.
Day 1 – St. Francis Xavier Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O devoted Servant of God, Saint Francis Xavier, your heart was burning with love for Jesus. Impelled by His love, you went from country to country and spent yourself unto death to proclaim the name of Jesus and the Good News of salvation.
That is why the Father filled you with glory in Heaven and preserved your body from corruption here on earth. Filled with joy for these unique gifts, we join you in praising the Father.
And now we ask your intercession for ourselves.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask you to obtain for us the fulfillment of these desires, if they are pleasing to the Father. And for everything, together with you, we praise the Father, through Jesus in the Spirit.
Amen.
Say 1: Our Father…
Say 1: Hail Mary…
Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Francis Xavier Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O devoted Servant of God, Saint Francis Xavier, your heart was burning with love for Jesus. Impelled by His love, you went from country to country and spent yourself unto death to proclaim the name of Jesus and the Good News of salvation.
That is why the Father filled you with glory in Heaven and preserved your body from corruption here on earth. Filled with joy for these unique gifts, we join you in praising the Father.
And now we ask your intercession for ourselves.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask you to obtain for us the fulfillment of these desires, if they are pleasing to the Father. And for everything, together with you, we praise the Father, through Jesus in the Spirit.
Amen.
Say 1: Our Father…
Say 1: Hail Mary…
Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Francis Xavier Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O devoted Servant of God, Saint Francis Xavier, your heart was burning with love for Jesus. Impelled by His love, you went from country to country and spent yourself unto death to proclaim the name of Jesus and the Good News of salvation.
That is why the Father filled you with glory in Heaven and preserved your body from corruption here on earth. Filled with joy for these unique gifts, we join you in praising the Father.
And now we ask your intercession for ourselves.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask you to obtain for us the fulfillment of these desires, if they are pleasing to the Father. And for everything, together with you, we praise the Father, through Jesus in the Spirit.
Amen.
Say 1: Our Father…
Say 1: Hail Mary…
Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Francis Xavier Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O devoted Servant of God, Saint Francis Xavier, your heart was burning with love for Jesus. Impelled by His love, you went from country to country and spent yourself unto death to proclaim the name of Jesus and the Good News of salvation.
That is why the Father filled you with glory in Heaven and preserved your body from corruption here on earth. Filled with joy for these unique gifts, we join you in praising the Father.
And now we ask your intercession for ourselves.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask you to obtain for us the fulfillment of these desires, if they are pleasing to the Father. And for everything, together with you, we praise the Father, through Jesus in the Spirit.
Amen.
Say 1: Our Father…
Say 1: Hail Mary…
Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Francis Xavier Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O devoted Servant of God, Saint Francis Xavier, your heart was burning with love for Jesus. Impelled by His love, you went from country to country and spent yourself unto death to proclaim the name of Jesus and the Good News of salvation.
That is why the Father filled you with glory in Heaven and preserved your body from corruption here on earth. Filled with joy for these unique gifts, we join you in praising the Father.
And now we ask your intercession for ourselves.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask you to obtain for us the fulfillment of these desires, if they are pleasing to the Father. And for everything, together with you, we praise the Father, through Jesus in the Spirit.
Amen.
Say 1: Our Father…
Say 1: Hail Mary…
Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Francis Xavier Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O devoted Servant of God, Saint Francis Xavier, your heart was burning with love for Jesus. Impelled by His love, you went from country to country and spent yourself unto death to proclaim the name of Jesus and the Good News of salvation.
That is why the Father filled you with glory in Heaven and preserved your body from corruption here on earth. Filled with joy for these unique gifts, we join you in praising the Father.
And now we ask your intercession for ourselves.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask you to obtain for us the fulfillment of these desires, if they are pleasing to the Father. And for everything, together with you, we praise the Father, through Jesus in the Spirit.
Amen.
Say 1: Our Father…
Say 1: Hail Mary…
Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Francis Xavier Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O devoted Servant of God, Saint Francis Xavier, your heart was burning with love for Jesus. Impelled by His love, you went from country to country and spent yourself unto death to proclaim the name of Jesus and the Good News of salvation.
That is why the Father filled you with glory in Heaven and preserved your body from corruption here on earth. Filled with joy for these unique gifts, we join you in praising the Father.
And now we ask your intercession for ourselves.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask you to obtain for us the fulfillment of these desires, if they are pleasing to the Father. And for everything, together with you, we praise the Father, through Jesus in the Spirit.
Amen.
Say 1: Our Father…
Say 1: Hail Mary…
Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Francis Xavier Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O devoted Servant of God, Saint Francis Xavier, your heart was burning with love for Jesus. Impelled by His love, you went from country to country and spent yourself unto death to proclaim the name of Jesus and the Good News of salvation.
That is why the Father filled you with glory in Heaven and preserved your body from corruption here on earth. Filled with joy for these unique gifts, we join you in praising the Father.
And now we ask your intercession for ourselves.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask you to obtain for us the fulfillment of these desires, if they are pleasing to the Father. And for everything, together with you, we praise the Father, through Jesus in the Spirit.
Amen.
Say 1: Our Father…
Say 1: Hail Mary…
Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Francis Xavier Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O devoted Servant of God, Saint Francis Xavier, your heart was burning with love for Jesus. Impelled by His love, you went from country to country and spent yourself unto death to proclaim the name of Jesus and the Good News of salvation.
That is why the Father filled you with glory in Heaven and preserved your body from corruption here on earth. Filled with joy for these unique gifts, we join you in praising the Father.
And now we ask your intercession for ourselves.
(Mention your request here…)
We ask you to obtain for us the fulfillment of these desires, if they are pleasing to the Father. And for everything, together with you, we praise the Father, through Jesus in the Spirit.
Amen.
Say 1: Our Father…
Say 1: Hail Mary…
Say 1: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…