About St. John Neumann
St. John Neumann (1811–1860) was born in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) and felt called to serve in America, where he was ordained a Redemptorist priest in 1836. He tirelessly ministered to German‑speaking immigrants in New York and Pennsylvania, founding the first Catholic diocesan school system in the United States as Bishop of Philadelphia. Renowned for his humility, devotion to the Eucharist, and nightly rounds hearing confessions, he built parishes, schools, and orphanages to nurture both faith and learning. Canonized in 1977, St. John Neumann’s legacy lives on in the vibrant Catholic education he championed.
Why Pray the St. John Neumann Novena?
Catholics pray the St. John Neumann Novena to ask for:
- A spirit of humility and selfless service
- Growth in holiness and obedience to God’s will
- Blessings for Catholic schools and educators
- Guidance for bishops, priests, and missionaries
- Strength to serve others with charity
- Perseverance in faith
- Special intentions and personal needs
Who was St. John Neumann?
St. John Neumann was a Redemptorist missionary, the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia, and the first male saint from the United States. He devoted his life to serving immigrants, promoting Catholic education, and strengthening the Church.
When is St. John Neumann’s feast day?
The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of St. John Neumann on January 5.
What is St. John Neumann the patron saint of?
St. John Neumann is the patron saint of Catholic education, Catholic schools, educators, and immigrants.
Why is St. John Neumann important?
He established one of the first diocesan Catholic school systems in the United States, founded numerous parishes and schools, promoted the Forty Hours Devotion, and cared tirelessly for immigrant communities.
What do people pray for in the St. John Neumann Novena?
People pray for humility, generosity, stronger faith, success in Catholic education, guidance for Church leaders, missionary zeal, and the grace to serve others with love.
When should I pray the St. John Neumann Novena?
The novena may be prayed at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it on December 27, concluding on January 4, the day before his feast, while others pray it whenever they seek his intercession.
What can we learn from St. John Neumann?
St. John Neumann teaches us to put God first, serve others with humility, remain faithful in our vocation, care for those in need, and trust God’s providence in every circumstance.
Did St. John Neumann have a special devotion?
Yes. St. John Neumann had a profound love for the Holy Eucharist and helped spread the Forty Hours Devotionthroughout the United States, encouraging Catholics to deepen their relationship with Christ through Eucharistic adoration.
| Novena Begins: | December 27 |
| Feast Day: | January 5 |
Patron Saint of Catholic education
Day 1 – St. John Neumann Novena
 Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Lord,
Make me selfless, as St. John Neumann was. Throughout my life, grant me the grace always to direct my first thoughts to serving You and others.
May my constant prayer be, “Your will be done,” knowing that, in Your mercy and love, Your will for me is my sanctification.
Merciful Father, You have given me everything I possess in this world, even life itself. In all my daily needs, help me to remember the needs of others as well.
Make me mindful of the importance of praying not only for myself, but also for the Church, the Holy Father, the clergy, and all who suffer or are in need.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. John Neumann, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. John Neumann Novena
 Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Lord,
Make me selfless, as St. John Neumann was. Throughout my life, grant me the grace always to direct my first thoughts to serving You and others.
May my constant prayer be, “Your will be done,” knowing that, in Your mercy and love, Your will for me is my sanctification.
Merciful Father, You have given me everything I possess in this world, even life itself. In all my daily needs, help me to remember the needs of others as well.
Make me mindful of the importance of praying not only for myself, but also for the Church, the Holy Father, the clergy, and all who suffer or are in need.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. John Neumann, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. John Neumann Novena
 Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Lord,
Make me selfless, as St. John Neumann was. Throughout my life, grant me the grace always to direct my first thoughts to serving You and others.
May my constant prayer be, “Your will be done,” knowing that, in Your mercy and love, Your will for me is my sanctification.
Merciful Father, You have given me everything I possess in this world, even life itself. In all my daily needs, help me to remember the needs of others as well.
Make me mindful of the importance of praying not only for myself, but also for the Church, the Holy Father, the clergy, and all who suffer or are in need.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. John Neumann, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. John Neumann Novena
 Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Lord,
Make me selfless, as St. John Neumann was. Throughout my life, grant me the grace always to direct my first thoughts to serving You and others.
May my constant prayer be, “Your will be done,” knowing that, in Your mercy and love, Your will for me is my sanctification.
Merciful Father, You have given me everything I possess in this world, even life itself. In all my daily needs, help me to remember the needs of others as well.
Make me mindful of the importance of praying not only for myself, but also for the Church, the Holy Father, the clergy, and all who suffer or are in need.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. John Neumann, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. John Neumann Novena
 Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Lord,
Make me selfless, as St. John Neumann was. Throughout my life, grant me the grace always to direct my first thoughts to serving You and others.
May my constant prayer be, “Your will be done,” knowing that, in Your mercy and love, Your will for me is my sanctification.
Merciful Father, You have given me everything I possess in this world, even life itself. In all my daily needs, help me to remember the needs of others as well.
Make me mindful of the importance of praying not only for myself, but also for the Church, the Holy Father, the clergy, and all who suffer or are in need.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. John Neumann, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. John Neumann Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Lord,
Make me selfless, as St. John Neumann was. Throughout my life, grant me the grace always to direct my first thoughts to serving You and others.
May my constant prayer be, “Your will be done,” knowing that, in Your mercy and love, Your will for me is my sanctification.
Merciful Father, You have given me everything I possess in this world, even life itself. In all my daily needs, help me to remember the needs of others as well.
Make me mindful of the importance of praying not only for myself, but also for the Church, the Holy Father, the clergy, and all who suffer or are in need.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. John Neumann, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. John Neumann Novena
 Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Lord,
Make me selfless, as St. John Neumann was. Throughout my life, grant me the grace always to direct my first thoughts to serving You and others.
May my constant prayer be, “Your will be done,” knowing that, in Your mercy and love, Your will for me is my sanctification.
Merciful Father, You have given me everything I possess in this world, even life itself. In all my daily needs, help me to remember the needs of others as well.
Make me mindful of the importance of praying not only for myself, but also for the Church, the Holy Father, the clergy, and all who suffer or are in need.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. John Neumann, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. John Neumann Novena
 Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Lord,
Make me selfless, as St. John Neumann was. Throughout my life, grant me the grace always to direct my first thoughts to serving You and others.
May my constant prayer be, “Your will be done,” knowing that, in Your mercy and love, Your will for me is my sanctification.
Merciful Father, You have given me everything I possess in this world, even life itself. In all my daily needs, help me to remember the needs of others as well.
Make me mindful of the importance of praying not only for myself, but also for the Church, the Holy Father, the clergy, and all who suffer or are in need.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. John Neumann, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. John Neumann Novena
 Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Lord,
Make me selfless, as St. John Neumann was. Throughout my life, grant me the grace always to direct my first thoughts to serving You and others.
May my constant prayer be, “Your will be done,” knowing that, in Your mercy and love, Your will for me is my sanctification.
Merciful Father, You have given me everything I possess in this world, even life itself. In all my daily needs, help me to remember the needs of others as well.
Make me mindful of the importance of praying not only for myself, but also for the Church, the Holy Father, the clergy, and all who suffer or are in need.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. John Neumann, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
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The selfless prayer with St. John Neumann
“Merciful Father, You have given me all that I have in this world, even life itself. In all my daily needs, help me to remember the needs of others too. Make me aware of the need to pray to You, not just for myself but also for the Church, the pope, the clergy, and all people who suffer any need.
Make me selfless as Saint John Neumann was. Throughout my life, give me the grace to direct my first thoughts to the service of You and of others. Make my prayer — “Your will be done” knowing thin Your mercy and love, Your will for me is my sanctification. I ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.”
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