About St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas was born toward the end of the third century. His uncle, the Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, ordained him a priest, and appointed him abbot of a monastery. On the death of the Archbishop, he was elected Bishop of the vacant See.
Throughout his life he retained the bright manners of his early years and showed himself the special protector of the innocent and the wronged. Nicholas once heard that a person who had fallen into poverty intended to abandon his three daughters to a life of sin. Determined, if possible, to save their innocence, the Saint went out by night, and, taking with him a bag of gold, flung it into the window of the sleeping father and hurried off.
He, on awaking, deemed the gift of godsend, and with it dowered his eldest child. The Saint, overjoyed at his success, did the same for the second daughter; but the third time, as he stole away, the father, who was watching, overtook him and kissed his feet, saying: “Nicholas, why do you conceal yourself from me? You are my helper, and the one who has delivered my soul and my daughters’ from hell.”
St. Nicholas is usually represented by the side of a barrel, where a certain man had concealed the bodies of his three children who he had killed, but who were restored to life by the Saint.
St. Nicholas died A.D. 342. His relics were transferred in 1807 to Bari, Italy, and there, after fifteen centuries, “the manna of St. Nicholas” still flows from his bones and heals all kinds of sicknesses.
Why Pray the Saint Nicholas Novena?
Catholics pray this novena to ask Saint Nicholas for intercession in times of need, especially for:
- Protection for children
- Financial help
- Safe travel
- Help for the poor
- Family peace
- Comfort during grief
- Strength in faith
Saint Nicholas reminds us that true holiness is lived through generosity, compassion, and love of neighbor.
Who was Saint Nicholas?
Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century Christian bishop known for his charity, miracles, and care for children and the poor.
Is Saint Nicholas the same as Santa Claus?
Yes, the modern figure of Santa Claus was inspired by Saint Nicholas because of his famous generosity and gift-giving.
What is Saint Nicholas the patron saint of?
Financial Help, Those in Need, Children, Families, Safe Travel, Marriage, and Guidance
What can I pray for in the Saint Nicholas Novena?
You may pray for financial help, protection, family needs, safe travel, healing, or any special intention.
How long is the Saint Nicholas Novena?
The novena is traditionally prayed for nine consecutive days.
When is Saint Nicholas’ feast day?
His feast day is celebrated on December 6.
Why is Saint Nicholas so beloved?
Saint Nicholas is beloved because of his compassion, generosity, miracles, and unwavering faith in God.
| Novena Begins: | November 28 |
| Feast Day: | December 6 |
Name Meaning: “The Victorious People”
Patron Saint of: Financial Help, Those in Need, Children, Families, Safe Travel, Marriage, and Guidance
Day 1 – A Heart of Charity
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty God, who in Thy love didst give to Thy servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness and charity, grant us, through his intercession, hearts that are generous toward those in need. Teach us to see Christ in the poor, the lonely, and the suffering, and to share with others the blessings Thou hast given us.
Saint Nicholas, known for thy generosity and love for those in need, help us to become more charitable and compassionate. Pray that we may never remain indifferent to the suffering of others.
We especially entrust to thee our personal intentions:
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Nicholas of Myra, pray for us.
Pray 1 Our Father…
Pray 1 Hail Mary…
Pray 1 Glory Be…
Day 2 – For the Poor and Those in Need
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Merciful God, Thou who hast called us to care for the poor and those who suffer, look with compassion upon all who are struggling with poverty, hunger, homelessness, loneliness, or hardship.
Through the intercession of Saint Nicholas of Myra, help us to become instruments of Thy love. Provide for those who have little and strengthen those who are facing difficult circumstances. Open our hearts to generosity and teach us to give without seeking recognition.
Saint Nicholas, faithful servant of God and friend of the poor, intercede for all those who are in need.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Nicholas of Myra, pray for us.
Pray 1 Our Father…
Pray 1 Hail Mary…
Pray 1 Glory Be…
Day 3 – For Children and Families
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, bless all children and families throughout the world. Protect children from danger, violence, neglect, and every evil. Give parents wisdom, patience, and strength to raise their children in faith and love.
Through the intercession of Saint Nicholas, who is especially loved for his care and generosity toward children, watch over the young and guide them toward lives of goodness, faith, and holiness.
Bless our families with peace, unity, forgiveness, and love.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Nicholas of Myra, pray for us.
Pray 1 Our Father…
Pray 1 Hail Mary…
Pray 1 Glory Be…
Day 4 – For Those Seeking God’s Guidance in Marriage
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Loving Father, Thou knowest the desires and hopes of every human heart. We pray today for all unmarried men and women who desire the blessing of marriage.
Through the intercession of Saint Nicholas of Myra, guide those who are seeking a spouse. Lead them toward a person who will share their faith, values, and desire to build a loving and faithful family.
Prepare their hearts for marriage. Give them patience while they wait, wisdom in their relationships, and the grace to recognize a good and faithful spouse according to Thy holy will.
For those who are called to marriage, may Thou bless them with a loving relationship rooted in Christ. For those whose vocation is different, give them peace and joy in following the path Thou hast prepared for them.
Saint Nicholas, intercede for all those who place their hopes for marriage into God’s hands.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Nicholas of Myra, pray for us.
Pray 1 Our Father…
Pray 1 Hail Mary…
Pray 1 Glory Be…
Day 5 – For Travelers and Sailors
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty God, protect all who travel by land, sea, and air. Watch over sailors, fishermen, seafarers, and all whose work takes them upon the waters.
Through the intercession of Saint Nicholas, traditionally honored as a protector of sailors, keep them safe from storms, accidents, and every danger. Guide them safely to their destinations and bring comfort to the families who wait for their return.
Be with all those who are far from home and give them courage, protection, and peace.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Nicholas of Myra, pray for us.
Pray 1 Our Father…
Pray 1 Hail Mary…
Pray 1 Glory Be…
Day 6 – For Those Facing Difficulties
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Merciful Lord, look with kindness upon all who are passing through difficult times. Be close to those who are burdened by sorrow, fear, loneliness, financial hardship, family problems, or uncertainty about the future.
Through the intercession of Saint Nicholas, strengthen those who feel overwhelmed and remind them that they are never alone.
Give us faith when we cannot see the way forward, hope when we feel discouraged, and courage when life becomes difficult.
Help us to place our worries into Thy loving hands and to trust in Thy providence.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Nicholas of Myra, pray for us.
Pray 1 Our Father…
Pray 1 Hail Mary…
Pray 1 Glory Be…
Day 7 – For Generosity and Compassion
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, Thou hast given us Saint Nicholas as an example of Christian charity and generosity. Help us to imitate his love for others.
Take away from our hearts selfishness, indifference, and fear. Teach us to notice those who are forgotten and to help those who are struggling.
May we give generously of our time, our resources, our prayers, and our love. Help us to remember that even a small act of kindness can bring hope to someone who is suffering.
Through Saint Nicholas’ intercession, make us instruments of Thy mercy in our families and communities.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Nicholas of Myra, pray for us.
Pray 1 Our Father…
Pray 1 Hail Mary…
Pray 1 Glory Be…
Day 8 – For Hope and Trust in God
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty and merciful God, sometimes our burdens seem greater than our strength. Teach us to place our lives completely in Thy hands.
Through the intercession of Saint Nicholas, strengthen everyone who is waiting for an answer to prayer. Give hope to those who are discouraged and patience to those who are waiting for a blessing.
Help those praying for marriage to trust Thy timing. Help those praying for financial assistance to trust Thy providence. Help families facing difficulties to trust Thy mercy. And help all who are suffering to know that Thou art near.
May we never lose faith when our prayers are not answered as quickly as we desire.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Nicholas of Myra, pray for us.
Pray 1 Our Father…
Pray 1 Hail Mary…
Pray 1 Glory Be…
Day 9 – For God’s Blessing Upon Our Lives
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the example of Saint Nicholas of Myra and for the many ways in which his life continues to inspire Christians throughout the world.
Through his intercession, bless our families, our children, the poor, those who are suffering, travelers and sailors, unmarried men and women seeking marriage, and all who have brought their intentions before Thee during this novena.
Grant us what we ask if it is according to Thy holy will. When our desires are not fulfilled as we expect, give us the grace to trust Thee and to accept Thy plan with faith.
Help us to follow the example of Saint Nicholas by living lives of charity, generosity, compassion, and love.
May we never forget those who are in need, and may our lives become a blessing to others.
We place our intentions into Thy hands and ask Thee to guide us each day closer to Jesus Christ.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Nicholas of Myra, pray for us.
Pray 1 Our Father…
Pray 1 Hail Mary…
Pray 1 Glory Be…
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Powerful Intercessory Prayer to St. Nicholas
“O good St. Nicholas,
you who are the joy of the children,
put in my heart the spirit of childhood,
which the Gospel speaks,
and teaches me
to seed happiness around me.
You, whose feast prepares us
for Christmas,
open my faith to the mystery
of Godmade man.
You, good bishop and shepherd,
help me to find my place
in the Church
and inspire the Church
to be faithful to the Gospel.
O good Saint Nicholas,
patron of children,
sailors and the helpless,
watch over those who pray
to Jesus, your Lord and theirs,
as well as over those who
humble themselves before you.
Bring us all in reverence
to the Holy Child of Bethlehem,
when true joy and peace
are found. Amen
St. Nicholas Prayer
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