Novena to St. Andrew
Definition
A novena is a nine-day period of private or public prayer in the Catholic tradition to seek special graces, favors, or petitions. The Novena to St. Andrew honors St. Andrew the Apostle, the “First-Called” disciple of Jesus, brother of St. Peter, and patron saint of fishermen, Scotland, and Russia. It seeks his intercession for faith, courage, and zeal in sharing the Gospel.
Full Prayers (One Per Day for Nine Days)
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Day 1 Prayer: O glorious St. Andrew, first-called apostle of Jesus, you left your nets to follow Him. Intercede for us to respond to God’s call with faith. We ask for your help with (mention your request), trusting in your prayers. Amen.
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Day 2 Prayer: Blessed St. Andrew, you brought others to Christ with zeal. Inspire us to share the Gospel boldly. We seek your intercession for (mention your request), that we may live for God’s glory. Amen.
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Day 3 Prayer: Holy St. Andrew, you followed Jesus with courage. Strengthen us to face life’s challenges with trust. Intercede for our intention (mention your request), and lead us to Jesus. Amen.
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Day 4 Prayer: O St. Andrew, fisherman and apostle, you toiled for God’s kingdom. Guide those who work hard for their families. We ask your aid for (mention your request), relying on your prayers. Amen.
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Day 5 Prayer: Glorious St. Andrew, you preached Christ to the nations. Help us spread His love in our communities. Intercede for (mention your request), that we may bear witness to the Gospel. Amen.
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Day 6 Prayer: St. Andrew, you embraced martyrdom for Jesus. Grant us perseverance in faith. We seek your help for (mention your request), trusting in your apostolic power. Amen.
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Day 7 Prayer: Holy St. Andrew, brother of Peter, you built the Church with love. Unite us in faith and charity. Intercede for our petition (mention your request), and present it to Christ. Amen.
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Day 8 Prayer: Blessed St. Andrew, patron of fishermen, protect those who labor and trust in God. Pray for (mention your request), that we may find peace in His will. Amen.
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Day 9 Prayer: O St. Andrew, apostle and martyr, lead us to Jesus, the Savior you proclaimed. Intercede for our needs (mention your request), and help us live in faith forever. Amen.
Real Life Stories and Bible Stories (7 Total)
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Bible Story: The Call of Andrew (John 1:35-42): Andrew, a disciple of John the Baptist, followed Jesus after hearing, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” He brought his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus, earning the title “First-Called.”
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Real Life Story: Job Breakthrough: In 2024, a fisherman prayed the St. Andrew Novena for stable work. By day nine, he secured a contract, crediting St. Andrew’s intercession.
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Bible Story: Feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:8-14): Andrew told Jesus about a boy with five loaves and two fish, which Jesus multiplied to feed thousands, showing Andrew’s trust in Christ’s power.
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Real Life Story: Evangelization Courage: A woman prayed the St. Andrew Novena in 2025 to share her faith at work. She started a prayer group, thanking St. Andrew for boldness.
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Bible Story: Andrew’s Ministry (Tradition): Tradition holds that Andrew preached in Greece and was martyred on an X-shaped cross, reflecting his courage and dedication to Christ’s mission.
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Real Life Story: Family Healing: In 2024, a man prayed the St. Andrew Novena for his daughter’s recovery from addiction. She entered rehab, and he attributed it to St. Andrew’s prayers.
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Real Life Story: Mission Success: A missionary prayed the St. Andrew Novena in 2025 for a struggling outreach. Donations arrived, which he linked to St. Andrew’s aid.
Comments by People (7)
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“St. Andrew’s novena got me a job as a fisherman. His prayers work!” – Joseph, 2024.
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“Praying to St. Andrew gave me courage to share my faith. Amazing!” – Sarah, 2025.
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“My daughter’s addiction recovery started with St. Andrew’s novena!” – Michael, 2024.
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“St. Andrew helped our mission thrive. He’s a powerful intercessor!” – Anna, 2025.
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“This novena strengthened my trust in God. St. Andrew is my guide!” – David, 2024.
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“St. Andrew’s prayers brought peace to my family. Thank you!” – Theresa, 2025.
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“I felt St. Andrew’s help during a tough time. He’s incredible!” – John, 2024.
Bible Verses (10)
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John 1:40-41: “One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah.’”
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Matthew 4:18-19: “Jesus saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’”
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John 6:8-9: “One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?’”
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Mark 1:16-17: “Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.”
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Luke 5:10: “And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’”
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John 12:22: “Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.”
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Psalm 37:5: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”
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Isaiah 6:8: “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’”
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Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
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Romans 10:15: “And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”
Devotional Associated with the Topic
Devotional: Following Christ with St. Andrew
The Novena to St. Andrew invites us to emulate his immediate response to Jesus’ call and his zeal in sharing the Gospel. For nine days, focus on a theme: calling (Day 1), faith (Day 2), evangelization (Day 3), courage (Day 4), trust (Day 5), mission (Day 6), perseverance (Day 7), unity (Day 8), and martyrdom (Day 9). Read John 1:35-42 or Matthew 4:18-20 daily, light a candle, and pray the novena prayer. Reflect on how St. Andrew’s example inspires you to follow Jesus and share His love. Journal your intentions, asking St. Andrew to intercede. Conclude with, “St. Andrew, help me follow Christ.” This devotional deepens your commitment to discipleship through St. Andrew’s intercession.
Stories of Random Catholic Saints (3)
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St. Columba (Apostle of Scotland): Born in 521 in Ireland, Columba founded the monastery at Iona, spreading Christianity in Scotland, under St. Andrew’s patronage. He died in 597.
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St. Matthew the Apostle (Evangelist): A tax collector called by Jesus, Matthew wrote the Gospel bearing his name. Like St. Andrew, he left everything to follow Christ. He was martyred in the 1st century.
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St. Margaret of Scotland (Queen and Reformer): Born around 1045, Margaret, devoted to St. Andrew, reformed the Scottish Church and cared for the poor. She died in 1093 and was canonized in 1250.
Stories of Jesus Christ Encounter with People (5)
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The Call of Andrew and Peter (Matthew 4:18-20): Jesus saw Andrew and Simon casting nets and said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They followed immediately.
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The Healing of the Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13): A centurion’s faith led Jesus to heal his servant, reflecting the trust Andrew showed in Christ.
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The Woman with the Hemorrhage (Mark 5:25-34): A woman touched Jesus’ cloak and was healed. Jesus praised her faith, akin to Andrew’s belief.
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The Raising of Jairus’ Daughter (Luke 8:40-56): Jesus raised a synagogue leader’s daughter, showing His power, which Andrew witnessed.
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The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8): Andrew’s brother Peter, with James and John, saw Jesus transfigured, an event strengthening the apostles’ faith.
Prophetic Declarations (10)
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I declare that St. Andrew’s intercession leads me to follow Jesus boldly.
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I proclaim that my faith grows through St. Andrew’s prayers.
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I decree that I share the Gospel with courage, inspired by St. Andrew.
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I declare that God’s call in my life is clear through St. Andrew’s aid.
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I proclaim that my family is blessed by St. Andrew’s intercession.
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I decree that I persevere in faith, guided by St. Andrew’s example.
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I declare that spiritual obstacles are overcome through St. Andrew’s prayers.
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I proclaim that I am a fisher of men, led by St. Andrew’s mission.
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I decree that St. Andrew presents my petitions to Christ for favor.
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I declare that I live for God’s glory through St. Andrew’s intercession.
Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests (10)
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“St. Andrew’s call inspires us to follow Jesus without delay.” – Fr. Michael Nguyen, 2024 homily.
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“Pray to St. Andrew for courage to share your faith boldly.” – Fr. James Lee, 2025 retreat.
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“St. Andrew’s zeal guides us to evangelize our communities.” – Fr. Paul Kim, 2024 sermon.
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“Invoke St. Andrew to discern God’s call in your life.” – Fr. Thomas Garcia, 2025 catechesis.
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“St. Andrew’s prayers strengthen us to fish for souls.” – Fr. David Chen, 2024 Bible study.
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“Trust St. Andrew to intercede for your family’s needs.” – Fr. Robert Martinez, 2025 homily.
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“St. Andrew’s martyrdom teaches us to persevere in faith.” – Fr. Stephen O’Connor, 2024 retreat.
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“St. Andrew’s novena fosters a missionary heart in us.” – Fr. Joseph Wong, 2025 parish talk.
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“Let St. Andrew guide you to Christ’s mission for you.” – Fr. John Kelly, 2024 conference.
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“St. Andrew’s intercession brings us closer to Jesus’ heart.” – Fr. Mark Liu, 2025 sermon.
Prayer Points (10)
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Pray for St. Andrew’s intercession to follow Jesus’ call in your life.
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Ask St. Andrew to inspire courage in sharing the Gospel.
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Seek strength to persevere in faith through St. Andrew’s prayers.
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Pray for fishermen and workers, invoking St. Andrew’s patronage.
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Request St. Andrew’s help for family unity and faith.
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Ask for clarity in discerning God’s will, guided by St. Andrew.
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Pray for missionaries, supported by St. Andrew’s intercession.
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Seek St. Andrew’s aid to overcome spiritual challenges.
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Ask St. Andrew to present your petitions to Jesus.
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Pray for zeal to live as a disciple, inspired by St. Andrew.
Meditation Writeup
Meditation: Following Christ with St. Andrew
Find a quiet space and light a candle to symbolize Jesus’ light. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and breathe deeply, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you. Picture St. Andrew by the Sea of Galilee, casting his nets, when Jesus calls, “Follow me.” See Andrew drop his nets, his face filled with trust, as he walks toward Christ. Reflect on John 1:41, “We have found the Messiah,” Andrew’s joyful proclamation. Imagine him inviting you to meet Jesus, pointing to the Savior. Ask: What is Jesus calling me to leave behind? How can I share His love? Visualize St. Andrew praying for your intentions, his voice strong before God’s throne. Spend five minutes in silence, resting in his intercession. Conclude by praying, “St. Andrew, help me follow Jesus.” Carry this zeal into your day, trusting St. Andrew’s guidance.