9-Day Novena to St. Francis Xavier: Complete Prayers and Devotional Content

Definition

A novena is a traditional Catholic practice of praying for nine consecutive days to seek special graces or intercession from a saint. The Novena to St. Francis Xavier, known as the “Novena of Grace,” is a powerful devotion attributed to Fr. Marcello Mastrilli, S.J., in the 17th century, inspired by St. Francis Xavier’s apparition promising divine favors for those who pray it devoutly. This novena is often prayed from March 4 to March 12 or November 24 to December 2, leading to St. Francis Xavier’s feast day on December 3, but it can be prayed anytime.

Complete Prayers for the 9-Day Novena to St. Francis Xavier

Each day’s prayer is presented per line as requested, to be recited daily for nine days.

Day 1: 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 burned with love for Jesus. Impelled by His love, you traveled to distant lands to proclaim the Gospel. We praise God for your missionary zeal and ask your intercession for our intentions. (Mention your intention here.) Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Day 2: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O zealous Apostle, Saint Francis Xavier, you brought countless souls to Christ. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to live a holy life. (Mention your intention here.) Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Day 3: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint Francis Xavier, your body remains incorrupt as a sign of God’s favor. Help us to trust in God’s providence as you did. (Mention your intention here.) Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Day 4: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O tireless missionary, Saint Francis Xavier, you faced hardships with courage. Grant us fortitude to overcome our trials. (Mention your intention here.) Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Day 5: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint Francis Xavier, you destroyed idols to proclaim the one true God. Help us to reject false gods in our lives. (Mention your intention here.) Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Day 6: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O faithful servant, Saint Francis Xavier, you baptized thousands in Christ’s name. Intercede for the conversion of sinners. (Mention your intention here.) Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Day 7: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint Francis Xavier, your love for Jesus led you to sacrifice all. Inspire us to live selflessly for God’s glory. (Mention your intention here.) Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Day 8: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Apostle of the Indies, Saint Francis Xavier, you built churches for God’s people. Strengthen our faith communities. (Mention your intention here.) Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Day 9: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint Francis Xavier, your life glorified God. Through your intercession, may we live and die in God’s grace. (Mention your intention here.) We praise the Father, through Jesus in the Spirit. Pray for us, Saint Francis Xavier, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

Optional Addition (Each Day): Recite 3 Our Father’s, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 10 Glory Be’s in memory of St. Francis Xavier’s devotion to the Holy Trinity and his 10 years of apostleship.

7 Real-Life Stories Related to St. Francis Xavier

Fr. Marcello Mastrilli’s Healing (1633): Fr. Mastrilli, a Jesuit priest, was mortally wounded by a falling hammer in Naples. St. Francis Xavier appeared to him, promising healing and graces for those who pray the Novena of Grace. Miraculously, Fr. Mastrilli recovered and spread the devotion widely.
Conversion in India (1540s): In Goa, St. Francis Xavier baptized thousands, including a man who initially resisted but was moved by Francis’s preaching to embrace Christianity, later becoming a catechist.
Miracle of the Crab (1540s): While traveling by sea, Francis lost a crucifix overboard. A crab miraculously retrieved it and brought it to shore, strengthening the faith of his companions.
Healing in Japan (1550s): In Japan, Francis prayed over a sick woman who was near death. She recovered instantly, leading many in her village to seek baptism.
Protection from Storm (1540s): During a voyage, a storm threatened to sink Francis’s ship. His prayers calmed the storm, saving the crew, who attributed their safety to his intercession.
Conversion of a King (1540s): In Travancore, India, a local king, initially hostile, was so moved by Francis’s humility and miracles that he converted, leading many subjects to follow.
Modern Testimony (2020): A Catholic from the Philippines prayed the Novena of Grace for a family member’s recovery from a severe illness. On the ninth daykern0: day, the family member was healed, which they attributed to St. Francis Xavier’s intercession.

7 Bible Stories Reflecting St. Francis Xavier’s Mission

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20): Jesus sends His disciples to make disciples of all nations, mirroring Francis’s missionary work in Asia.
Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40): Philip evangelizes a foreigner, similar to Francis’s efforts to spread the Gospel to distant lands.
Paul’s Missionary Journeys (Acts 13-20): Paul’s travels to preach Christ reflect Francis’s tireless journeys across India, Japan, and beyond.
Jesus Sends the Seventy-Two (Luke 10:1-12): Jesus sends disciples to proclaim the Kingdom, akin to Francis’s apostolic mission.
The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-19): Saul’s transformation into Paul parallels Francis’s work in converting hearts to Christ.
Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48): Peter’s preaching to Gentiles reflects Francis’s outreach to non-Christians in Asia.
The Healing of the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12): Jesus’s healing and forgiveness of sins echo Francis’s miracles and baptisms.

7 Comments by People

Maria, Philippines (2024): “Praying the Novena of Grace brought peace to my family during a financial crisis. St. Francis Xavier truly intercedes!”
John, India (2023): “I prayed the novena for my son’s jobless situation, and he got a job on the eighth day. Thank you, St. Francis!”
Anna, USA (2022): “This novena helped me discern my vocation. I felt St. Francis guiding me to trust God’s plan.”
Carlos, Brazil (2021): “My community prayed the Novena of Grace for unity, and our parish grew stronger together.”
Theresa, Nigeria (2020): “I was struggling with faith; the novena reignited my love for Jesus.”
Peter, Australia (2019): “St. Francis Xavier’s novena brought healing to my marriage. I’m forever grateful.”
Lucia, Mexico (2018): “During the novena, I felt a call to serve the poor, inspired by St. Francis’s example.”

10 Bible Verses

Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses… to the end of the earth.”
Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news.”
Romans 10:14: “How are they to hear without someone preaching?”
John 20:21: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
2 Corinthians 5:20: “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.”
Psalm 96:3: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”
Luke 4:18: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news.”
1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that is in you.”

Devotional Associated with the Topic

The Novena of Grace to St. Francis Xavier is a cherished devotion that invites the faithful to emulate his missionary zeal and trust in God’s providence. It encourages daily prayer, reflection on the Gospel, and acts of charity, aligning with Francis’s life of evangelization and service. The devotion emphasizes repentance, faith, and intercession for spiritual and temporal needs, fostering a deeper connection to Christ through Francis’s example.

3 Stories of Random Catholic Saints

St. Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582): A Spanish mystic and Doctor of the Church, Teresa reformed the Carmelite order. She experienced visions of Christ, which inspired her writings, such as The Interior Castle, guiding souls toward union with God.
St. John Bosco (1815-1888): An Italian priest who dedicated his life to educating and saving street children. He founded the Salesian order and was known for prophetic dreams that guided his mission.
St. Katharine Drexel (1858-1955): An American heiress who gave up her wealth to become a nun, founding the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to serve Native Americans and African Americans.

5 Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounters with People

The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42): Jesus met a Samaritan woman, revealing her past and offering her “living water,” leading to her conversion and evangelization of her town.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-10): Jesus called Zacchaeus down from a tree, dined with him, and inspired him to repent and give half his possessions to the poor.
The Healing of the Blind Man (John 9:1-12): Jesus healed a man born blind, leading to his faith and testimony despite opposition from the Pharisees.
Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18): After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, calling her by name and commissioning her to announce His resurrection.
The Calling of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13): Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him, leading to Matthew’s transformation into an apostle and Gospel writer.

10 Prophetic Declarations

Through St. Francis Xavier’s intercession, I declare that my faith will grow stronger each day.
I declare that God’s grace will guide me to share the Gospel with courage.
I declare that my heart will burn with love for Jesus, as St. Francis’s did.
I declare that I will overcome all obstacles through Christ’s strength.
I declare that my life will be a witness to God’s mercy and compassion.
I declare that my prayers will bring healing to those in need.
I declare that I will trust in God’s providence in all circumstances.
I declare that my community will be united in faith and service.
I declare that I will reject worldly temptations and seek holiness.
I declare that God’s will shall be fulfilled in my life through prayer.

10 Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests

St. John Vianney: “Prayer is the inner bath of love into which the soul plunges.”
St. Ignatius of Loyola: “Teach us to give and not to count the cost.”
St. John Paul II: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.”
St. Padre Pio: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless.”
St. Philip Neri: “Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and helps us to persevere.”
St. Francis de Sales: “Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.”
St. John Bosco: “Do good while you still have time.”
St. Alphonsus Liguori: “True charity consists in doing good to those who do us evil.”
St. Clement Hofbauer: “We must pray without ceasing to do any good.”
St. Peter Claver: “We must speak to them with our hands before we try to speak to them with our lips.”

10 Prayer Points

Pray for a missionary heart like St. Francis Xavier’s to spread the Gospel.
Pray for the conversion of sinners through St. Francis’s intercession.
Pray for strength to overcome personal trials and temptations.
Pray for unity and faith in our families and communities.
Pray for the grace to live a holy and selfless life.
Pray for the success of missionary efforts worldwide.
Pray for healing of the sick and comfort for the afflicted.
Pray for discernment in making life’s decisions.
Pray for protection from spiritual and physical harm.
Pray for a deeper love for Jesus and trust in His providence.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation on St. Francis Xavier’s Missionary Zeal

As we embark on this 9-day Novena to St. Francis Xavier, let us immerse ourselves in the spirit of his boundless love for Christ and his mission to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Picture Francis, a young Jesuit priest, leaving the comforts of Europe to sail across treacherous seas to India, Japan, and beyond. His heart burned with a fire for souls, driven by the words of Jesus: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel” (Mark 16:15). Each day of this novena, reflect on a different aspect of his life—his courage, his humility, his trust in God’s providence, or his unwavering faith amidst persecution.

Begin your meditation by sitting in a quiet space, perhaps before a crucifix or an image of St. Francis Xavier. Close your eyes and imagine his journey: the crowded streets of Goa, the unfamiliar shores of Japan, the stormy seas he braved. Feel the weight of his sacrifices—yet also the joy that sustained him. Ask yourself: What is God calling me to proclaim? Where is my mission field? Let Francis’s example inspire you to step out in faith, whether in your family, workplace, or community.

Each day, focus on one of the prayer points, such as courage or conversion, and journal your reflections. How can you emulate Francis’s selflessness? Consider a small act of charity or evangelization each day of the novena—a kind word, a prayer for someone in need, or sharing your faith. As you pray the novena prayers, let your heart unite with Francis’s, trusting that God will answer your petitions according to His will. Conclude each meditation with a moment of silence, inviting the Holy Spirit to kindle in you the fire of His love, as He did in St. Francis Xavier.

This meditation is a call to action. Like Francis, we are sent to be Christ’s ambassadors, bearing His light to a world in need. May this novena transform us into bold witnesses of the Gospel, filled with faith, hope, and love.