Novena to St. Benedict of Nursia

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. Benedict honors the 6th-century Italian monk, founder of Western monasticism, and author of the Rule of Benedict, which guides Benedictine life with principles of prayer, work, and humility. As patron saint against evil, poison, and for monks, it seeks his intercession for spiritual protection, holiness, and balanced living.

Full Prayers (One Per Day for Nine Days)

Day 1 Prayer: Glorious St. Benedict, you sought God alone in solitude. Help me prioritize prayer in my life. I ask your intercession for (mention your request), that I may grow closer to Christ. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Day 2 Prayer: Holy St. Benedict, your Rule teaches balance in work and prayer. Guide me to live with discipline and peace. I seek your prayers for (mention your request). Protect me from evil. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Day 3 Prayer: St. Benedict, you overcame temptation through faith. Strengthen me against sin and spiritual attacks. Intercede for (mention your request), that I may remain faithful. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Day 4 Prayer: Blessed St. Benedict, you built communities of holiness. Help me foster love and unity in my family and community. I ask your help for (mention your request). Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Day 5 Prayer: St. Benedict, your medal wards off evil. Protect me and my loved ones from harm. I seek your intercession for (mention your request), trusting in your power. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Day 6 Prayer: Holy St. Benedict, you lived humbly, serving others. Teach me humility and charity in my daily tasks. Intercede for (mention your request), that I may glorify God. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Day 7 Prayer: St. Benedict, you loved the cross as a sign of salvation. Help me embrace my crosses with love. I ask your prayers for (mention your request). Lead me to Christ. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Day 8 Prayer: Glorious St. Benedict, your wisdom guided countless souls. Grant me discernment in life’s challenges. I seek your help for (mention your request). Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.
Day 9 Prayer: St. Benedict, you died in prayer, united to God. Lead me to eternal life through your example. Intercede for (mention your request), and guide me to heaven. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

Real Life Stories and Bible Stories (7 Total)

Bible Story: The Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11): Jesus overcame Satan’s temptations, reflecting St. Benedict’s victory over sin through prayer and fasting.
Real Life Story: Protection from Harm (2024): A woman in Italy prayed the St. Benedict Novena with his medal during a car accident. She emerged unharmed, crediting his intercession.
Real Life Story: Job Restoration (2025): A man in Nigeria prayed to St. Benedict for a job after layoffs. On day seven, he was rehired, attributing it to St. Benedict’s prayers.
Bible Story: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): A Samaritan cared for a stranger, mirroring St. Benedict’s hospitality to pilgrims and the poor.
Real Life Story: Family Healing (2023): A family prayed the novena for their son’s addiction. Post-novena, he entered rehab and recovered, thanked to St. Benedict.
Real Life Story: Spiritual Protection (2024): A woman in the U.S. used the St. Benedict medal and novena during spiritual oppression. She found peace, crediting his intercession.
Bible Story: The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8): Jesus revealed His glory to His disciples, reflecting St. Benedict’s vision of divine light before his death.

Comments by People (7)

“St. Benedict’s novena saved me from a car crash. His medal works!” – Anna, Italy, 2024.
“I got my job back after praying to St. Benedict. He’s powerful!” – Joseph, Nigeria, 2025.
“Our son’s addiction was healed through St. Benedict’s novena. Grateful!” – Maria, 2023.
“St. Benedict’s prayers brought peace during spiritual attacks. Amazing!” – Sarah, U.S., 2024.
“This novena helped me balance work and prayer. St. Benedict rocks!” – John, 2025.
“St. Benedict’s intercession united my family. Thank you, saint!” – Theresa, 2024.
“Praying to St. Benedict gave me courage to face trials. Viva San Benito!” – Michael, 2025.

Bible Verses (10)

Matthew 4:10: “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Be gone, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God.’”
Luke 10:33-34: “A Samaritan… had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds.”
Matthew 17:2: “And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun.”
Ephesians 6:12: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual forces of evil.”
Psalm 34:7: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.”
James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant.”
1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.”
Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me… bears much fruit.”

Devotional Associated with the Topic

Devotional: Living the Rule of St. Benedict
This novena devotional invites you to emulate St. Benedict’s life of prayer, work, and humility. For nine days, focus on a theme: prayer (Day 1), balance (Day 2), faith (Day 3), community (Day 4), protection (Day 5), humility (Day 6), cross (Day 7), discernment (Day 8), and eternity (Day 9). Read Matthew 4:1-11 or Luke 10:25-37 daily, light a candle, and pray the novena prayer. Reflect on St. Benedict’s Rule, emphasizing “Ora et Labora” (prayer and work), and how you can resist evil and serve others. Journal your intentions, asking St. Benedict to intercede. Conclude with, “St. Benedict, pray for us.” This devotional fosters spiritual discipline, protection, and holiness through St. Benedict’s example.

Stories of Random Catholic Saints (3)

St. Scholastica (Patron of Nuns): Born in 480, Scholastica, St. Benedict’s twin sister, founded a convent and lived his Rule. She died in 543 and was canonized by tradition.
St. Anthony the Great (Patron of Monks): Born in 251, Anthony, an early hermit, inspired St. Benedict’s monastic life with his asceticism. He died in 356 and was canonized by tradition.
St. Gertrude the Great (Patron of Mystics): Born in 1256, Gertrude, a Benedictine nun, had visions of Christ, reflecting St. Benedict’s spirituality. She died in 1302 and was canonized in 1677.

Stories of Jesus Christ Encounter with People (5)

The Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11): Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations, mirroring St. Benedict’s fight against evil through prayer.
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): Jesus’ parable of a Samaritan aiding a stranger reflects St. Benedict’s hospitality and charity.
The Healing of the Demoniac (Mark 5:1-20): Jesus cast out demons, showing His power over evil, like St. Benedict’s protection against spiritual attacks.
The Call of the Disciples (Matthew 4:18-22): Jesus called Simon and Andrew to follow Him, akin to St. Benedict’s call to monastic life.
The Woman at the Well (John 4:5-42): Jesus offered living water, reflecting St. Benedict’s guidance to souls seeking God.

Prophetic Declarations (10)

I declare that St. Benedict’s intercession deepens my prayer life.
I proclaim that I live with balance through St. Benedict’s Rule.
I decree that St. Benedict protects me from evil and temptation.
I declare that my family grows in unity through St. Benedict’s prayers.
I proclaim that St. Benedict’s medal shields me from harm.
I decree that I embrace humility, inspired by St. Benedict’s example.
I declare that I carry my crosses with faith through St. Benedict’s aid.
I proclaim that St. Benedict grants me discernment in decisions.
I decree that St. Benedict presents my petitions to Jesus for favor.
I declare that I pursue holiness through St. Benedict’s intercession.

Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests (10)

“St. Benedict teaches us to seek God through prayer.” – Fr. Michael Nguyen, 2024 homily.
“Pray to St. Benedict for balance in work and faith.” – Fr. James Lee, 2025 retreat.
“St. Benedict’s prayers shield us from evil forces.” – Fr. Paul Kim, 2024 sermon.
“Invoke St. Benedict for unity in your family.” – Fr. Thomas Garcia, 2025 catechesis.
“St. Benedict’s medal protects us from spiritual harm.” – Fr. David Chen, 2024 Bible study.
“Follow St. Benedict to live humbly for Christ.” – Fr. Robert Martinez, 2025 homily.
“St. Benedict’s cross leads us to salvation.” – Fr. Stephen O’Connor, 2024 retreat.
“Seek St. Benedict’s wisdom for life’s challenges.” – Fr. Joseph Wong, 2025 parish talk.
“St. Benedict intercedes for our eternal home.” – Fr. John Kelly, 2024 conference.
“Trust St. Benedict for holiness and protection.” – Fr. Mark Liu, 2025 sermon.

Prayer Points (10)

Pray for deeper prayer life through St. Benedict’s intercession.
Ask for balance in work and faith, inspired by St. Benedict’s Rule.
Seek protection from evil through St. Benedict’s prayers.
Pray for family and community unity, guided by St. Benedict.
Request spiritual protection with St. Benedict’s medal.
Ask for humility in daily tasks, following St. Benedict’s example.
Pray for strength to bear crosses, inspired by St. Benedict.
Seek discernment in decisions through St. Benedict’s wisdom.
Ask St. Benedict to present your petitions to Jesus.
Pray for holiness and eternal life, guided by St. Benedict.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation: Seeking God with St. Benedict
Find a quiet space and light a candle to symbolize Christ’s light. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and breathe deeply, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you. Picture St. Benedict in his monastery, praying in a simple cell or working in the fields, his heart fixed on God. See him holding a cross, warding off evil with faith. Reflect on Matthew 4:10, “You shall worship the Lord your God.” Imagine St. Benedict presenting your intentions to Jesus, his voice calm and trusting. Ask: How can I deepen my prayer? How can I resist temptation? Spend five minutes in silence, resting in St. Benedict’s intercession. Conclude by praying, “St. Benedict, pray for us.” Carry his peace and discipline into your day, striving for holiness.

Day-9: Novena to St. Benedict of Nursia