Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/1182–1226) was the founder of the Franciscan Order and one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. Renowned for his profound love of Jesus Christ, joyful poverty, care for the poor, reverence for all of God’s creation, and commitment to peace, he is the Patron Saint of Ecology and Animals. This novena may be prayed at any time, especially in preparation for his feast on October 4, or whenever seeking his intercession for humility, peace, and a deeper love of God.
Opening Prayer (Pray Each Day)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glorious Saint Francis of Assisi,
Faithful follower of Jesus Christ, you joyfully embraced a life of simplicity, humility, and love. By your words and example, you inspired countless people to seek God’s Kingdom above all else and to recognize His presence in every person and throughout His creation.
With confidence in your loving intercession, I place before you my special intention:
(Mention your intention here.)
If it is according to God’s holy will, obtain for me this grace. Above all, help me to grow in holiness, imitate Christ more faithfully, and live each day with joy, humility, and charity.
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for me.
Day 1 – Following Christ
Dear Saint Francis,
You left behind worldly riches to follow Jesus with your whole heart. Help me place Christ at the center of my life and seek His will above every earthly desire.
Prayer
Saint Francis, lead me to follow Jesus with joyful faith.
Day 2 – Humility
Humble Servant of God,
You considered yourself the least among all and gave glory to God in everything. Teach me to be humble, recognizing that every blessing comes from the Lord.
Prayer
Saint Francis, help me grow in humility and gratitude.
Day 3 – Simplicity
Faithful Disciple,
Your life of simplicity freed your heart to love God more completely. Help me let go of unnecessary attachments and find true joy in God’s presence.
Prayer
Saint Francis, teach me to live simply and trust in God’s providence.
Day 4 – Love for the Poor
Compassionate Saint,
You saw Christ in the poor, the forgotten, and the suffering. Open my eyes to those in need and inspire me to serve them with generosity, kindness, and respect.
Prayer
Saint Francis, help me love and serve Christ in others.
Day 5 – Peace and Reconciliation
Messenger of Peace,
You brought peace wherever you went and encouraged reconciliation among those who were divided. Help me become a peacemaker in my family, workplace, community, and wherever God sends me.
Prayer
Saint Francis, make me an instrument of Christ’s peace.
Day 6 – Care for God’s Creation
Lover of God’s Creation,
You praised God through the beauty of the earth, the sky, the waters, and every living creature. Help me care responsibly for the world God has entrusted to us and treat all creation with gratitude and respect.
Prayer
Saint Francis, inspire me to be a faithful steward of God’s creation.
Day 7 – Love of Prayer
Friend of God,
Your strength came from spending time in prayer and contemplation. Help me deepen my relationship with God through faithful prayer, attentive listening, and loving obedience.
Prayer
Saint Francis, lead me to a deeper life of prayer.
Day 8 – Joy in Suffering
Faithful Witness,
Even during illness and hardship, you praised God with joy and trusted completely in His loving care. Teach me to carry my crosses with patience, hope, and unwavering confidence in Christ.
Prayer
Saint Francis, strengthen me to remain joyful in every trial.
Day 9 – A Life of Holiness
Beloved Saint Francis,
Today I renew my desire to live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Help me imitate your love, humility, generosity, and joyful spirit. May my words and actions always reflect the Gospel and draw others closer to the Lord.
Prayer
Saint Francis, guide me along the path of holiness and perfect love.
Closing Prayer (Pray Each Day)
Glorious Saint Francis of Assisi,
Thank you for your faithful witness to the Gospel and your joyful love for Christ. Through your example, you continue to inspire countless people to embrace humility, charity, peace, and trust in God’s providence.
Pray that I may love Jesus with all my heart, faithfully serve those in need, and care for God’s creation with gratitude and responsibility. Help me become an instrument of God’s peace, bringing forgiveness where there is injury, hope where there is despair, and love where there is hatred.
Protect my family, strengthen the Church, and obtain for me the grace to persevere in faith until the end of my life.
May I one day join you and all the saints in giving eternal praise to the Father, through the Son, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us.
Saint Francis, faithful follower of Christ, pray for us.
Saint Francis, patron of peace and care for creation, pray for us.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.