St. Francis of Assisi Novena

St. Francis of Assisi (1181/82–1226) was an Italian religious leader best known as the founder of the Franciscan Order. Born the son of a wealthy merchant, Francis lived a carefree youth before a period of illness, imprisonment, and spiritual visions led him to renounce wealth and embrace a life of poverty and service.

He dedicated himself to preaching repentance, rebuilding churches, and living in imitation of Christ. His commitment inspired the formation of the Friars Minor, the Poor Clares with St. Clare of Assisi, and the lay Third Order.

Francis emphasized humility, poverty, and care for creation, famously preaching to animals and referring to them as brothers and sisters. In 1224, he reportedly received the stigmata, or wounds of Christ, marking a profound point in his spiritual life.

Canonized in 1228, he is venerated as the patron saint of Italy, ecology, and animals.

  • In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

    Holy Saint Francis, through your kind intercession we seek holiness above all things. We seek the faith, hope and love that allowed you to joyfully renounce the pleasures of earthly life and to radically follow our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Pray for us that we enjoy the privilege of suffering with and for the poor in the example of Jesus. Help us to be always grateful for all the blessings we have received and the strength to overcome our most pressing concerns, especially…

    (Mention your intentions here, followed by the daily prayer)

    St. Francis, as you left a comfortable life to lead a life of poverty and service to our Lord Jesus Christ, we ask you to pray that we also realize the folly of seeking to amass material gains and experience worldly pleasures. This day I humbly forego (_____) as an offering to God our Father, hoping this act signals a start of my conversion.

    St. Francis, help us in praying for the grace to truly repent for our sins and actively seek reconciliation with God. May the blessings we obtain through your intercession deepen our faith, and inspire us to store treasures in Heaven, where we hope to spend eternity with the Almighty Father.

    Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be, world without end. Amen

    St. Francis of Assisi, Pray for us!

    In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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