Novena to St. Benedict
Prayer for Protection and Grace
The Novena to St. Benedict is traditionally prayed from July 3rd to July 11th, leading up to his feast day on July 11th. It is a powerful prayer asking for St. Benedict’s protection against evil and his guidance in living a virtuous life.
Who is St. Benedict?
St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547 AD) is the founder of Western monasticism and author of the Rule of St. Benedict, a guide to Christian living emphasizing prayer, work, and community life. He is invoked as a protector against evil and temptation.
How to Pray the Novena to St. Benedict
This novena can be prayed over nine consecutive days, focusing on your personal intentions. It is especially recommended for protection, spiritual growth, and perseverance in faith.
Novena to St. Benedict
Opening Prayer
Glorious Saint Benedict,
sublime model of virtue,
pure vessel of God’s grace!
Behold me humbly kneeling at your feet.
I implore you in your loving kindness to
pray for me before the throne of God.
To you I have recourse in the dangers
that daily surround me.
Shield me against my selfishness
and my indifference to
God and to my neighbor.
Inspire me to imitate you in all things.
May your blessing be with me always,
so that I may see and serve Christ in
others and work for His kingdom.
Graciously obtain for me from God
those favors and graces which I need so much in
the trials,
miseries and afflictions of life.
Your heart was always full of love,
compassion and mercy toward those who
were afflicted or troubled in any way.
You never dismissed without consolation and
assistance anyone who had recourse to you.
I therefore invoke your powerful intercession,
confident in the hope that you will hear my
prayers and obtain for me the special grace and
favor I earnestly implore.
(State your intention
here…)
Help me,
great Saint Benedict,
to live and die as a faithful child of God,
to run in the sweetness of His loving will,
and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven.
Amen.
📅 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🗓️ When is the feast day of St. Benedict?
His feast day is celebrated on July 11th.
🙏 What is St. Benedict known for?
He is known as the founder of Western monasticism and for his spiritual rule emphasizing prayer and work.
🛡️ What is St. Benedict the patron saint of?
He is the patron saint of Europe, students, monks, and protection against evil.
⏰ Can I pray this novena anytime?
Yes, although traditionally prayed in July, it can be prayed anytime you seek St. Benedict’s intercession.