Novena to Saint Mark the Evangelist for Faith and Evangelization
Feast Day: April 25 | Begin: April 16
There are moments when we wonder if our faith is making any difference. When the Gospel feels distant. When the Church seems fragile. Saint Mark the Evangelist lived through all of that — and he wrote it down anyway. This novena is for those who want to go deeper in faith, serve the Church with courage, and trust that God’s Word never returns empty.
Historical and Theological Context
Saint Mark the Evangelist is one of the four Gospel writers and one of the most important figures in the early Church. Known in Scripture as John Mark, he was the son of Mary of Jerusalem, in whose home the first Christians gathered in prayer. He traveled with Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas on missionary journeys, and later became the devoted companion and interpreter of Saint Peter in Rome — so much so that his Gospel is widely considered to reflect Peter’s own eyewitness account of Jesus. Mark is credited with founding the Church of Alexandria, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, and died a martyr around 68 AD. His symbol is the lion — a sign of courage, royalty, and the voice crying out in the desert.
A Documented Miracle of Saint Mark
In the year 828, centuries after the martyrdom of Saint Mark, two Venetian merchants—Buono da Malamocco and Rustico da Torcello—undertook a dangerous mission in Alexandria, Egypt, where the saint’s relics had been preserved since the early Church.
At that time, the region was under Muslim control, and there was growing fear that Christian holy sites would be desecrated. Moved by devotion and a desire to protect the relics of the Evangelist, the merchants resolved to bring the body of Saint Mark to Venice.
According to historical accounts, they concealed the relics beneath layers of pork to prevent inspection by Muslim guards, who would avoid contact with it. Against all odds, they successfully transported the relics across the Mediterranean.
When they arrived in Venice, the people received the relics with great reverence and joy. Soon after, Saint Mark became the patron of the city, and the great Basilica of Saint Mark was built to house his remains.
Over the centuries, countless Venetians attributed miraculous protection and intercession to Saint Mark—especially during times of war, plague, and political turmoil. His presence became a sign that the Gospel he proclaimed continued to protect and guide the faithful.
This moment in history reminds us that God often works through human courage and devotion—and that the witness of the Evangelists continues to bear fruit in every age.
Why Pray This Novena?
This novena is particularly powerful for:
- Deeper faith and love of Scripture — to know Christ through His Word
- Vocations — asking God to call young people to serve the Church
- Courage in evangelization — to proclaim the Gospel with words and deeds
- Perseverance through trials — to keep the faith when life is hard
- Unity in the Church — for parishes, families, and communities
How to Pray the Novena
Begin 9 days before April 25 — start April 16. Pray once daily, preferably at the same time each day. Each day includes a Scripture passage, a short intention, and the Novena Prayer. You may light a candle before an image of Saint Mark. This novena may also be prayed at any time of year for the intentions listed above.
Novena Prayer
(Pray this prayer each day after the daily intention)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,
You called the Evangelist Saint Mark from his youth
to labor alongside the Apostles in bringing Good News to the nations,
and to record their saving proclamation in the Gospel that he penned.
Look with mercy upon us, dedicated to his patronage,
and help us to devote our gifts and talents
to the task of evangelization.
Call young people from our families
to imitate Saint Mark in leaving everything
to serve the Church.
Lead all of us, young and old,
to know You through the Scriptures
and the traditions of the Apostles,
to love You in the Sacraments
and in our neighbor,
and to proclaim You to every creature
with our words and our deeds.
All of this we offer for the glory of Your Name,
You who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.
Novena Prayers — Day by Day
Day 1 — For Courage in Evangelization
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:16-20)
O God, through the intercession of Saint Mark the Evangelist, send Your Church more fishers of men and teach us to follow You in all things!
(Repeat the Novena Prayer)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,
You called the Evangelist Saint Mark from his youth
to labor alongside the Apostles in bringing Good News to the nations,
and to record their saving proclamation in the Gospel that he penned.
Look with mercy upon us, dedicated to his patronage,
and help us to devote our gifts and talents
to the task of evangelization.
Call young people from our families
to imitate Saint Mark in leaving everything
to serve the Church.
Lead all of us, young and old,
to know You through the Scriptures
and the traditions of the Apostles,
to love You in the Sacraments
and in our neighbor,
and to proclaim You to every creature
with our words and our deeds.
All of this we offer for the glory of Your Name,
You who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.
Day 2 — For Humility
“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:33-37)
O God, who called Saint Mark to be one of the little ones through whom we receive Your saving Word, through the intercession of Saint Mark, teach us to love humility as You do, and to see and receive You in the little ones in our midst.
(Repeat the Novena Prayer)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,
You called the Evangelist Saint Mark from his youth
to labor alongside the Apostles in bringing Good News to the nations,
and to record their saving proclamation in the Gospel that he penned.
Look with mercy upon us, dedicated to his patronage,
and help us to devote our gifts and talents
to the task of evangelization.
Call young people from our families
to imitate Saint Mark in leaving everything
to serve the Church.
Lead all of us, young and old,
to know You through the Scriptures
and the traditions of the Apostles,
to love You in the Sacraments
and in our neighbor,
and to proclaim You to every creature
with our words and our deeds.
All of this we offer for the glory of Your Name,
You who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.
Day 3 — For Generosity Toward the Church
Peter went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who is called Mark, where there were many people gathered in prayer. (Acts 12:6-12)
O God, through the intercession of Saint Mark and his mother, Mary of Jerusalem, move us to devote what You have given us to the mission of the Church, that through our generosity many more might be gathered into the community of prayer that is the Church. Amen.
(Repeat the Novena Prayer)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,
You called the Evangelist Saint Mark from his youth
to labor alongside the Apostles in bringing Good News to the nations,
and to record their saving proclamation in the Gospel that he penned.
Look with mercy upon us, dedicated to his patronage,
and help us to devote our gifts and talents
to the task of evangelization.
Call young people from our families
to imitate Saint Mark in leaving everything
to serve the Church.
Lead all of us, young and old,
to know You through the Scriptures
and the traditions of the Apostles,
to love You in the Sacraments
and in our neighbor,
and to proclaim You to every creature
with our words and our deeds.
All of this we offer for the glory of Your Name,
You who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.
Day 4 — For Vocations
“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:1-3)
O God, who in every age bestow on Your Church gifts for her upbuilding and growth, through the intercession of Saint Mark, raise up in Your Church priests, evangelists, prophets, and teachers who will proclaim Your saving truth with their words and deeds.
(Repeat the Novena Prayer)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,
You called the Evangelist Saint Mark from his youth
to labor alongside the Apostles in bringing Good News to the nations,
and to record their saving proclamation in the Gospel that he penned.
Look with mercy upon us, dedicated to his patronage,
and help us to devote our gifts and talents
to the task of evangelization.
Call young people from our families
to imitate Saint Mark in leaving everything
to serve the Church.
Lead all of us, young and old,
to know You through the Scriptures
and the traditions of the Apostles,
to love You in the Sacraments
and in our neighbor,
and to proclaim You to every creature
with our words and our deeds.
All of this we offer for the glory of Your Name,
You who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.
Day 5 — For Unity in Service
“Mark the cousin of Barnabas… these alone are my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.” (Colossians 4:7-14)
O God, who wills that Your servants depend on one another as co-workers for the Kingdom, through the intercession of Saint Mark, lead us to devote ourselves to the service of one another as joyful servants of Christ.
(Repeat the Novena Prayer)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,
You called the Evangelist Saint Mark from his youth
to labor alongside the Apostles in bringing Good News to the nations,
and to record their saving proclamation in the Gospel that he penned.
Look with mercy upon us, dedicated to his patronage,
and help us to devote our gifts and talents
to the task of evangelization.
Call young people from our families
to imitate Saint Mark in leaving everything
to serve the Church.
Lead all of us, young and old,
to know You through the Scriptures
and the traditions of the Apostles,
to love You in the Sacraments
and in our neighbor,
and to proclaim You to every creature
with our words and our deeds.
All of this we offer for the glory of Your Name,
You who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.
Day 6 — For Perseverance in Ministry
“Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in the ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:6-13)
O God, through the intercession of Saint Mark, teach us to keep the faith amid the trials of life and to run well for the sake of the Gospel.
(Repeat the Novena Prayer)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,
You called the Evangelist Saint Mark from his youth
to labor alongside the Apostles in bringing Good News to the nations,
and to record their saving proclamation in the Gospel that he penned.
Look with mercy upon us, dedicated to his patronage,
and help us to devote our gifts and talents
to the task of evangelization.
Call young people from our families
to imitate Saint Mark in leaving everything
to serve the Church.
Lead all of us, young and old,
to know You through the Scriptures
and the traditions of the Apostles,
to love You in the Sacraments
and in our neighbor,
and to proclaim You to every creature
with our words and our deeds.
All of this we offer for the glory of Your Name,
You who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.
Day 7 — For Charity Toward Others
“Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Philemon 10-24)
O God, who calls us to true freedom in Christ, through the intercession of Saint Mark, teach us to cherish His image in our brothers and sisters, and to refresh their hearts through the practice of ardent charity.
(Repeat the Novena Prayer)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,
You called the Evangelist Saint Mark from his youth
to labor alongside the Apostles in bringing Good News to the nations,
and to record their saving proclamation in the Gospel that he penned.
Look with mercy upon us, dedicated to his patronage,
and help us to devote our gifts and talents
to the task of evangelization.
Call young people from our families
to imitate Saint Mark in leaving everything
to serve the Church.
Lead all of us, young and old,
to know You through the Scriptures
and the traditions of the Apostles,
to love You in the Sacraments
and in our neighbor,
and to proclaim You to every creature
with our words and our deeds.
All of this we offer for the glory of Your Name,
You who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.
Day 8 — For Bold Proclamation of the Gospel
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15-20)
O God, through the intercession of Saint Mark the Evangelist, deepen our faith and make us bold to proclaim Your Gospel to every creature!
(Repeat the Novena Prayer)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,
You called the Evangelist Saint Mark from his youth
to labor alongside the Apostles in bringing Good News to the nations,
and to record their saving proclamation in the Gospel that he penned.
Look with mercy upon us, dedicated to his patronage,
and help us to devote our gifts and talents
to the task of evangelization.
Call young people from our families
to imitate Saint Mark in leaving everything
to serve the Church.
Lead all of us, young and old,
to know You through the Scriptures
and the traditions of the Apostles,
to love You in the Sacraments
and in our neighbor,
and to proclaim You to every creature
with our words and our deeds.
All of this we offer for the glory of Your Name,
You who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.
Day 9 — For Final Perseverance
“Mark, my son. Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” (1 Peter 5:8-14)
O God, through the intercession of Saint Mark the Evangelist, help us to be vigilant against the snares of the evil one and to be steadfast in our trials and sufferings.
(Repeat the Novena Prayer)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,
You called the Evangelist Saint Mark from his youth
to labor alongside the Apostles in bringing Good News to the nations,
and to record their saving proclamation in the Gospel that he penned.
Look with mercy upon us, dedicated to his patronage,
and help us to devote our gifts and talents
to the task of evangelization.
Call young people from our families
to imitate Saint Mark in leaving everything
to serve the Church.
Lead all of us, young and old,
to know You through the Scriptures
and the traditions of the Apostles,
to love You in the Sacraments
and in our neighbor,
and to proclaim You to every creature
with our words and our deeds.
All of this we offer for the glory of Your Name,
You who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever. Amen.
About Saint Mark the Evangelist
Saint Mark was born in Cyrene (modern-day Libya) and raised in Jerusalem. His mother Mary was a prominent figure in the early Christian community, and her home became a gathering place for the first disciples. Mark traveled as a missionary companion to both Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas, and later became the close companion and interpreter of Saint Peter in Rome. His Gospel — the shortest and most action-driven of the four — reflects Peter’s vivid eyewitness account of Jesus. Mark is credited with founding the Church of Alexandria, one of Christianity’s oldest sees. He was martyred around 68 AD and his relics were later enshrined in the Basilica of San Marco in Venice. His symbol is the winged lion.
Related Devotions
• Who Was Saint Mark the Evangelist?
• Prayer to Saint Mark the Evangelist
• Novena to Saint Anthony of Padua
Frequently Asked Questions
The novena begins 9 days before his feast day of April 25, so start on April 16. However, it can be prayed at any time of year for the intentions listed above.
Saint Mark wrote the second Gospel, which is believed to reflect the firsthand testimony of Saint Peter. He is also credited with founding the Church of Alexandria, one of the oldest and most important Christian communities in history.
Saint Mark is the patron saint of Venice, Egypt, notaries, lawyers, and interpreters. He is also invoked for strength in evangelization and perseverance in faith.
The winged lion is Saint Mark’s traditional symbol, representing courage, royalty, and the prophetic voice calling out in the desert — echoing the opening of his Gospel where John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord.
Absolutely. This novena is especially powerful when prayed communally. Offer it for your church, your family, or any community you wish to see grow in faith.
Yes. While this novena is traditionally prayed leading up to April 25, the feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist, it may be prayed at any time of the year. You can offer it whenever you seek deeper faith, courage in evangelization, or perseverance in following Christ.
Share this novena with someone who needs strength in faith and courage to proclaim the Gospel. Save it and return to it each day in prayer.
