Novena to Saint Ambrose – 9 Days of Prayer
Bishop of Milan, Doctor of the Church, who faced down emperors for the faith. Patron of bishops, learning, and those who must speak truth to power.
St. Ambrose was Bishop of Milan and Doctor of the Church who faced down emperors for the faith and baptised St. Augustine. He is the patron of bishops and learning. This novena asks for the courage to speak truth to power. His feast is December 7. He was a governor before the people of Milan chose him as bishop, and he led them with courage and kindness. He wrote hymns, preached beautifully and guided the young Augustine. Pray the novena for bishops, for good preaching and for the courage to name injustice.
A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (December 7) and finish on its eve. You can pray this novena at any time of year.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle PlayNovena to Saint Ambrose – prayer for all nine days
Intention: For Bishops, Politicians, and Those Who Defend Truth in Public Life
Saint Ambrose, you were baptized, ordained, and consecrated bishop all in one week — thrust from public life into the Church's service by the voice of the faithful. You knew what it meant to be called unexpectedly and to respond with total surrender.
You faced the Empress Valentinian when she came with soldiers to seize the basilica, and you told her: "The palace is for the emperor, the church is for God." You stood before the Emperor Theodosius after the massacre of Thessalonica and demanded public penance before he could enter the church — and he submitted.
You gave us the Te Deum, formed the great Augustine, and wept over sinners. Intercede for us now as we begin this novena. Amen.
Saint Ambrose, Doctor of the Church, you said: "When I am weak, then I am strong." You knew that power in the kingdom of God flows not from force but from surrender to truth.
Pray for us in our own weakness. When we are tempted to compromise the faith for approval, remind us that the emperor too must bow before God. When we find it hard to speak truth in love, give us your boldness and your charity.
You wrote that "the Church belongs to God, not to Caesar." Help us to keep the things of God sacred and free from the corruptions of worldly power.
Saint Ambrose, patron of bishops and teachers, pray for all who lead in the Church. Give them your courage, your learning, and your love for the poor — whom you called "the treasure of the Church."
Amen.
Lord God, through Saint Ambrose You gave Your Church a fearless shepherd and a Doctor of Truth. May we, inspired by his example, hold fast to the faith in all circumstances, speak truth with charity, and never allow the pressures of the world to silence the voice of the Gospel. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.
Traditional Catholic Devotional Prayer · Feast Day: December 7. Ambrose (340-397) was a Roman governor elected Bishop of Milan by popular acclamation before he was even baptized. He baptized Augustine of Hippo and confronted Emperor Theodosius. Doctor of the Church.
More novenas
- St. Jude Novena
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena
- St. Joseph Novena
- St. Therese Novena
- St. Anthony of Padua Novena
- St. Rita Novena
Frequently asked questions
When should I start the Novena to Saint Ambrose?
Begin on November 28 to end on December 6, the eve of his feast on December 7.
How do I pray the Novena to Saint Ambrose?
Pray the daily prayer once a day, and offer it for your bishop.
Who is the Novena to Saint Ambrose for?
It is for bishops, teachers and anyone who must speak truth.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play