St. Cecilia Novena – 9 Days of Prayer
For musicians, singers, and all who use their gifts to glorify God through music and the arts
St. Cecilia is the patron of music and musicians, honoured for singing to God in her heart. This novena prays for singers, instrumentalists and choirs, asking that their gifts glorify God. It is also for anyone who finds prayer through music. Her feast is November 22. Her link to music is said to come from a line in her feast chant that was later misread, yet her patronage has inspired centuries of sacred music. Pray the novena before rehearsal, and ask for humility in the gift you share.
A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (November 22) 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 PlaySt. Cecilia Novena – prayer for all nine days
Intention: For Musicians, Artists, and Those Who Glorify God Through Music
O God, who made St. Cecilia sing with her heart to You alone, grant through her intercession that we may use the gifts You have given us to bring joy and beauty into the world, all for Your greater glory.
Dear St. Cecilia, you who sang in your heart to the Lord and chose to consecrate your life entirely to God, I ask for your intercession.
You who are the patron of musicians and singers, bless all those who use their talents to glorify God. Grant that through the beauty of music, hearts may be lifted to heaven and souls may find comfort and peace.
(Pause here to mention your intentions)
St. Cecilia, you who endured martyrdom with great courage, help me to be brave in professing my faith. Teach me to make my whole life a beautiful song of praise to God, using whatever gifts He has given me — whether great or small — for His glory and the good of others.
May the music of heaven fill my heart, and may I one day join the choir of angels and saints in praising God forever.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...
St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.
Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.
Traditional Catholic Prayer · Roman martyr (c. 2nd-3rd century), patron of music and musicians since the 15th century
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 St. Cecilia Novena?
Begin on November 13 to end on November 21, the eve of her feast on November 22. Choirs often pray it before Advent.
How do I pray the St. Cecilia Novena?
Pray the daily prayer once a day, perhaps humming a favourite hymn afterwards.
Who is the St. Cecilia Novena for?
It is for musicians, cantors, choirs and music teachers.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play