Novena to St. Francis de Sales – 9 Days of Prayer
Novena to the Bishop of Geneva, Doctor of the Church, and patron of writers, journalists, and the deaf. Known for his gentle spirituality and the motto: 'Be who you are, and be that well.'
St. Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church, taught that holiness is for everyone, in every state of life. He is the patron of writers, journalists and the deaf. This novena asks for his gentleness and clarity. His feast is January 24. His book Introduction to the Devout Life taught ordinary people how to pray in the middle of daily duties. He believed in gentleness over harshness. Pray it for patience with others, for your writing or speaking, and for the grace to be fully yourself in Christ.
A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (January 24) 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 St. Francis de Sales – prayer for all nine days
Intention: For Gentleness, Writers, and Those Who Struggle with Anger
Lord God, You gave Francis de Sales a gentle and patient spirit that drew countless souls to You. Through his intercession, help us to serve You with the same sweetness and perseverance, and to find in You the source of all true charity. Amen.
O glorious Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and Doctor of the Church! You won the hearts of thousands through your gentleness, patience, and charitable love. When others had failed by harshness, you converted Calvinist Geneva through kindness and the simple beauty of the Gospel.
You wrote: 'Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing so gentle as real strength.' And: 'Be who you are, and be that well.' And: 'Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself.'
You founded the Visitation Order with St. Jane de Chantal for those who could not bear the austerities of other religious orders, showing that holiness is for everyone — not only for the strong and great.
You wrote the Introduction to the Devout Life for ordinary people living in the world, showing that holiness is possible in every state of life.
Holy Francis, Doctor of Charity, intercede for me before God. Obtain for me the grace I seek. (Mention your intention here.)
Help me to work out my salvation gently, perseveringly, and with the sweetness that characterized your life. Help me to be patient with myself and others, and to draw people to God more by love than by severity. Amen.
Lord Jesus, You made Francis de Sales a teacher of the spiritual life and a model of apostolic charity. Through his intercession, give us a gentle and patient heart, and help us to draw all we meet closer to Your love. Amen.
Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.
Traditional Catholic Devotional Prayer · Feast Day: January 24. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church, famous for his gentle approach to evangelization and his spiritual direction collected as Introduction to the Devout Life.
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 St. Francis de Sales?
Begin on January 15 to end on January 23, the eve of his feast on January 24.
How do I pray the Novena to St. Francis de Sales?
Pray the daily prayer once a day. Try to speak gently to someone each day.
Who is the Novena to St. Francis de Sales for?
It is for writers, journalists and busy lay Catholics.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play