Novena to St. Francis of Assisi – 9 Days of Prayer
Novena to the beloved Poverello of Assisi, patron of animals, ecology, and peace. Known for his radical poverty and joy in Christ.
St. Francis of Assisi gave up wealth to follow Christ in poverty, joy and love of creation. He is the patron of animals, ecology and peace. This novena asks for a simple heart and for peace in a noisy world. His feast is October 4. He is remembered for the Canticle of the Creatures, for the crib at Greccio and for receiving the stigmata late in his life. Many people bless their pets on his feast. Pray it for the earth, for peace and for a freer relationship with possessions.
A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (October 4) 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 of Assisi – prayer for all nine days
Intention: For Peace, Care for Creation, and Holy Poverty
Dear God, You gave Your servant Francis the grace to renounce all worldly goods and to follow Christ in poverty and humility. Through his intercession, help us to detach ourselves from worldly things and to seek You above all. Amen.
O most holy Father Francis, who left all the vanities of the world and followed perfectly in the footsteps of Christ, obtain for us from God the grace to overcome our faults and to love God and our neighbor as you did. Grant us the grace to see God's beauty in all creation, to be instruments of His peace, and to serve the poor and humble with joy.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
Holy Francis, intercede for us that we may receive the favor we now humbly ask. (Mention your intention here.)
O great Poverello, help us to embrace holy poverty in spirit, to care for our common home, and to preach the Gospel at all times — and when necessary, use words. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, You enkindled in the heart of Saint Francis a burning love for You and for all Your creatures. Grant us, through his intercession, the grace to love You above all things, to love all people as our brothers and sisters, and to use the goods of this earth with wisdom and gratitude. Amen.
Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.
Traditional Catholic Devotional Prayer · Feast Day: October 4. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) renounced his wealthy merchant family to live in radical poverty. He founded the Franciscan Order, received the stigmata, and authored the Canticle of the Sun.
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 of Assisi?
Begin on September 25 to end on October 3, the eve of his feast on October 4.
How do I pray the Novena to St. Francis of Assisi?
Pray the daily prayer once a day, perhaps outdoors, and consider praying the Peace Prayer.
Who is the Novena to St. Francis of Assisi for?
It is for animal lovers, peacemakers and anyone seeking simplicity.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play