St. George Novena – 9 Days of Prayer
Novena to the soldier-martyr who faced the dragon — patron of England, courage, and all who stand against evil
St. George was a Roman soldier and martyr, honoured as patron of England and of soldiers. The dragon legend is a medieval story that made him a symbol of courage against evil. This novena asks for his help in standing firm. His feast is April 23. The legend of the dragon is a medieval story, and the real George is remembered for refusing to deny Christ. He is also a patron of scouts and of Portugal, Georgia and Catalonia. Pray it before a hard day or a big decision.
A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (April 23) 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. George Novena – prayer for all nine days
Intention: For Courage in the Face of Evil and Protection in Danger
St. George, soldier and martyr, you served in the Roman army and refused to renounce your faith when the Emperor Diocletian demanded it. You tore up the emperor's edict demanding Christians apostatize and threw it at his feet. You knew what would follow. You faced it anyway.
St. George, the legend of the dragon may be legend, but its meaning is not: there are dragons. There are forces of evil, chaos, and oppression that terrify people and demand appeasement. And there are those who, armed with faith and courage, ride toward them instead of away.
You were tortured with unspeakable cruelty over many days and survived multiple times — the tradition says through miraculous intervention — before finally being beheaded. Throughout it all you refused to deny Christ. Your witness converted many who watched, including, the tradition says, the Empress herself.
You are the patron of soldiers, of England, of those who protect the weak. You stand for the chivalric ideal — not might for its own sake, but strength placed at the service of those who cannot defend themselves.
I bring before you the dragons in my own life.
(Pause to mention your intentions — fears to face, evils to resist, those who need protection)
St. George, pray for those in military service — that they may have courage, discernment, and the protection of God. Pray for those who face persecution for their faith. Pray for me when I am afraid, and give me the grace to stand when standing is what is needed.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...
St. George, pray for us.
Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.
Traditional Catholic Devotional Prayer · Feast Day: April 23. Patron of England, Georgia, Portugal, and many others. Martyred circa 303 AD
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. George Novena?
Begin on April 14 to end on April 22, the eve of the feast on April 23.
How do I pray the St. George Novena?
Pray the daily prayer once a day, and ask for courage in a specific fight.
Who is the St. George Novena for?
It is for soldiers, scouts, the English and anyone facing a daunting task.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play