Novena to St. Matthew the Apostle – 9 Days of Prayer

Novena to the tax collector who became an Apostle and Evangelist. Patron of accountants, bankers, tax collectors, and all who handle money. His Gospel opens the New Testament.

St. Matthew was a tax collector whom Jesus called to follow him, and he wrote the first Gospel in the New Testament. He is the patron of accountants, bankers and all who handle money. This novena asks for honesty and a heart ready to answer Christ's call. His feast is September 21. He sat at a tax booth when Jesus said, Follow me, and he got up at once. His Gospel opens the New Testament and shows Christ as the fulfilment of the prophets. Pray it for honesty in money matters, for those leaving work that harms others, and for readiness to follow Christ.

Saint Matthew the Apostle · September 219 dayssaint

A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (September 21) 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

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Novena to St. Matthew the Apostle – prayer for all nine days

Intention: For Tax Collectors, Accountants, and Those Called from Unlikely Places

Lord Jesus, You called Matthew from his tax collector's booth with just two words — 'Follow me' — and he immediately rose and followed You. Through his intercession, help us to hear Your call in our own lives and to respond with the same wholehearted generosity. Amen.

O glorious Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist! You were a tax collector in Capernaum — despised by your fellow Jews, considered a collaborator with Rome, a sinner by profession. Yet Jesus passed by your booth and said simply: 'Follow me.' And the Scriptures say you 'rose and followed him.'

You left everything in that moment — money, security, the certainty of your trade — for the uncertainty of following an itinerant rabbi. And you became one of the Twelve, a witness to the Resurrection, and the author of the first Gospel.

You also did something beautiful: you immediately threw a great banquet for Jesus and invited your tax-collector friends, so they too might meet the Lord. When the Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with sinners, Jesus answered: 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'

Holy Matthew, who was called from the margins to the center of salvation history, intercede for me now. Obtain for me the grace I seek. (Mention your intention here.)

Help me to hear Christ's call in my own life and to rise and follow Him without delay. Help me to bring others to Him as you brought your friends. And may I never think myself too sinful, too ordinary, or too busy to be called. Amen.

Lord Jesus, You called Matthew from his seat of custom and made him an evangelist. Through his intercession, call each of us by name and help us to rise and follow You wherever You lead. Amen.

Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.

Traditional Catholic Devotional Prayer · Feast Day: September 21. Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector called by Jesus with the words "Follow me." He is credited with the authorship of the first Gospel. Patron of tax collectors and accountants.

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Frequently asked questions

When should I start the Novena to St. Matthew the Apostle?

Begin on September 12 to end on September 20, the eve of his feast on September 21.

How do I pray the Novena to St. Matthew the Apostle?

Pray the daily prayer once a day, reading a few lines of his Gospel.

Who is the Novena to St. Matthew the Apostle for?

It is for accountants, bankers and anyone who works with money.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play