St. Philip Neri Novena – 9 Days of Prayer

A nine-day novena before the Feast of St. Philip Neri, asking for his intercession for Christian joy, renewal of spirit, and the grace to draw souls to God through charity and gladness

St. Philip Neri, the Apostle of Rome, taught that holiness can be joyful. He founded the Oratory and drew many to God through cheerfulness, humour and charity. This novena asks for a joyful spirit and the grace to bring others to faith through gladness. His feast is May 26. He was famous for cheerful pranks that kept people humble, and for hearing confessions with kindness. Tuck a smile into your day as part of the prayer, and see how it changes your tone with colleagues and family.

Feast of St. Philip Neri · May 269 dayssaint

A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (May 26) 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 Store Google Play

St. Philip Neri Novena – prayer for all nine days

Intention: For the Grace of Christian Joy, Renewal of Spirit, and Apostolic Zeal

St. Philip Neri, beloved Apostle of Rome, you were known throughout the city for your laughter, your love, and your remarkable closeness to the Holy Spirit. You attracted souls to God not through severity but through joy — through the sparkle of Christ's love shining through you.

Beloved St. Philip Neri, filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit, you turned the streets of Rome into a school of holiness. You gathered young men and sinners alike with your irresistible joy, your wit, and your boundless love for souls. You showed the world that holiness is not gloom, but the deepest gladness of the heart surrendered to God.

I come to you now, asking for your intercession.

(Mention your intentions here.)

St. Philip, obtain for me the grace of holy joy — not a shallow happiness, but the deep, unshakeable gladness that comes from living in the presence of God. Help me to cast off sadness, anxiety, and the discouragement that keeps me from serving God with my whole heart.

You loved the Holy Spirit above all else. Ask Him to come again and renew my spirit. Fill me with apostolic zeal — the burning desire to bring others to Christ, not through argument, but through the contagion of genuine charity and joy.

Help me to take God seriously without taking myself too seriously. Teach me to laugh at my own faults, to rise quickly from falls, and to press on with lightness of heart toward the Kingdom.

Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...

St. Philip Neri, pray for us!

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

Traditional Catholic Devotion · St. Philip Neri (1515-1595) — Patron of Rome, founder of the Congregation of the Oratory

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Frequently asked questions

When should I start the St. Philip Neri Novena?

Begin on May 17 to end on May 25, the eve of his feast on May 26. It suits any season when you need joy.

How do I pray the St. Philip Neri Novena?

Pray the daily prayer once a day for nine days. Try to do one cheerful kindness each day.

Who is the St. Philip Neri Novena for?

It is for people who feel weighed down, for teachers and youth workers, and for anyone who wants a lighter faith.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play