The “Novena for the Intercession of St. Francis” is a prayer that seeks St. Francis’s intercession for several key graces, including learning his passionate love for Jesus and neighbor, contemplating and following Christ in poverty and crucifixion, and receiving the saint’s own spiritual gifts of fresh faith, certain hope, and gentle charity. The prayer particularly asks for comfort in life’s burdens and trials, seeking the Father’s tenderness and the Holy Spirit’s healing balm through Francis’s powerful intercession.
[This prayer was composed by Pope Francis in 2024 for the 800th anniversary of St. Francis receiving the stigmata.]
Get the scoop → The Legacy of St. Francis: Faith and Simplicity
Novena Dates: September 25-October 3
Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi: October 4
Novena for the Intercession of St. Francis
St. Francis, man wounded by love, crucified in body and in spirit, we look to you, decorated with the holy stigmata, to learn how to love the Lord Jesus, and our brothers and sisters, with your love, with your passion.
With you, it is easier to contemplate and follow Christ, poor and Crucified. Give us, Francis, the freshness of your faith, the certainty of your hope, the gentleness of your charity.
Intercede for us, so that it may be sweet for us to bear the burdens of life, and in trials, we may experience the tenderness of the Father and the balm of the Spirit. May our wounds be healed by the Heart of Christ, to become, like you, witnesses of His mercy, which continues to heal and renew the life of those who seek Him with a sincere heart.
O Francis, made to resemble the Crucified One, let your stigmata be for us and for the world resplendent signs of life and resurrection, to show new ways of peace and reconciliation. Amen.