The “Novena to St. Stephen” honors the first Christian martyr who forgave his persecutors even as they stoned him to death. This powerful nine-day prayer seeks St. Stephen’s intercession for the grace to forgive enemies, courage in times of trial, and strength to boldly witness to the faith. Traditionally prayed before his feast day on December 26th, this novena is especially meaningful for those facing persecution, struggling to forgive others, or needing courage to stand firm in their faith.
Novena to St. Stephen
O Blessed St. Stephen, first martyr for Christ and model of perfect forgiveness, we come before you seeking your powerful intercession. You who gazed into Heaven and saw the glory of God, help us to fix our eyes always on eternal things.
O Courageous St. Stephen, you were chosen by the Apostles as a deacon filled with faith and the Holy Spirit. You preached the Gospel fearlessly and performed great miracles among the people. When faced with persecution, your face shone like an angel, and you forgave those who took your life, following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Holy St. Stephen, obtain for us a living faith that trusts in God’s providence, wisdom to speak His truth with charity, courage to witness to Christ in times of trial, and above all, the grace to forgive those who wrong us. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on Heaven as you did, seeing beyond our present sufferings to the glory that awaits God’s faithful servants.
We ask you to intercede for us in our present needs:
(State your intention)
Pray that we may imitate your virtues – your service to the poor, your zeal for God’s house, your love of truth, and your complete forgiveness of enemies.
At the hour of our death, may we, like you, commend our spirits into the hands of the Lord Jesus and receive the crown of glory promised to those who persevere in faith. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, You gave St. Stephen the strength to forgive his murderers and the grace to see Heaven opened at the moment of his death. Through his intercession, fill our hearts with Your divine love, that we may love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who persecute us. Grant us the favor we seek in this novena if it be according to Your holy will, and help us to follow You faithfully all the days of our lives. We ask this in Your Most Holy Name. Amen.
St. Stephen, First Martyr, pray for us!