Each year, Catholics around the world prepare for the Feast of St. Benedict on July 11 by praying the St. Benedict Novena, a beautiful nine-day prayer asking for his powerful intercession. Beginning today, July 3, we invite you to join us in praying this novena and to bring a special intention before the Lord throughout these nine days.

Whether you are praying for peace within your family, protection over your home, healing, discernment, freedom from temptation, the strength to persevere in faith, or for a private personal intention, this novena is an opportunity to draw closer to Christ through the example and prayers of one of the Church's greatest saints.

Who Was St. Benedict?

St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547) is known as the Father of Western Monasticism. After leaving behind a life of comfort and worldly distractions, he devoted himself completely to God through prayer, work, and holy living. His famous Rule of St. Benedict, built upon the balance of prayer and labor (Ora et Labora—"Pray and Work"), continues to guide Benedictine communities throughout the world and has shaped Christian monastic life for more than 1,500 years.

His life was marked by unwavering trust in Christ and steadfast resistance against the temptations and attacks of the evil one. Numerous stories recount how St. Benedict overcame the devil through prayer, fasting, the Sign of the Cross, and complete confidence in God's power. Because of these accounts, he has become affectionately known as the "devil chaser" and is one of the Church's most beloved saints invoked for protection against evil.

Patron Saint of...

St. Benedict is the patron saint of:

• Europe
• Monks and monastic communities
• Students
• Those suffering from spiritual warfare
• People seeking protection against temptation and evil
• Those praying for peace in their homes and families

His well-known St. Benedict Medal bears powerful prayers of exorcism and protection, reminding us that Christ has already conquered sin and death. While sacramentals are never superstitious objects or good luck charms, they are visible signs that encourage us to place our trust completely in Jesus and to seek His grace through the prayers of the saints.

A Beautiful Reminder of God's Protection

As you pray this novena, you may wish to place a visible reminder of your faith within your home.

Our St. Benedict Wall Crucifix, found in the Prayer & Devotional Collection at Marie Madeleine, beautifully combines the saving power of Christ's Cross with the beloved St. Benedict Medal. Made in Italy, this elegant crucifix features a nickel-plated cross with genuine olive wood inserts, an antique silver Christ figure, and the powerful St. Benedict medal.

Whether displayed in your entryway, family room, prayer corner, or bedroom, it serves as a daily reminder that Christ is our refuge and that we seek His protection through the intercession of St. Benedict. It also makes a meaningful gift for housewarmings, weddings, new homeowners, or anyone desiring to deepen the spiritual life of their home.

You can also carry St. Benedict's protection with you through our handcrafted St. Benedict Chaplet, also available in our Prayer & Devotional Collection. Handmade by Knots of Grace, this beautiful finger rosary-style chaplet features luminous yellow transparent beads, making it easy to carry in a pocket, purse, backpack, or car. Each chaplet includes complete prayer instructions, allowing you to pray wherever the day takes you while keeping your heart centered on Christ.

Join Us in Prayer

Over the next nine days, we invite you to pray the St. Benedict Novena with one specific intention close to your heart. Perhaps you are praying for someone who has wandered from the faith, for healing, for protection over your children or grandchildren, for freedom from anxiety or temptation, or simply for a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Whatever your intention may be, entrust it confidently to the Lord through the powerful intercession of St. Benedict.

May these next nine days strengthen your faith, bring peace to your heart, and remind you that Christ is always victorious over darkness.

St. Benedict, pray for us.

The St. Benedict Novena begins below. Pray one day's prayer each day from July 3 through July 11, concluding on the Feast of St. Benedict.

 

St. Benedict Novena Prayers

St. Benedict Novena - Day 1

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Holy St. Benedict, I ask that you pray with me now to our God, using your words for the intentions that are written on my heart. What can be sweeter to us, dear ones, than this voice of the Lord inviting us? Behold, in His loving kindness the Lord shows us the way of life.

Let us ask the Lord that He supply by the help of His grace what is impossible to us by nature. 

(State your intentions here)

Today, I offer to God the burdens that I experience with my own routine, for the sake of those who are in religious orders, in a particular way for those living according to Benedict’s Rule. May they find God through the discipline of their schedules.

Having our loins girded, therefore, with faith and the performance of good works (Eph. 6:14), let us walk in His paths by the guidance of the Gospel, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12). 

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

St. Benedict Novena - Day 2

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Holy St. Benedict, I ask that you pray with me now to our God, using your words for the intentions that are written on my heart. What can be sweeter to us, dear ones, than this voice of the Lord inviting us? Behold, in His loving kindness the Lord shows us the way of life.

Let us ask the Lord that He supply by the help of His grace what is impossible to us by nature. 

(State your intentions here)

Today, I offer to God the burdens that I experience with my own routine, for the sake of working professionals, especially those who have difficulty finding time for God while they strive to balance their jobs and their families. May they find God through the discipline of their schedules.

Having our loins girded, therefore, with faith and the performance of good works (Eph. 6:14), let us walk in His paths by the guidance of the Gospel, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12). 

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

St. Benedict Novena - Day 3

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Holy St. Benedict, I ask that you pray with me now to our God, using your words for the intentions that are written on my heart. What can be sweeter to us, dear ones, than this voice of the Lord inviting us? Behold, in His loving kindness the Lord shows us the way of life.

Let us ask the Lord that He supply by the help of His grace what is impossible to us by nature. 

(State your intentions here)

Today, I offer to God the burdens that I experience with my own routine, for the sake of parents, who sometimes feel like they are subject to a merciless rule set by their children. May they find God through the discipline of their schedules.

Having our loins girded, therefore, with faith and the performance of good works (Eph. 6:14), let us walk in His paths by the guidance of the Gospel, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12). 

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

St. Benedict Novena - Day 4

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Holy St. Benedict, I ask that you pray with me now to our God, using your words for the intentions that are written on my heart. What can be sweeter to us, dear ones, than this voice of the Lord inviting us? Behold, in His loving kindness the Lord shows us the way of life.

Let us ask the Lord that He supply by the help of His grace what is impossible to us by nature. 

(State your intentions here)

Today, I offer to God the burdens that I experience with my own routine, for the sake of children, whose daily schedules are determined by their parents, teachers, coaches, and leaders of other activities. May they find God through the discipline of their schedules.

Having our loins girded, therefore, with faith and the performance of good works (Eph. 6:14), let us walk in His paths by the guidance of the Gospel, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12). 

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

St. Benedict Novena - Day 5

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Holy St. Benedict, I ask that you pray with me now to our God, using your words for the intentions that are written on my heart. What can be sweeter to us, dear ones, than this voice of the Lord inviting us? Behold, in His loving kindness the Lord shows us the way of life.

Let us ask the Lord that He supply by the help of His grace what is impossible to us by nature. 

(State your intentions here)

Today, I offer to God the burdens that I experience with my own routine, for the sake of those who are impoverished, who are unsure whether they will eat daily or where they will sleep that night. May they find God through the discipline of their schedules.

Having our loins girded, therefore, with faith and the performance of good works (Eph. 6:14), let us walk in His paths by the guidance of the Gospel, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12). 

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

St. Benedict Novena - Day 6

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Holy St. Benedict, I ask that you pray with me now to our God, using your words for the intentions that are written on my heart. What can be sweeter to us, dear ones, than this voice of the Lord inviting us? Behold, in His loving kindness the Lord shows us the way of life.

Let us ask the Lord that He supply by the help of His grace what is impossible to us by nature. 

(State your intentions here)

Today, I offer to God the burdens that I experience with my own routine, for the sake of those who are imprisoned, whose daily schedules are determined by guards and those in authority at the prison. May they find God through the discipline of their schedules.

Having our loins girded, therefore, with faith and the performance of good works (Eph. 6:14), let us walk in His paths by the guidance of the Gospel, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12). 

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

St. Benedict Novena - Day 7

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Holy St. Benedict, I ask that you pray with me now to our God, using your words for the intentions that are written on my heart. What can be sweeter to us, dear ones, than this voice of the Lord inviting us? Behold, in His loving kindness the Lord shows us the way of life.

Let us ask the Lord that He supply by the help of His grace what is impossible to us by nature. 

(State your intentions here)

Today, I offer to God the burdens that I experience with my own routine, for the sake of those who are in the military, whose rigorous daily schedules are determined by their superiors and, at times, the circumstances of war. May they find God through the discipline of their schedules.

Having our loins girded, therefore, with faith and the performance of good works (Eph. 6:14), let us walk in His paths by the guidance of the Gospel, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12). 

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

St. Benedict Novena - Day 8

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Holy St. Benedict, I ask that you pray with me now to our God, using your words for the intentions that are written on my heart. What can be sweeter to us, dear ones, than this voice of the Lord inviting us? Behold, in His loving kindness the Lord shows us the way of life.

Let us ask the Lord that He supply by the help of His grace what is impossible to us by nature.

(State your intentions here)

Today, I offer to God the burdens that I experience with my own routine, for the sake of those who are enslaved, whose schedules are unjustly determined against their wills by those who are exploiting them. May they find God by uniting the suffering they endure in their daily schedules to Jesus’s Passion.

Having our loins girded, therefore, with faith and the performance of good works (Eph. 6:14), let us walk in His paths by the guidance of the Gospel, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12). 

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

St. Benedict Novena - Day 9

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Holy St. Benedict, I ask that you pray with me now to our God, using your words for the intentions that are written on my heart. What can be sweeter to us, dear ones, than this voice of the Lord inviting us? Behold, in His loving kindness the Lord shows us the way of life.

Let us ask the Lord that He supply by the help of His grace what is impossible to us by nature.

(State your intentions here)

Today, I offer to God the burdens that I experience with my own routine, for the sake of those who are infirm, whose schedules are regulated by the taking of medicine, medical procedures, and those who care for them. May they find God through the discipline of their schedules.

Having our loins girded, therefore, with faith and the performance of good works (Eph. 6:14), let us walk in His paths by the guidance of the Gospel, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12). 

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.