St. Francis of Assisi Novena
This novena honors St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order, known for his radical poverty, love of creation, and reception of the stigmata.
Novena to St. Francis of Assisi - Day 1
Novena to St. Francis of Assisi - Day 1
Opening Prayer
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Seraphic Father St. Francis, you who abandoned the riches of the world to embrace the poverty of Christ, help us to detach ourselves from material possessions and cling only to the treasures of heaven.
Radical Poverty
Francis, the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, stripped himself of everything — literally removing his fine clothes in the public square and handing them back to his father. He declared that God alone was his Father and Lady Poverty his bride. In owning nothing, he discovered he possessed everything.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 5:3
Prayer
O Poor Man of Assisi, you who found freedom in having nothing and joy in giving everything away, intercede for us who are so easily enslaved by material things. Help us to loosen our grip on wealth, comfort, and security so that our hands may be free to receive the gifts of God. Teach us that true riches are found not in what we own but in whom we love. Grant us the grace of holy detachment. Amen.
The Canticle of Poverty
In the spirit of Francis's love for Lady Poverty:
Lord, make us poor in spirit, that we may be rich in grace. Strip from us the burden of unnecessary things, and clothe us instead with humility, simplicity, and joy. Through the intercession of St. Francis, may we learn that in losing all for You, we gain all in You.
Closing Prayer
O Seraphic Father Francis, your radical poverty scandalized the world and renewed the Church. Challenge us today to examine what we truly need and what we merely want. Help us to live simply, that others may simply live. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Amen.