How to Pray the Novena

• Make the sign of the cross.
• Pray the opening prayer.
• Make your request known to St. Francis with a sincere heart.
• Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
• Pray the closing prayer.
• End with the Sign of the Cross.

Opening Prayer (Prayed Daily)

Most high and glorious God, We come before You from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Folkston, Georgia, asking that You pour Your grace upon our parish, our families, and our community. As You once inspired Your servant Francis to rebuild Your Church, rekindle in us the same fire of love, simplicity, and peace. Through the intercession of St. Francis, guide us to live the Gospel with joy and humility. Amen.

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Day 1 — Hearing the Voice of Christ

St. Francis, you listened with the ears of your heart until the Crucified Christ spoke to you. Help us quiet our souls so we may hear His whisper in our own lives. St. Francis, lead us to Christ.

Day 2 — Surrender to God’s Will

You laid down every earthly desire so God could shape your life completely. Teach us to surrender what keeps us from holiness and trust God’s plan with freedom and joy. St. Francis, teach us holy surrender.

Day 3 — Seeing God in All Creation

You saw the fingerprints of God in every creature, every breeze, every sunrise. Open our eyes to the divine presence that surrounds us and awaken our hearts to wonder. St. Francis, help us praise God in all things.

Day 4 — Becoming Instruments of Peace

Your greeting, “Peace and Good,” carried the very peace of Christ. Heal our wounds, calm our fears, and make us instruments of reconciliation in our families and community. St. Francis, make us bearers of peace.

Day 5 — Compassion for the Poor and Forgotten

You embraced the leper and discovered Christ hidden in suffering flesh. Give us hearts that recognize Jesus in the lonely, the poor, and the overlooked. St. Francis, help us love as Christ loves.

Day 6 — Joy Born of the Gospel

Your joy was not of this world — it flowed from loving Christ without reserve. Fill us with that same joy so our lives become a living proclamation of the Gospel. St. Francis, kindle holy joy within us.

Day 7 — Love for the Church

You loved the Church with a fierce and humble devotion, even in times of struggle. Strengthen our parish, bless our pastor and ministries, and renew our love for the Eucharist. St. Francis, keep us faithful to the Church.

Day 8 — Embracing the Cross

You bore the wounds of Christ and found in them a mystery of love. Help us carry our own crosses with trust, knowing Christ walks beside us in every sorrow. St. Francis, help us unite our suffering to Christ.

Day 9 — Living the Franciscan Way of Holiness

You walked the world as a pilgrim of love, simplicity, and mercy. Guide our parish to live with grateful hearts, gentle spirits, and unwavering love for God. St. Francis, make us true disciples of Jesus.

Daily Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you gave St. Francis a heart overflowing with love. Through his intercession, bless our parish, renew our faith, and make us instruments of Your peace. Grant the intentions we bring to this novena according to Your holy will. Amen.