Marian Devotions and Apostles

 

Blessed Virgin Mary – Hail Mary
Source: Traditional, approved in Roman Rite
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Blessed Virgin Mary – Memorare
Source: Traditional, Raccolta, attributed to St. Bernard
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Blessed Virgin Mary – Hail Holy Queen
Source: Traditional, Salve Regina from Liturgy of the Hours
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

St. Joseph – Litany of St. Joseph (Excerpt)
Source: Approved by Pope Pius X, 1909
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Saint Joseph, pray for us. Renowned offspring of David, Light of Patriarchs, Spouse of the Mother of God, Chaste guardian of the Virgin, Foster-father of the Son of God, Diligent protector of Christ, Head of the Holy Family, Joseph most just, Joseph most chaste, Joseph most prudent, Joseph most strong, Joseph most obedient, Joseph most faithful, Mirror of patience, Lover of poverty, Model of artisans, Glory of home life, pray for us. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, hear us, O Lord. Amen.

St. Joseph – Prayer for Workers
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, May 1, adapted
O God, who gave Saint Joseph the carpenter’s trade, we seek his intercession for workers. As he labored with humble charity to provide for Thy Son, grant them strength to toil with penance, that their work may honor Thee. May his example guide them to trust Thy providence, offering their skills for Thy glory, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Peter – Prayer for Strength of Faith
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, June 29
O God, who gave Saint Peter the keys of Thy kingdom, we beseech his intercession for strength of faith. As he confessed Thee with humble love, grant us firmness to trust Thy word, bearing our trials with penance. May his courage guide us to stand as rocks for Thee, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee forever. Amen.

St. Paul – Novena to St. Paul (Excerpt)
Source: Traditional novena, adapted from Raccolta
O glorious Saint Paul, apostle of the Gentiles, we seek thy prayers for nine days. As thou wast struck blind to see Christ, grant us light to know Him, turning from sin with penance. Through thy chains and preaching, thou didst win souls with humble zeal; intercede that we may spread His word. Obtain for us grace to endure, trusting His mercy, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns eternally. Amen.

St. Andrew – Prayer for Evangelists
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, November 30
O God, who called Saint Andrew to proclaim Thy Son, we seek his intercession for evangelists. As he brought others to Thee with humble faith, grant them zeal to share Thy Gospel, offering their lives with penance. May his cross inspire them to trust Thy call, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee forever. Amen.

St. John the Apostle – Prayer for Love and Mercy
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, December 27
O God, who through Saint John revealed Thy love, we beseech his prayers for mercy. As he rested on Thy Son’s heart with humble charity, grant us grace to love as He loved, seeking Thee with penance. May his words guide us to Thy compassion, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. James the Greater – Pilgrim’s Prayer (Camino de Santiago)
Source: Traditional, adapted from Camino devotionals
O God, who led Saint James the Greater to Thy Son’s tomb, we seek his intercession as pilgrims. As he journeyed with humble faith, guide us on our way with penance, granting strength for the Camino. May his staff uphold us, that we reach Thee in peace, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with Thee forever. Amen.

St. Bartholomew – Prayer for Truth
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, August 24
O God, who called Saint Bartholomew to know Thy truth, we implore his prayers for clarity. As he saw Thy Son with humble heart, grant us grace to seek what is true, offering our doubts with penance. May his witness guide us to Thy light, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Thomas the Apostle – Prayer for Faith
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, July 3
O God, who strengthened Saint Thomas to confess Thy Son, we seek his intercession for faith. As he touched Thy wounds with humble awe, grant us trust to believe without seeing, bearing our doubts with penance. May his cry guide us to Thee, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

St. Matthew – Prayer for Stewards of the Gospel
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, September 21
O God, who called Saint Matthew from the tax booth to Thy service, we beseech his prayers for Gospel stewards. As he wrote Thy word with humble love, grant them zeal to share it, offering their lives with penance. May his call inspire them, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. James the Lesser – Prayer for Humility
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, May 3
O God, who exalted Saint James the Lesser in Thy kingdom, we seek his intercession for humility. As he served with quiet faith, grant us grace to seek no glory, bearing our tasks with penance. May his lowliness guide us to Thee, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

St. Philip – Prayer for Zeal in Mission
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, May 3
O God, who adorned Saint Philip with apostolic zeal, we implore his prayers for mission. As he preached with humble charity, grant us fervor to spread Thy word, offering our efforts with penance. May his joy inspire us to trust Thy call, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Simon the Zealot – Prayer for Missionaries
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, October 28
O God, who sent Saint Simon the Zealot to proclaim Thy name, we seek his intercession for missionaries. As he bore Thy Gospel with humble fire, grant them strength to evangelize, enduring all with penance. May his zeal guide them, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

St. Jude Thaddeus – Novena to St. Jude (Excerpt)
Source: Traditional novena, Raccolta
O Saint Jude, apostle of hope, we seek thy aid for nine days. As thou didst preach with humble love, intercede in our despair, that we may trust Christ with penance. Thou art the patron of the hopeless; obtain for us grace to rise, glorifying His mercy, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns eternally. Amen.

St. Matthias – Prayer for Guidance in Leadership
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, May 14
O God, who chose Saint Matthias to lead Thy flock, we beseech his prayers for guidance. As he served with humble faith, grant our leaders wisdom to direct us, offering their roles with penance. May his call inspire them, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with Thee forever. Amen.

St. Mary Magdalene – Prayer for Repentance
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, July 22
O God, whose Son appeared first to Saint Mary Magdalene, we seek her intercession for repentance. As she wept with penitent love, grant us tears to turn from sin, seeking Thee in humility. May her devotion guide us to Thy mercy, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Anne – Novena to St. Anne (Excerpt)
Source: Traditional novena, Raccolta
O glorious Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin, we seek thy prayers for nine days. As thou didst raise Mary with humble love, intercede for us with penance, that we may honor thy Grandson. Obtain for us grace to live in faith, trusting His will, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns forever. Amen.

St. Joachim – Prayer for Grandparents
O God, who blessed Saint Joachim as father of Thy Mother, we seek his intercession for grandparents. As he nurtured with humble charity, grant them strength to guide their kin, offering their years with penance. May his care inspire them, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Stephen – Prayer for Perseverance
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, December 26
O God, who gave Saint Stephen grace to die for Thee, we implore his prayers for perseverance. As he forgave with humble love, grant us strength to endure, bearing trials with penance. May his vision guide us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with Thee forever. Amen.

St. Barnabas – Prayer for Encouragement
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, June 11
O God, who called Saint Barnabas to uplift Thy Church, we seek his intercession for encouragement. As he consoled with humble charity, grant us grace to strengthen others, offering support with penance. May his kindness inspire us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Timothy – Prayer for Young Leaders
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, January 26
O God, who guided Saint Timothy in youthful service, we beseech his prayers for young leaders. As he followed Paul with humble faith, grant them wisdom to lead, serving Thee with penance. May his zeal inspire them, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

St. Titus – Prayer for Servants of the Gospel
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, January 26
O God, who sent Saint Titus to preach Thy word, we seek his intercession for Gospel servants. As he labored with humble love, grant them grace to spread Thy truth, offering their lives with penance. May his fidelity guide them, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Mark the Evangelist – Prayer for Scribes
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, April 25
O God, who inspired Saint Mark to write Thy Gospel, we implore his prayers for scribes. As he recorded with humble faith, grant them skill to serve Thy truth, offering their craft with penance. May his words guide them, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

St. Luke the Evangelist – Prayer for Physicians
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, October 18
O God, who chose Saint Luke to proclaim Thy healing, we seek his intercession for physicians. As he wrote with humble charity, grant them grace to mend the sick, serving Thee with penance. May his care inspire them, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. John the Baptist – Prayer for Boldness
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, June 24
O God, who sent Saint John the Baptist to herald Thy Son, we beseech his prayers for boldness. As he preached with penitent zeal, grant us courage to speak Thy truth, living in humility. May his voice guide us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

St. Gabriel the Archangel – Prayer for Communication
Source: Traditional, Raccolta, adapted
O God, who sent Saint Gabriel to announce Thy will, we seek his intercession for communication. As he spoke with humble clarity, grant us grace to share Thy word, offering our voices with penance. May his message inspire us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Michael the Archangel – St. Michael’s Prayer
Source: Pope Leo XIII, 1886, approved
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

St. Raphael the Archangel – Prayer for Healing
Source: Traditional, Raccolta, adapted
O God, who gave Saint Raphael as a healer to Thy people, we seek his intercession for wholeness. As he restored with humble love, grant us health of body and soul, offering our pain with penance. May his guidance lead us to Thee, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee forever. Amen.

St. Elizabeth – Magnificat (Song of Mary)
Source: Luke 1:46-55, Liturgy of the Hours
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden; behold, all generations shall call me blessed. He that is mighty hath done great things for me, and holy is His name. His mercy is on them that fear Him from generation to generation. He hath shown strength with His arm, scattered the proud, put down the mighty, and exalted the lowly. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent empty away. Amen.

St. Zachary – Prayer for Prophetic Witness
O God, who filled Saint Zachary with prophetic voice, we seek his intercession to bear witness. As he praised Thee with humble faith, grant us boldness to proclaim Thy will, offering our lives with penance. May his song inspire us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Simeon – Prayer for Peaceful Passing
Source: Nunc Dimittis, Luke 2:29-32, adapted
O Lord, who granted Saint Simeon to see Thy salvation, we seek his prayers for a peaceful end. As he departed with humble joy, let me now Thy servant go in peace, mine eyes having seen Thy Christ, offering my days with penance. May his trust guide us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns forever. Amen.

St. Anna the Prophetess – Prayer for Devotion
O God, who blessed Saint Anna the Prophetess with steadfast prayer, we implore her intercession for devotion. As she served Thee with humble love, grant us grace to worship faithfully, offering our hearts with penance. May her vigil inspire us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Ignatius of Antioch – Prayer for Martyrs
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, October 17
O God, who adorned Saint Ignatius of Antioch with steadfast faith, we seek his intercession for martyrs. As he longed for Thee with penitent zeal, grant them strength to die for Thee, trusting Thy promise in humility, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

St. Polycarp – Prayer for Endurance
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, February 23
O God, who gave Saint Polycarp constancy unto death, we implore his intercession for endurance. As he praised Thee with humble heart, grant us grace to persevere, bearing trials with penance, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Justin Martyr – Prayer for Apologists
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, June 1
O God, who taught Saint Justin Martyr the wisdom of Thy truth, we seek his intercession for apologists. As he defended Thee with penitent love, grant them zeal to uphold faith, offering reason with humility, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee forever. Amen.

St. Irenaeus – Prayer for Unity
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, June 28
O God, who called Saint Irenaeus to preserve apostolic teaching, we beseech his prayers for unity. As he fought error with humble charity, grant us grace to hold Thy doctrine, seeking peace with penance, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns eternally. Amen.

St. Ambrose – Prayer for Church Leaders
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, December 7
O God, who made Saint Ambrose a teacher of Thy flock, we seek his intercession for Church leaders. As he guided with humble zeal, grant them wisdom to shepherd us, serving Thee with penance, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee forever. Amen.

St. Augustine – Prayer for Conversion
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, August 28
O God, who turned Saint Augustine’s heart to Thee, we implore his prayers for conversion. As he sought Thee with penitent love, grant us grace to flee sin, resting in Thy mercy with humility, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns eternally. Amen.

St. Monica – Prayer for Wayward Children
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, August 27
O God, who heard Saint Monica’s tears for her son, we seek her intercession for wayward children. As she prayed with humble charity, grant us patience to plead, leading them to Thee with penance, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee forever. Amen.

St. Jerome – Prayer for Scripture Study
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, September 30
O God, who gave Saint Jerome a love for Sacred Scripture, we beseech his prayers for study. As he sought Thee with penitent heart, grant us light to know Thy word, pondering it with humility, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns eternally. Amen.

St. Gregory the Great – Prayer for Humility in Leadership
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, September 3
O God, who guided Saint Gregory the Great to lead with care, we seek his intercession for humility. As he served with penitent charity, grant leaders grace to govern meekly, trusting Thee, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

St. Benedict – St. Benedict Medal Prayer
Source: Traditional, approved with medal
O God, who blessed Saint Benedict with Thy cross, we seek his intercession. May the medal of his order shield us from evil, as he fought with humble faith. Grant us strength to resist the foe, living in penance, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Scholastica – Prayer for Sisters and Nuns
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, February 10
O God, who called Saint Scholastica to love Thee in prayer, we implore her intercession for sisters and nuns. As she sought Thee with humble heart, grant them grace to serve, offering their lives with penance, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

St. Francis of Assisi – Prayer for Peace
Source: Traditional, attributed, widely approved
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where injury, pardon; where doubt, faith; where despair, hope; where darkness, light; where sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love, for in giving we receive, in pardoning we are pardoned, and in dying we are born to eternal life. Amen.

St. Clare of Assisi – Prayer for Simplicity
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, August 11
O God, who led Saint Clare of Assisi to poverty’s heights, we seek her intercession for simplicity. As she lived with humble joy, grant us grace to shun worldly cares, seeking Thee with penance, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns eternally. Amen.

St. Dominic – Prayer for Preachers
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, August 8
O God, who enlightened Saint Dominic to preach Thy truth, we beseech his intercession for preachers. As he spread Thy word with humble zeal, grant them grace to proclaim it, offering their voices with penance, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns with Thee forever. Amen.

St. Thomas Aquinas – Prayer Before Study
Source: Traditional, attributed to St. Thomas, approved
O God, Creator of all, grant me through Saint Thomas Aquinas’ prayers a mind to understand, a memory to retain, and grace to seek Thy truth. As he studied with humble love, remove my darkness with penance, that I may know Thee clearly, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns eternally. Amen.

St. Bonaventure – Prayer for Theological Insight
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, July 15
O God, who gave Saint Bonaventure grace to enlighten Thy Church, we seek his intercession for insight. As he sought Thee with penitent love, grant us wisdom to grasp Thy mysteries, offering our minds in humility, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

St. Catherine of Siena – Prayer for Unity in the Church
Source: Collect from Roman Missal, April 29
O God, who set Saint Catherine of Siena afire for Thy Church, we implore her prayers for unity. As she pleaded with humble zeal, grant us grace to heal division, seeking peace with penance, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who reigns with Thee eternally. Amen.

St. Teresa of Avila – Bookmark Prayer
Source: Traditional, found in her breviary, approved
Let nothing disturb thee, nothing affright thee; all things are passing, God never changeth. Patient endurance attaineth to all things; who God possesseth, in nothing is wanting; alone God sufficeth. O Saint Teresa of Avila, pray for us, that with humble faith and penance we may trust Him fully, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

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