ALL SAINTS: Novena to St. John I, Pope and Martyr

Day 1 - May 9: Faithfulness to God

St. John I, shepherd of Christ’s flock from 523 to 526, faced a world of heresy and strife. Sent by Theodoric to Constantinople, he bore God’s truth with a faith that death could not dim. O soul, gaze upon his fidelity! When shadows of doubt or fear descend, his steadfast heart calls you to cling to the Eternal. Faith is a flame lit by trust, burning through life’s tempests. John whispers: anchor yourself in God, who alone endures. In your trials, let his spirit guide you to the cross, where fidelity finds its home. O heart, seek his aid! Through his intercession, may your faith deepen, a quiet strength against the storm. Begin this novena with a soul open to His light.
Prayer: O St. John I, faithful shepherd, strengthen me with [state intention]. Guide me to Christ’s truth. Amen. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

Day 2 - May 10: Courage in Adversity

Imprisoned in Ravenna, St. John faced hunger and chains, yet his spirit soared. “Fear not, I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10) was his song. O spirit, what weighs upon you? His courage was a silent fire, kindled by God’s nearness, unshaken by earthly powers. In your darkness—pain, loss, or dread—he beckons you to rise, to lean on the One who conquers. True bravery is born in surrender, a heart lifted beyond the visible. O soul, turn to John! Through his prayers, let Christ’s strength flow into your weakness, transforming fear into trust. His martyrdom shines as hope: no trial outlasts God’s love. Embrace this grace today, and stand tall in the Spirit’s embrace.
Prayer: Brave John, embolden me with [state intention]. May I face all with Christ’s strength. Amen. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

Day 3 - May 11: Obedience to God’s Will

John journeyed at Theodoric’s command, yet his soul knelt only to God. “Not my will, but Yours” (Luke 22:42) was his prayer. O heart, where do you cling? His obedience was a holy yielding, a shepherd trusting the Shepherd’s path through peril. Life’s call is surrender—a letting go that finds freedom in God’s hands. John’s steps urge you to listen, to follow the still voice amid the noise. O spirit, soften! Through his intercession, may your will bend to the Divine, finding peace in His design. Let go, and let God lead you to His heart.
Prayer: Obedient John, align me with [state intention]. Teach me to follow God’s will. Amen. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

Day 4 - May 12: Unity of the Church

Sent to heal division, John bore Christ’s plea: “That they may be one” (John 17:21). O soul, where do you fracture? His mission was a bridge, a heart yearning for the Church’s oneness. In a world torn by pride, he calls you to weave love’s threads, to seek harmony in Christ. Unity begins within—a soul at peace with God. O spirit, reach forth! Through John’s prayers, let His love bind you to His Body, healing what’s broken. His life is your mirror: reflect the One who unites.
Prayer: John, unifier, heal me with [state intention]. Bind me to Christ’s Body. Amen. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

Day 5 - May 13: Endurance in Suffering

Starved and bound, John endured, his suffering a silent offering. “Blessed are those who persevere” (James 1:12). O heart, what burdens you? His chains were a ladder to glory, teaching that pain borne with God is holy. In your struggles, he whispers: hold fast, for Christ is near. Suffering is a threshold, not an end. O soul, rest in him! Through his intercession, may endurance flower, lifting you to the cross’s embrace. His witness is your strength—carry on in hope.
Prayer: Enduring John, sustain me with [state intention]. Lift me through trials. Amen. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

Day 6 - May 14: Witness to Truth

John’s life proclaimed God’s word, unshaken by threats. “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32). O spirit, where do you waver? His voice was a martyr’s cry, echoing Christ’s light in darkness. In a world of shadows, he bids you stand firm, to live the Gospel with bold love. Truth is your calling, costly yet liberating. O heart, shine! Through John’s prayers, may you bear witness, a lamp for the lost. His blood speaks still—proclaim Him who is Truth.
Prayer: Truthful John, guide me with [state intention]. May I witness Christ fearlessly. Amen. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

Day 7 - May 15: Humility in Leadership

As pope, John served, his humility a crown. “The greatest must be servant” (Matthew 23:11). O soul, where do you seek praise? He led with a bowed heart, pointing to Christ alone. Power fades, but service rises to eternity. In your roles, John calls you to kneel, to lift others in love. O spirit, grow small! Through his intercession, let humility shape you, a vessel of God’s grace. His life is your guide—serve as he served.
Prayer: Humble John, form me with [state intention]. Teach me servant’s love. Amen. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

Day 8 - May 16: Trust in Providence

Facing death, John rested in God’s hands. “All things work for good” (Romans 8:28). O heart, what do you fear? His trust was a quiet hymn, surrendering to the Weaver of all. Life’s threads unravel, yet God binds them in love. John’s peace calls you to release, to trust the unseen plan. O soul, abide! Through his prayers, may faith in Providence calm you, a balm for every wound. His end was a beginning—rest in that promise.
Prayer: Trusting John, steady me with [state intention]. Deepen my faith in God’s plan. Amen. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

Day 9 - May 17: Martyr’s Crown

On this eve, John’s martyrdom glows, his blood a song of victory. “Well done, faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). O spirit, lift your voice! He crossed into glory, a shepherd crowned in Christ’s love. Tomorrow, we rejoice; today, let his joy fill you. His life bids you run the race, eyes on the prize. O soul, prepare! Through his intercession, may you taste eternity, faithful to the end.
Prayer: Glorious John, lead me with [state intention]. May I share your eternal reward. Amen. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

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Mar 28, 2025

Novena to St. John I, Pope and Martyr