ALL SAINTS: Novena to St. John of God

Mar 27, 2025

Novena to St. John of God

Day 1 - February 28

A Sinner’s Turn
John of God, born in 1495 in Portugal, wandered as a shepherd, soldier, and wanderer, lost in sin until age 40. A sermon by St. John of Avila pierced his heart, sparking repentance. “Return to me with all your heart” (Joel 2:12). Reflect: what stirs you to turn back to God?
Prayer: O St. John of God, redeemed sinner, I seek your aid! I begin with (state your intention). Guide me from my wanderings to Christ’s mercy. May your late awakening inspire me to seek Him now, with a contrite heart. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 2 - March 1

Madness for Christ
After his conversion, John’s zeal seemed madness—tearing his hair, giving all to the poor. Yet this “folly” was holy fire. “The foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Ponder: where might God call you to bold faith?
Prayer: Holy John, fool for love, hear me! I bring (state your intention). Ignite my soul with your passion, that I may risk all for Christ. Help me embrace His way, even when it seems mad to the world. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 3 - March 2

Care for the Sick
In Granada, John opened his heart and home to the sick, carrying them on his back. His compassion birthed a legacy of care. “I was sick and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36). Ask: who needs your healing touch today?
Prayer: O St. John, nurse of the suffering, help me! I seek your intercession for (state your intention). Teach me to bear others’ burdens with your tenderness. May I bring Christ’s comfort to the afflicted. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 4 - March 3

Fire of Charity
John rescued patients from a burning hospital, unscathed by flames, his charity a shield. His love burned brighter than fire. “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Reflect: how can your love overcome fear?
Prayer: Brave John, aflame with charity, guide me! I ask for (state your intention). Kindle in me a fearless love, bold to serve and save. Protect me in trials, that I may shine with your zeal. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 5 - March 4

Beggar’s Humility
Once a soldier, John became a beggar for the poor, crying, “Do good to yourself!” to almsgivers. His humility drew souls to God. “He humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). Consider: where can you lower yourself for others?
Prayer: O St. John, humble beggar, uphold me! I bring (state your intention). Strip me of pride, that I may seek God’s glory in lowliness. Let me serve with your gentle spirit. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 6 - March 5

Founder’s Vision
John’s work grew into the Brothers Hospitaller, a testament to his trust in God’s plan. From chaos, he built order. “Commit your work to the Lord” (Proverbs 16:3). Ponder: what can you entrust to Him today?
Prayer: Holy John, founder by grace, hear me! I seek aid for (state your intention). Inspire me to build for God’s kingdom, trusting His hand in my efforts. May my labors bear eternal fruit. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 7 - March 6

Prayer in Pain
Illness plagued John, yet he prayed through suffering, offering it for sinners. His pain became a gift. “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). Ask: how can you unite your trials to Christ?
Prayer: O St. John, patient in affliction, help me! I ask for (state your intention). Turn my pain to prayer, that it may rise as incense before God. Teach me to offer all for His love. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 8 - March 7

Holy Death
On March 8, 1550, John died kneeling in prayer, his last act a surrender to God. Canonized in 1690, his mercy endures. “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Reflect: how will you prepare for your end?
Prayer: St. John, faithful to the last, guide me! I bring (state your intention). Ready my soul for God’s embrace, that I may die in peace as you did. Lead me to eternal rest. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

Day 9 - March 7 (Eve of Feast Day)

Patron of Mercy
On March 8, we honor John, patron of the sick and nurses, his life a hymn of mercy. “Be merciful, as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Celebrate: how will you live his call?
Prayer: O St. John of God, mercy’s friend, bless me! I seek (state your intention). Make me a vessel of care, reflecting your heart. On your feast’s eve, draw me to Christ’s healing love. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen.

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