Novena starts - 23rd October.

Feast Day - 1st November.

Introduction -

What does it mean to become a saint? All Saints’ Day honours those who have attained heaven, both recognised saints and countless others known only to God. This nine-day novena invites us to learn from their lives, grow in Christian virtue and discover how we can pursue holiness in our everyday lives.

How to pray: Begin with the Sign of the Cross, read the day's Scripture and reflection, and pray the daily prayer. Conclude with the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 1: The Call to Become a Saint

Saints: St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Paul the Apostle.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Reflection -

St. Augustine, St. Ignatius and St. Paul experienced profound transformations that redirected their lives towards God. Their journeys remind us that holiness is possible even when our past is imperfect. God does not ask us to be perfect before approaching Him; He invites us to turn away from sin and allow His grace to transform us.

Prayer -

Heavenly Father, awaken in me the desire to become holy. Through the intercession of St. Augustine, St. Ignatius and St. Paul, give me the courage to acknowledge my weaknesses, turn away from sin and begin anew. Help me trust in Your mercy and faithfully respond to Your call each day. Amen.

Personal reflection: What habit or attitude is preventing me from growing closer to God?

Conclude with: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 2: Trusting God's Will

Saints: The Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture: “Be it done to me according to your word.” — Luke 1:38

Reflection -

Mary accepted God's plan without knowing everything that lay ahead, while St. Joseph obeyed Him amid uncertainty. St. Thérèse trusted in God's love through life's ordinary joys and difficulties. Their example teaches us that faith means doing our part responsibly while entrusting the unknown to God's providence.

Prayer -

Heavenly Father, help me trust You when life does not unfold as I expect. Through the intercession of Mary, St. Joseph and St. Thérèse, strengthen my faith when I face uncertainty and unanswered prayers. Teach me to surrender my fears, accept Your will and follow You with courage and hope. Amen.

Personal reflection: What situation am I finding difficult to entrust to God?

Conclude with: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 3: Loving God Above Everything

Saints: St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare of Assisi and St. Benedict.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.” — Matthew 22:37

Reflection -

St. Francis and St. Clare embraced simplicity and wholehearted devotion to God, while St. Benedict showed how prayer and work can shape a holy life. Their example challenges us to examine what occupies our hearts. Holiness grows when we put God first and use our time, talents and possessions in ways that honour Him.

Prayer -

Heavenly Father, help me love You above every earthly desire. Through the intercession of St. Francis, St. Clare and St. Benedict, free me from attachments that distract me from You. Teach me to make time for prayer, use my blessings wisely and place Your will above my own ambitions. Amen.

Personal reflection: What has been taking priority over my relationship with God?

Conclude with: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 4: Seeing Christ in Others

Saints: St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Damien of Molokai.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture: “Just as you did it to one of the least of these… you did it to me.” — Matthew 25:40

Reflection -

St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Damien of Molokai served people who were poor, sick or forgotten. Their lives remind us that love for God must be expressed through practical compassion. A patient response, a generous act or a willingness to listen can help another person experience Christ's love.

Prayer -

Merciful Father, open my eyes to the needs of those around me. Through the intercession of St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Damien of Molokai, free me from indifference and selfishness. Teach me to recognise Christ in every person and serve others with generosity, dignity and compassion. Amen.

Personal reflection: Who around me needs my time, kindness or practical help?

Conclude with: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 5: Forgiveness and Mercy

Saints: St. Maria Goretti, St. Stephen the First Martyr and St. John Paul II.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” — Matthew 6:12

Reflection -

St. Maria Goretti, St. Stephen and St. John Paul II bore witness to forgiveness in the face of grave wrongdoing. Their example challenges us to resist hatred and seek healing through mercy. Forgiveness does not mean excusing injustice or accepting continued harm; it means refusing to let resentment rule our hearts while pursuing truth and healing.

Prayer -

Heavenly Father, soften my heart and help me forgive those who have hurt me. Through the intercession of St. Maria Goretti, St. Stephen and St. John Paul II, free me from bitterness and the desire for revenge. Give me humility to seek forgiveness for my own wrongs and wisdom to pursue peace without compromising truth or dignity. Amen.

Personal reflection: Whom do I need to forgive, or from whom do I need to seek forgiveness?

Conclude with: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 6: Courage to Stand for Truth

Saints: St. Thomas More, St. Joan of Arc and St. Oscar Romero.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” — Acts 5:29

Reflection -

St. Thomas More, St. Joan of Arc and St. Oscar Romero remind us that faithfulness can demand courage and sacrifice. Holiness sometimes means refusing dishonesty, defending someone who is mistreated or standing by our convictions despite criticism. True courage combines integrity with humility, prudence and love for others.

Prayer -

Lord Jesus, strengthen me to stand for truth even when doing so is difficult. Through the intercession of St. Thomas More, St. Joan of Arc and St. Oscar Romero, free me from the fear of rejection and the temptation to compromise my conscience. Help me defend what is right with humility, wisdom and charity. Amen.

Personal reflection: Where do I need greater courage to choose what is right over what is convenient?

Conclude with: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 7: Perseverance in Prayer

Saints: St. Monica, St. Rita of Cascia and St. Padre Pio.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture: “Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Reflection -

St. Monica persevered in prayer for her son Augustine, while St. Rita and St. Padre Pio are remembered for their prayerful trust amid suffering. Their lives teach us that prayer is a relationship with God, not a guarantee of receiving everything we ask for. Even when answers are delayed, we are called to remain faithful and place our concerns in His hands.

Prayer -

Heavenly Father, strengthen me when prayer feels difficult and my hopes seem unanswered. Through the intercession of St. Monica, St. Rita and St. Padre Pio, help me persevere in faith and trust Your wisdom. Teach me to pray consistently, act responsibly and remain close to You through every trial. Amen.

Personal reflection: Which intention have I been tempted to abandon in prayer?

Conclude with: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 8: Becoming Holy in Everyday Life

Saints: St. Gianna Beretta Molla, St. Louis and St. Zélie Martin, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture: “Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31

Reflection -

St. Gianna lived her vocation as a wife, mother and doctor, while St. Louis and St. Zélie Martin pursued holiness through marriage and family life. St. Thérèse taught the importance of doing small things with great love. Their example reminds us that our ordinary duties, relationships and acts of kindness can become paths towards holiness.

Prayer -

Heavenly Father, help me discover holiness in my everyday responsibilities. Through the intercession of St. Gianna, St. Louis, St. Zélie and St. Thérèse, teach me to serve my family faithfully, work honestly and perform even small tasks with love. Free me from comparison and help me remain faithful to the vocation You have given me. Amen.

Personal reflection: How can I bring greater love and faithfulness to my ordinary duties?

Conclude with: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Day 9: Called to Heaven with All the Saints

Saints: All the saints in heaven, including those not formally canonised.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” — Matthew 5:8

Reflection -

All Saints’ Day celebrates the countless men and women who now share in God's glory, including those whose holiness was never publicly recognised. Their lives remind us that sainthood is possible in every vocation and circumstance. As we honour them, let us renew our commitment to follow Christ faithfully and persevere on our journey towards heaven.

Prayer -

Heavenly Father, thank You for the witness of all the saints, known and unknown. Through their intercession, strengthen me to grow in faith, love, humility and perseverance. Help me follow Christ faithfully, encourage others on their journey and remain steadfast in Your grace until I share in the eternal joy of heaven. Amen.

Personal reflection: What one change will I make to live more faithfully as a follower of Christ?

Conclude with: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be.

Final Prayer for All Saints’ Day -

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the saints whose lives reveal the beauty of Your grace. Through their intercession, help us love You wholeheartedly, serve others generously, forgive sincerely and remain faithful in trials. May their example inspire us to pursue holiness in every circumstance and persevere in faith until we share in the joy of Your heavenly kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

All you holy men and women of God, pray for us!