Novenas
A novena is a traditional Catholic prayer, typically lasting 9 days, for some special intention. Its origin goes back to the nine days the Disciples and Mary spent together in prayer between the Ascension and Pentecost.
About the St. Andrew Christmas Novena
The St. Andrew Christmas Novena, also known simply as the Christmas novena, is traditionally prayed fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (November 30) to Christmas Eve. That being said, the prayer may be adapted to a simplified form for private devotion. It is a simple and beautiful Advent prayer that is believed to be over 100 years old.
The Saint Mary’s community is invited to pray the prayer below daily for nine days, starting December 16. We invite you to join in fixing our eyes on Jesus, so as to be more ready to receive Him on Christmas day, and when He comes again at the end of time. As we pray, reflecting on the salvation He brings by becoming man, we beg for the grace to succeed in our efforts to awaken, nurture, and empower learners to ethical lives of service and leadership, particularly through the renewal of SGPP.
St. Andrew Christmas Novena (Daily Prayer from December 16-December 24)
Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment
at which the Son of God was born of a most pure Virgin
at a stable at midnight in Bethlehem in the piercing cold.
At that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee,
to hear my prayers and grant my desires.
I especially ask for the needs of Saint Mary’s School of Graduate and Professional Programs;
for continued innovation, financial security and enrollment growth.
Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother. Amen.
