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Pray the Novena to Saint John Paul II Before His Feast
The Novena to Saint John Paul II is a nine-day Catholic prayer devotion honouring the pope who called the world to open its doors to Christ. The Church celebrates his optional memorial on October 22. Moreover, that date marks the start of his ministry as universal pastor in 1978. Therefore, this novena fits the days before his feast. In addition, it begins just as Catholics recall his election on October 16.
Cardinal Karol Wojtyła of Kraków was elected pope on October 16, 1978, and took the name John Paul II. He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years. In addition, he led the Church for nearly twenty-seven years. Pope Francis canonised him on April 27, 2014, Divine Mercy Sunday. Many Catholics now call him John Paul the Great.
Catholics turn to him because he lived courage, prayer and mercy in public. His motto, Totus Tuus, means “completely yours,” and it expressed his trust in Mary. Furthermore, he gave the Church the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary in 2002. Therefore, his example draws believers closer to Christ through Mary.
This novena may be prayed in preparation for October 22 or at any other time of the year. Many Catholics begin on October 13 so that the ninth day falls on October 21. The Novena may be offered for families, young people, peace, vocations, the sick, courage or a personal intention known to God.
As we begin, let us place our confidence in God. Ask Saint John Paul II to walk with us and to lead us ever more deeply to Jesus Christ.
How to Pray the Novena to Saint John Paul II
Each day begins with the Sign of the Cross, followed by a Scripture verse, a reflection, a short prayer, the Our Father, three Hail Marys and one Glory Be.
After the prayers, pause quietly and present your personal intention to God through the intercession of Saint John Paul II.
If possible, pray the Rosary during these nine days as well. Saint John Paul II loved this prayer, and it can help you contemplate the Gospel with Mary.
The Prayers
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary (pray three times each day)
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.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Day 1 — Courage
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture
“Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” — Matthew 14:27
Reflection
On October 22, 1978, Pope John Paul II began his ministry with a bold call. He urged the world not to be afraid and to open wide the doors for Christ. Fear can close our hearts and silence our faith. However, Christ walks towards us in every storm. True courage does not deny danger. It trusts the Lord who stands beside us. Through the intercession of Saint John Paul II, may we face our fears with faith.
Let Us Pray
Saint John Paul II, courageous shepherd, teach us not to be afraid. Help us to open every door of our lives to Christ. Give us strength to witness to our faith with joy and to trust in God’s care. Amen.
Intention
Pause and present your prayer intention to Saint John Paul II.
Our Father
Three Hail Marys
Glory Be
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 2 — Trust in Mary
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture
“Behold, your mother.” — John 19:27
Reflection
Saint John Paul II chose the motto Totus Tuus, which means “totally yours.” He took the idea from Saint Louis de Montfort. In this way, he offered his whole life to Mary. She, in turn, always leads us to Jesus. Moreover, she remains a mother to every disciple. Therefore, trusting Mary does not take us away from Christ. It brings us nearer to him. Through the intercession of Saint John Paul II, may we entrust our lives to Our Lady.
Let Us Pray
Saint John Paul II, faithful son of Mary, teach us to say “totally yours” to Our Lady. Help us to trust her motherly care and to follow her example. Lead us through her to Jesus, our Saviour. Amen.
Intention
Pause and present your prayer intention to Saint John Paul II.
Our Father
Three Hail Marys
Glory Be
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 3 — Love for the Eucharist
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven.” — John 6:51
Reflection
Saint John Paul II loved the Eucharist and adored Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Many remember him as an apostle of the Holy Eucharist and Eucharistic adoration. He saw the Mass as the centre of Christian life. Furthermore, he invited the faithful to spend quiet time before the Lord. In the Eucharist, Jesus gives himself completely. Therefore, we can answer with gratitude and reverence. Through the intercession of Saint John Paul II, may we receive Christ with deeper faith.
Let Us Pray
Saint John Paul II, adorer of the Eucharist, teach us to love Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Help us to attend Mass with devotion and to spend quiet time in his presence. Make our hearts hungry for the Bread of Life. Amen.
Intention
Pause and present your prayer intention to Saint John Paul II.
Our Father
Three Hail Marys
Glory Be
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 4 — Prayer and the Rosary
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture
“Lord, teach us to pray.” — Luke 11:1
Reflection
On October 16, 2002, the twenty-fourth anniversary of his election, Saint John Paul II signed Rosarium Virginis Mariae. In it, he added the Luminous Mysteries and proclaimed a Year of the Rosary. He wanted families to rediscover this prayer. Moreover, he saw the Rosary as a way to contemplate Christ with Mary. Therefore, we can pray it daily with patience. Through the intercession of Saint John Paul II, may our prayer become steady and joyful.
Let Us Pray
Saint John Paul II, apostle of the Rosary, teach us to pray with Mary. Help us to meditate on the mysteries of Christ’s life with an open heart. Make our families faithful to daily prayer. Amen.
Intention
Pause and present your prayer intention to Saint John Paul II.
Our Father
Three Hail Marys
Glory Be
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 5 — Human Dignity
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture
“God created mankind in his image.” — Genesis 1:27
Reflection
Saint John Paul II defended the dignity of every person. He spoke for the poor, the sick, the unborn and the oppressed. In addition, he reminded the world that every life reflects the image of God. Therefore, no human being is worthless. Likewise, we can treat others with respect, patience and kindness. Through the intercession of Saint John Paul II, may we honour the dignity of each person we meet.
Let Us Pray
Saint John Paul II, defender of human dignity, open our eyes to the worth of every person. Help us to protect life and to serve the weak with love. Make us peacemakers in a world that needs hope. Amen.
Intention
Pause and present your prayer intention to Saint John Paul II.
Our Father
Three Hail Marys
Glory Be
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 6 — Divine Mercy
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” — Luke 6:36
Reflection
Saint John Paul II had a deep devotion to Divine Mercy. He died on April 2, 2005, the day before Divine Mercy Sunday. Pope Francis later canonised him on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2014. Many Catholics see this link as a gentle reminder of God’s mercy. Meanwhile, he taught that mercy transforms hearts. Therefore, we can ask for mercy and then show it to others. Through the intercession of Saint John Paul II, may we trust in the mercy of Jesus.
Let Us Pray
Saint John Paul II, herald of mercy, help us to trust in God’s forgiveness. Teach us to forgive those who hurt us and to comfort those who suffer. Make us instruments of Christ’s mercy. Amen.
Intention
Pause and present your prayer intention to Saint John Paul II.
Our Father
Three Hail Marys
Glory Be
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 7 — Hope for Young People
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture
“Set an example for believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” — 1 Timothy 4:12
Reflection
Saint John Paul II loved young people. He gathered them in World Youth Day celebrations and called them to a bold faith. Today the Church honours him as a co-patron of World Youth Day. Moreover, he trusted young hearts to carry the Gospel into the future. Therefore, every young Catholic can hear his invitation as personal. Through the intercession of Saint John Paul II, may young people find Christ and follow him with joy.
Let Us Pray
Saint John Paul II, friend of the young, pray for all who search for meaning. Help them to know Christ, to choose good and to build a hopeful future. Guide us all to follow Jesus with courage. Amen.
Intention
Pause and present your prayer intention to Saint John Paul II.
Our Father
Three Hail Marys
Glory Be
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 8 — Love and Family
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture
“This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you.” — John 15:12
Reflection
Many call Saint John Paul II the pope of the family. He taught that the family is the first school of love. In addition, he encouraged husbands and wives to give themselves to one another generously. Likewise, he urged parents to pray with their children. Therefore, a home can become a small church. Through the intercession of Saint John Paul II, may our families grow in love, patience and faith.
Let Us Pray
Saint John Paul II, patron of families, bless our homes with peace. Help parents to guide their children with love and help children to honour their parents. Keep every family close to Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Amen.
Intention
Pause and present your prayer intention to Saint John Paul II.
Our Father
Three Hail Marys
Glory Be
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 9 — Perseverance and Holiness
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture
“I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
Reflection
In his last years, Saint John Paul II lived with Parkinson’s disease. He continued to serve the Church while his body weakened. He died on April 2, 2005, at the age of eighty-four. Thus, he taught the world how to suffer with faith. Moreover, he reminded us that holiness is for everyone. Therefore, we can complete this novena with fresh hope. Through the intercession of Saint John Paul II, may we persevere in faith until the end.
Let Us Pray
Saint John Paul II, faithful pilgrim, help us to persevere in prayer and in love. Strengthen us in suffering and keep us hopeful in trials. Lead us on the path of holiness to Jesus Christ. Amen.
Intention
Pause and present your prayer intention to Saint John Paul II.
Our Father
Three Hail Marys
Glory Be
Closing Prayer of the Novena
Lord God, we thank you for these nine days of prayer. Through the intercession of Saint John Paul II, strengthen our courage, deepen our devotion to Mary and make us people of mercy. Bless our families and our young people, and keep us faithful to your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
About Saint John Paul II
Life and election. Karol Józef Wojtyła was born on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland. On October 16, 1978, he became pope at the age of fifty-eight, the youngest pope in over a century. He was also the first Slavic pope. His pontificate lasted until his death on April 2, 2005.
A long and active ministry. He became the most travelled pope in history. He also emphasised the universal call to holiness, and he beatified 1,338 people and canonised 482 saints. In addition, he wrote Redemptoris Mater in 1987 on Mary in the life of the pilgrim Church.
Sainthood. Pope Benedict XVI waived the normal five-year waiting period, and he beatified John Paul II on May 1, 2011. Pope Francis canonised him on April 27, 2014, with Saint John XXIII.
His feast day. Pope Francis added his optional memorial to the General Roman Calendar in 2014. The feast usually falls on the day of death. However, his feast on October 22 marks the anniversary of his papal inauguration.
Devotion to Mary. Saint John Paul II signed Rosarium Virginis Mariae on October 16, 2002. He added the Luminous Mysteries, so the Rosary now has four sets of mysteries. The Joyful Mysteries recall the early life of Jesus. The Luminous Mysteries recall his public ministry. The Sorrowful Mysteries follow his Passion. The Glorious Mysteries celebrate the Resurrection and the glory of Mary.
After the novena. Pray one decade of the Rosary each day for your family. Read a short passage from his writings each week. Offer one act of mercy for someone in need. Invite your parish or family to pray with you.
For further reading, see the USCCB, the John Paul II National Shrine and Catholic Online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Novena to Saint John Paul II?
It is a nine-day Catholic devotion honouring Saint John Paul II. Each day includes a Scripture verse, a reflection, a short prayer, the Our Father, three Hail Marys and the Glory Be.
When should I pray the Novena to Saint John Paul II?
Many Catholics begin on October 14 so that the ninth day falls on his feast on October 22. However, you can pray it at any time.
Why is the feast of Saint John Paul II on October 22?
October 22 is the anniversary of the solemn beginning of his ministry as pope in 1978. It is not the day he died.
Why did he choose the motto Totus Tuus?
He chose it to show his total trust in Mary. The phrase comes from the teaching of Saint Louis de Montfort.
Can I pray this novena for a personal intention?
Yes. Each day includes a quiet pause for your own prayer request.
Can I pray the novena at any time of the year?
Yes. The novena is not limited to October.
What prayers are included in the novena?
Every day includes the Sign of the Cross, a Scripture verse, a reflection, a short prayer, the Our Father, three Hail Marys and the Glory Be. Day 9 adds a closing prayer.
Why are three Hail Marys traditionally prayed?
The Church does not require this number. It is a devotional custom, often explained as a way of honouring the Holy Trinity and asking Mary’s help.
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