Novena to Saint Nicholas of Bari

Every November 27, the Novena dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, a 4th century bishop, considered the patron saint of children, sailors and travelers, begins. His party is celebrated next December 6.

Saint Nicholas was born in Patara, Lycia, Turkey, around the year 270, and died in Mira, also located in Turkey, in 343. For this reason, ‘Saint Nicholas’ is also known as ‘Saint Nicholas of Mira’, although he is generally called ‘Saint Nicholas of Bari’ since, after his death, his remains were transferred to that port city in Italy.

“The miraculous”

Saint Nicholas has been given the nickname ‘the miraculous’ (thaumaturgist) because healings and prodigious acts are attributed to him. He was known for his generosity and special affection for the disadvantaged. Tradition indicates that he liked to give gifts to children, which is why his historical figure was covered in legend and forever linked to Christmas.

Close to your holiday, we share this Novena to ask for your intercession:

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

Hymn

From this stormy sea,
oh Father Saint Nicholas,
leads to safe harbor
from the heavenly homeland.

Of life’s struggles
and deadly storms
save us by your favor
and singular virtues.

You always come to the rescue
of how many implore your help.
Sick and sailors,
Poor or rich invoke you.

For your excellent holiness
and powerful intercession,
make us chosen
to blissful eternity.

To the faithful who are devout
we propagate your cult,
make us deserve the glory
loving our brothers. Amen.

Prayer of petition

Oh glorious Saint Nicholas! From that abode of light, where you enjoy the divine presence, turn your eyes piously towards me, and obtain for me from the Lord those graces and help appropriate to my present needs, both spiritual and corporal, and in particular grace (mention here the intention of the novena), if it is convenient for my eternal salvation.

Protect also, oh Holy Bishop, our Supreme Pontiff, the Church and all the Christian people. It leads to the straight path of salvation those who live immersed in sin, or enveloped in the darkness of ignorance, error and heresy.

Comfort the afflicted, help the needy, comfort the faint-hearted, defend the oppressed, assist the sick; and let everyone experience the effects of your intercession before the Lord, who is the dispenser of all good things. Amen.

Appeal

Oh blessed Saint Nicholas of Bari!, to whom families, the poor, the sick, merchants, employees, prisoners, children, maidens in danger come;

I humbly ask you to grant me the grace that I expect from you, confident in your invaluable protection, which you never deny to your devotees, so that, favored by your goodness, we may sing once again the mercies of the Lord, and the wonders of his saints Most Provident Saint Nicholas!, do not abandon me.

closing prayer

We implore, Lord, supplicants, your mercy, and through the intercession of Saint Nicholas, Bishop, protect us from all dangers so that the path of salvation may be shown to us expeditiously. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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