NovenasSt. Damien of Molokai Novena
Novena to the Apostle of the Lepers
A nine-day novena to St. Damien de Veuster, the Belgian priest who ministered to lepers on the Hawaiian island of Molokai and eventually contracted and died of the disease. He is the patron of those with leprosy and HIV/AIDS.
Complete prayer texts. No account needed.
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For missionary zeal
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O God, who called Saint Damien de Veuster to serve the lepers of Molokai, sharing their life and suffering, grant that through his intercession we may serve those whom society rejects and find Christ in the suffering members of His Body.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Meditation
Damien felt called to the missions from his youth. When his brother became ill and could not go to Hawaii, Damien volunteered to take his place. He left his Belgian homeland, never to return.
His missionary zeal was not for adventure but for souls. He desired to bring Christ to those who had never known Him and to serve Him in the suffering.
Prayer
St. Damien, you left everything to bring Christ to distant lands. Kindle in me a missionary spirit and a willingness to go wherever God calls me.
(Mention your intentions here)
Prayer to St. Damien
O Saint Damien, apostle of the lepers, you left your homeland to serve those abandoned by society. You shared their suffering and eventually their disease, becoming one of them.
Pray for all who suffer from illness and isolation. Obtain for me the grace to serve Christ in those who are rejected, to overcome my fears, and to love without counting the cost.
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
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.
St. Damien of Molokai, pray for us. Amen.
About this novena
A nine-day novena to St. Damien de Veuster, the Belgian priest who ministered to lepers on the Hawaiian island of Molokai and eventually contracted and died of the disease. He is the patron of those with leprosy and HIV/AIDS.
May 1-9 (Feast: May 10), or any time
Traditional start: May 10
You can begin a novena at any time. Traditional dates are a guide, not a requirement.
