NovenasSt. John of the Cross Novena
Novena to the Mystical Doctor
A nine-day novena to St. John of the Cross, the Carmelite mystic and Doctor of the Church who wrote profound works on the soul's journey to God. He is patron of contemplatives and mystics.
Complete prayer texts. No account needed.
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For those in spiritual darkness
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 gave the Priest Saint John an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial and love of the Cross, grant that, by imitating him always, we may come to contemplate eternally Your glory.
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
John of the Cross wrote of the 'dark night of the soul'—that painful period when God seems absent and prayer feels empty. Yet he taught that this darkness is a gift, purifying the soul for deeper union with God.
Many experience times of spiritual dryness. John assures us that these are not signs of failure but invitations to deeper faith.
Prayer
St. John of the Cross, you understood the dark night from experience. Comfort all who are going through spiritual darkness and help them trust in God's hidden work.
(Mention your intentions here)
Prayer to St. John of the Cross
O blessed John of the Cross, you passed through the dark night of the soul to reach the heights of divine union. Guide me through my own darkness and help me to trust in God's loving providence even when I cannot see or feel His presence.
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. John of the Cross, pray for us. Amen.
About this novena
A nine-day novena to St. John of the Cross, the Carmelite mystic and Doctor of the Church who wrote profound works on the soul's journey to God. He is patron of contemplatives and mystics.
December 5-13 (Feast: December 14), or any time
Traditional start: December 14
You can begin a novena at any time. Traditional dates are a guide, not a requirement.
