HISTORY OF THE NOVENA OF GRACE
The Novena of Grace began in 1633 when St. Francis Xavier appeared in a vision to Fr. Marcello Mastrilli, SJ. Fr. Mastrilli was awaiting his passage to Japan as a missionary when he was gravely injured with head trauma. St. Francis appeared to him and said:
“All those who implore my help daily for nine consecutive days, from the fourth to the twelfth of March inclusive, and worthily receive the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion on one of the nine days, will experience my protection and may hope with entire assurance to obtain from God any Grace they ask that is for the good of their souls and the glory of God.”
When Francis vanished, Fr. Mastrilli was completely cured. He went on to spread this devotion until he suffered a brutal martyrdom in Japan.
The Novena of Grace is still prayed today throughout the world. In the West Province of the Society of Jesus, the Novena of Grace is prayed at:
- St. Aloysius Parish in Spokane, WA
- St. Francis Xavier in Missoula, MT
- St. Ignatius Parish in Portland, OR
- St. Joseph Parish in Seattle, WA
THE FIERY ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
St. Francis Xavier is generally acknowledged as the greatest missionary of the Catholic Church. He was sent forth by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, to set all afire in 1541. For the next eleven years Francis traveled to India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and finally Japan under harrowing conditions. During his travels, he sought out the poor and sick, ministered to their needs, taught the faith, and spent much of his nights in prayer. He worked tirelessly against the immorality, greed and violence of European Imperialism, which undermined the credibility of Christianity. St. Francis Xavier inspires us with his courage to go freely wherever the call of Jesus beckoned.
HISTORY OF THE NOVENA AT ST. IGNATIUS PARISH IN PORTLAND, OR
At St. Ignatius Parish we have prayed the Novena of Grace as a community for 100 years. We pray for many more years to come.
You can download a PDF of the complete booklet from 1921 below.