St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, is a revered figure in the Christian tradition. Born in the 2nd century AD in Rome, her life and legacy have become intertwined with the beauty and harmony of music. Cecilia was known for her devout Christian faith, and she dedicated her life to serving God.
Legend has it that she possessed a remarkable gift for music and that on the day of her wedding, she sang in her heart to God, pledging her virginity to Him. It is said that she continued to live a life of piety, converting her husband Valerian and his brother Tiburtius to Christianity.
Novena to St. Cecilia – Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint Cecilia, you were born into wealth yet chose a life of poverty; destined for marriage, you embraced virginity.
Your sacrificial journey led to the conversion of your husband, Valerian, guiding him through the narrow gate of martyrdom, to the heavenly kingdom. Your own martyrdom by the sword stands as a testament to your unwavering commitment.
Your courageous witness in life bore fruit in Rome, where hundreds embraced baptism, and the Gospel through your compelling preaching.
Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).
St. Cecilia, we humbly seek your intercession, acknowledging the generous sacrifice you made for the love of Jesus, to whom you devoted your heart and soul. Guide us in our journey of faith, so that we may truly see and understand with the eyes of the spirit. Graciously hear our prayers. Amen.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Say 3: Our Father… Say 3: Hail Mary… Say 3: Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to St. Cecilia – Day 2
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint Cecilia, during your nuptials, melodies unheard by mortal ears adorned the air as you, seated in solitude, sang praises to the Lord within the sanctum of your heart. Your divine inspiration has resonated through the verses of poets and the compositions of musicians, weaving the Gospel into the consciousness of millions.
Oh, Saint Cecilia, where Orpheus’ lyre charmed trees, your essence fashioned living stones and disciples. Guide us in harmonizing our hearts and voices, allowing the Gospel to permeate our lives with unceasing joy.
Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).
St. Cecilia, we humbly seek your intercession, acknowledging the generous sacrifice you made for the love of Jesus, to whom you devoted your heart and soul. Guide us in our journey of faith, so that we may truly see and understand with the eyes of the spirit. Graciously hear our prayers. Amen.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Say 3: Our Father… Say 3: Hail Mary… Say 3: Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to St. Cecilia – Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Oh Saint Cecilia, you stood trial before a Roman prefect, accused of the profound offense of loving Christ. Unyielding, you refused to bow to the pagan Gods, engaging your captors in unwavering debate, even in the face of a death sentence.
Bless all those who embrace God’s seemingly scandalous message of grace and forgiveness, and guide us in breaking free from every form of idolatry that binds us in servitude.
Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).
St. Cecilia, we humbly seek your intercession, acknowledging the generous sacrifice you made for the love of Jesus, to whom you devoted your heart and soul. Guide us in our journey of faith, so that we may truly see and understand with the eyes of the spirit. Graciously hear our prayers. Amen.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Say 3: Our Father… Say 3: Hail Mary… Say 3: Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to St. Cecilia – Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint Cecilia, born into opulence, concealed a hair shirt beneath her elegant attire, devoted herself to fervent prayer, and selflessly aided the less fortunate. Holy Virgin martyr, guide us in our spiritual destitution to discern our true needs.
Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).
St. Cecilia, we humbly seek your intercession, acknowledging the generous sacrifice you made for the love of Jesus, to whom you devoted your heart and soul. Guide us in our journey of faith, so that we may truly see and understand with the eyes of the spirit. Graciously hear our prayers. Amen.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Say 3: Our Father… Say 3: Hail Mary… Say 3: Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to St. Cecilia – Day 5
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
On the night of your wedding, Saint Cecilia, you cautioned your husband Valerian about the angel guarding your purity. When he expressed a desire to witness the celestial being, you instructed him to undergo purification of his unbelief and receive baptism from the bishop.
Despite the bishop’s refuge-seeking in a cave due to the Roman persecution, Valerian discovered him precisely at the third milestone on the Appian Way, just as you had foretold.
Guide us, Saint Cecilia, as we renew our baptismal vows in the name of the one and Triune God today. May we earnestly seek conversion wherever it may be needed.
Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).
St. Cecilia, we humbly seek your intercession, acknowledging the generous sacrifice you made for the love of Jesus, to whom you devoted your heart and soul. Guide us in our journey of faith, so that we may truly see and understand with the eyes of the spirit. Graciously hear our prayers. Amen.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Say 3: Our Father… Say 3: Hail Mary… Say 3: Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to St. Cecilia – Day 6
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint Cecilia, you endured the harsh era of Christian persecution, and your unwavering witness inspired your husband Valerian and his brother Tibertius to devote their brief lives to the noble cause of evangelization. Your legacy has continued to influence countless martyrs across the ages, guiding them to meet their end with serenity amid the chaos of human violence.
We beseech you to intercede on our behalf, obtaining for us the grace of a righteous death, with the name of our Savior on our lips.
Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).
St. Cecilia, we humbly seek your intercession, acknowledging the generous sacrifice you made for the love of Jesus, to whom you devoted your heart and soul. Guide us in our journey of faith, so that we may truly see and understand with the eyes of the spirit. Graciously hear our prayers. Amen.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Say 3: Our Father… Say 3: Hail Mary… Say 3: Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to St. Cecilia – Day 7
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint Cecilia, in an era where your vow of chastity faced disdain, similar challenges persist in today’s world. Your patient anticipation for the fruits of virtue and the conversion of sinners to eternal salvation serves as a timeless inspiration.
May we reflect on your sacrificial commitment and renew our embrace of the virtues inherent in a chaste life. Guide us in resisting temptations toward excessive sensuality and bodily pleasure.
Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).
St. Cecilia, we humbly seek your intercession, acknowledging the generous sacrifice you made for the love of Jesus, to whom you devoted your heart and soul. Guide us in our journey of faith, so that we may truly see and understand with the eyes of the spirit. Graciously hear our prayers. Amen.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Say 3: Our Father… Say 3: Hail Mary… Say 3: Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to St. Cecilia – Day 8
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint Cecilia, your profound insight has been a source of hope and miraculous healing for those afflicted with blindness. Grant us the wisdom to listen attentively to words and melodies that can illuminate our understanding and heal our spiritual blindness. May we learn to rely more on faith than mere sight, finding strength and clarity in the process.
Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).
St. Cecilia, we humbly seek your intercession, acknowledging the generous sacrifice you made for the love of Jesus, to whom you devoted your heart and soul. Guide us in our journey of faith, so that we may truly see and understand with the eyes of the spirit. Graciously hear our prayers. Amen.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Say 3: Our Father… Say 3: Hail Mary… Say 3: Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Novena to St. Cecilia – Day 9
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Saint Cecilia, your unwavering testimony not only withstood accusations but also compelled even your accusers to recognize the beauty of your faith. Your steadfast witness led to the conversion of hundreds during your lifetime and countless others after your departure from this world. Inspire us to emulate your purity and wholehearted devotion to the teachings of the gospels in all our endeavors, that we may harvest souls for eternity.
Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).
St. Cecilia, we humbly seek your intercession, acknowledging the generous sacrifice you made for the love of Jesus, to whom you devoted your heart and soul. Guide us in our journey of faith, so that we may truly see and understand with the eyes of the spirit. Graciously hear our prayers. Amen.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Say 3: Our Father… Say 3: Hail Mary… Say 3: Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Litany of St. Cecilia
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, wise virgin, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, whose heart burned with the fire of divine love, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, apostle by your zeal and charity, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, who converted your spouse and procured for him the crown of martyrdom, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, who by your pleadings moved the hearts of pagans, and brought them into the true Church, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, who did unceasingly see your guardian angel by your side, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, who mingled your voice with the celestial harmonies of the virgins, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, who by your melodious accents celebrated the praises of Jesus, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, illustrious martyr of Jesus Christ, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, who during three days suffered most excruciating torments, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, consolation of the afflicted, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, protectress of all who invoke you, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, patroness of holy canticles, Pray for us.
St. Cecilia, special patroness and advocate of all singers, musicians, authors, and students, Pray for us.
We salute you, O Virgin, who gave your blood for the defense and faith of Jesus Christ.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
God glorified St. Cecilia, And He crowned her virtues.
Let us pray:
O Eternal God, who gave us in the person of St. Cecilia, a powerful protectress, grant that after having faithfully passed our days like herself, in innocence and holiness, we may one day attain the land of beatitude, where in concert with her, we may praise you and bless you forevermore in eternity. Amen.
Saint Cecilia Hymn
Let the deep organ swell the lay
In honor of this festive day.
Let the harmonious choirs proclaim
Cecilia’s ever blessed name.
Let the harmonious choirs proclaim
Cecilia’s ever blessed name.
Cecilia with a two-fold crown,
Adorned in heaven we pray look down,
Upon thy fervent children here
And harken to their humble prayer.
Let the harmonious choirs proclaim
Cecilia’s ever blessed name.