Traditional Catholic Novena
St. Ambrose Novena
A traditional Catholic novena to St. Ambrose for beekeepers, learners, and schoolchildren. Traditionally prayed November 28 through December 6, or any time.
Pray This Novena
Start with day 1
Begin the novena now, move one day at a time, and come back here whenever you are ready for the next day.
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About This Novena
This novena leans into St. Ambrose’s deep Eucharistic reverence and asks for a conscience made clean, a mind instructed in truth, and a heart made ready for God.
Traditionally prayed for
Often prayed for beekeepers, learners, schoolchildren, and those seeking reverence before Holy Mass.
Usual timing
November 28 through December 6, or any time
Day 1 of 9
The same principal prayer is used each day. Choose the day you are on, pray the main prayer, and mark the day complete when you finish.
Day checklist
Check off each day as you pray
0 of 9
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Private intention
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Pray Day 1 of 9
Day 1
Not marked complete yet.
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Pray the principal prayer for this day of the novena.
Pause here for your intention.
Principal Prayer for Each Day
Pray this same prayer each day after the day's meditation.
Prayer of St. Ambrose (Especially Before Holy Mass)
Lord Jesus Christ, I approach Thy banquet table in fear and trembling, for I am a sinner, and dare not rely on my own worth, but only on Thy goodness and mercy. I am defiled by my many sins in body and soul, and by my unguarded thoughts and words. Gracious God of majesty and awe, I seek Thy protection, I look for Thy healing. Poor troubled sinner that I am, I appeal to Thee, the fountain of all mercy. I cannot bear Thy judgment, but I trust in Thy salvation. Lord, I show my wounds to Thee and uncover my shame before Thee. I know my sins are many and great, and they fill me with fear, but I hope in Thy mercies, for they cannot be numbered. Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal King, God and man, crucified for mankind, look upon me with mercy and hear my prayer, for I trust in Thee. Have mercy on me, full of sorrow and sin, for the depth of Thy compassion never ends. Praise to Thy saving sacrifice, offered on the wood of the cross for me and for all mankind. Praise to the noble and precious Blood, flowing from the wounds of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ and washing away the sins of the whole world. Remember, Lord, Thy creature, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy blood; I repent my sins, and I long to put right what I have done. Merciful Father, take away all my offenses and sins; purify me in body and soul, and make me worthy to taste the Holy of Holies. May Thy Body and Blood, which I intend to receive, although I am unworthy, be for me the remission of my sins, the washing away of my guilt, the end of my evil thoughts, and the rebirth of my better instincts.
Amen.
Related devotion
Keep this novena connected
Move naturally from this novena into the nearest saint life or traditional litany in the library.
Tools, privacy, and reminders
Prayer progress and local tools stay on this device unless you clear them.
About this novena
Description
This novena leans into St. Ambrose’s deep Eucharistic reverence and asks for a conscience made clean, a mind instructed in truth, and a heart made ready for God.
Traditionally invoked as patron of
beekeepers, learners, schoolchildren, those seeking reverence before Holy Mass
Traditionally prayed for
Often prayed for beekeepers, learners, schoolchildren, and those seeking reverence before Holy Mass.
Usual timing
November 28 through December 6, or any time
Saint Ambrose, Giovanni di Paolo, Metropolitan Museum of Art