A Catholic pilgrimage is an experience of a lifetime. From the unique cultures that you will experience at your chosen destination to the remarkable and spiritually significant landmarks, you will have the opportunity to explore the land while deepening your faith in the Lord.
As you embark on your journey, you will begin by boarding your international flight. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or you are making your first trip abroad, reciting a novena for safe travel before your journey will help ease your mind and prepare you for the spiritual experience that is to come.
What is a Novena?
A novena is a nine-day prayer meant to ask God for a specific intention or purpose. These prayers are an entreaty for a particular Saint’s intercession, which draws upon the life and purpose of that Saint.
The St. Christopher novena is a frequently cited prayer choice for safe travel. The prayer we are sharing today comes from Novena Prayer; however, those who wish to do so may recite the extended version.
About St. Christopher - The Patron Saint of Travelers
St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers and transportation.
His story begins in the 3rd century under the reign of Decius. Christopher wanted to serve the greatest king he could. After a fruitless search for a great king on Earth, he concluded that the Christian God was the greatest king of all.
Christopher, a particularly tall and large man, served the Lord by using his size to help travelers cross a deep, treacherous river. One day, a small child approached him for help crossing the river. As he carried the child across, the water rose, and the child became extremely heavy.
Once he reached the other side of the river, he asked the child why he had become so difficult to carry. The child revealed that He was Christ, and Christopher had been carrying the weight of the world. The child then disappeared, and Christopher traveled and evangelized in His name.
After many years, Christopher traveled to Lycia, where many Christians were being killed. Officials tried to convince him to abandon his faith and practice paganism, but he refused. For his refusal, Christopher was beheaded, and he became a martyr.
The St. Christopher Novena
Recite this novena once a day for nine days. When prompted to “mention your request,” state your requests for your travels to yourself or aloud. If you need some inspiration, feel free to recite one of the following:
- Grant us safe passage to and from the Holy Land.
- Be with us and bring us peace throughout the entirety of our journey.
- Guide the vehicle that carries us on this journey with Your hands.
- Ensure that we depart from and return to our home safely.
St. Christopher’s Novena
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Glorious St. Christopher, you have inherited a beautiful name, Christ Bearer, as a result of the wonderful legend that while carrying people across a raging stream, you also carried the Child Jesus.
Teach us to be true Christ Bearers to those who do not know Him. Protect all of us that travel both near and far and petition Jesus to be with us always. Amen.
(Mention your request)
Saint Christopher, pray for us.
Recite one ‘Our Father’
Recite one ‘Hail Mary’
Recite one ‘Glory Be’”
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, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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 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.
Praying a novena is a beautiful way to prepare your mindset in the days leading up to your pilgrimage experience. Furthermore, you can put your worries to rest, knowing your travels are planned end-to-end with care and consideration.
We wish you safe travels and a memorable experience!