Prayer to Saint Francis. Patron of Missionaries

Prayer to Saint Francis of Assisi

O gentle Saint Francis, faithful servant of Christ and burning herald of the Gospel, you embraced poverty, humility, and joy so that all might know the love of God.

Send us forth with missionary hearts, eager to proclaim peace, mercy, and hope to every nation and every creature. Teach us to live the Gospel simply and courageously, to love the poor and forgotten, and to see Christ in all whom we meet.

Intercede for missionaries throughout the world—for those who preach, serve, suffer, and sacrifice in lands near and far. Sustain them in trials, protect them from harm, and strengthen them with joy in the Holy Spirit.

Help us, like you, to be instruments of God’s peace, bringing light where there is darkness, faith where there is doubt, and love where there is fear.

Saint Francis of Assisi, patron of missionaries and peacemakers, pray for us.

Amen.

While Saint Francis of Assisi is widely beloved, the title of "Patron of Missionaries" specifically refers to Saint Francis Xavier. He was a co-founder of the Jesuits and a legendary missionary to Asia. 

Below are the most prominent prayers associated with Saint Francis Xavier as the patron of missions.

1. Traditional Prayer for Missions (Collect) This prayer is used by the Church to ask for the same zeal that Saint Francis Xavier had for spreading the faith.  The full text of this prayer can be found in the referenced documents. 

2. Prayer for Missionary Courage This modern prayer asks for his intercession to guide those serving in missions today. The full text of this prayer can be found in the referenced documents. 

3. Novena of Grace Prayer The Novena of Grace (prayed from March 4–12 or November 25–December 3) is the most famous devotion to Saint Francis Xavier. The full text of this prayer can be found in the referenced documents.

Key Facts about Saint Francis Xavier

Feast Day: December

Patronage: Foreign missions, missionaries, navigators, and the propagation of the faith. Mission Field: He spent his life traveling through India, Malaysia, and Japan, and died while attempting to enter China in 1552. 

Would you like me to find a specific prayer for a particular mission need, or perhaps a list of other patron saints of missions like St. Thérèse of Lisieux?

PRAYER : " Saint Francis Xavier, I especially ask your help men and women of races and colors different from mine. Make me remember that each one of them is an immortal soul and is as dear to God as I am, and that for each of them Christ lived and died, though they may never have been taught about him. Christians themselves often give bad example and even introduce new vices among unspoiled people; help me never to be such a traitor to Christianity, but to show respect to all my fellowmen for the sake of our Lord and of our Lady who is their Mother as she is ours. Amen. "