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Pope St. Celestine V Novena

Pope St. Celestine V, known for his remarkable humility and ascetic lifestyle, became famous for his brief papacy in the late 13th century, during which he championed the call for reform within the Church.

About Pope St. Celestine V

After living most of his life in seclusion, Pope Celestine V was elected pope at the age of 79. After only five months, he resigned from the papacy with the hope of returning to his life as a hermit. Celestine V is one of only a few popes to give up the title voluntarily.

Pietro – the boy who would become Pope Celestine V – had to work in the fields as a child after his peasant father died. At age 17, he became a monk in the Benedictine order, and eventually, he was ordained a priest. He preferred to spend most of his time in the wilderness fasting and praying.

Pietro’s devotion attracted several followers. While he desired solitude, the followers wanted to be with him so they could learn his ways. To help his followers, Pietro formed a new religious community that eventually took the name Celestines after his papal name. The order grew to thirty-six monasteries and more than 600 monks while Pietro led the group. Not one to seek power, Pietro handed off the leadership of the order so he could return to his solitary life.

For twenty-seven months after Pope Nicholas IV died, no Pope elected because the College of Cardinals could not agree on his successor. There were political reasons why the cardinals could not decide on any of the candidates. None of the cardinals were willing to elect a candidate that would give the other side more power.

The legend goes that one cardinal made the statement that the holy hermit Pietro del Morrone made a prophecy that a disaster would happen to the cardinals if a pope were not elected soon. To the surprise of many, the cardinals then elected Pietro unanimously. The fact that Pietro was not interested in politics or power made him the one person all of the cardinals could agree upon.

From the very beginning, Pietro was reluctant to be the pope. At first, he refused the position. Eventually, Pietro was persuaded by the cardinals and the king of Naples. Given his advanced age of 79 and his lack of political experience, he ended up being a weak and ineffective leader. The king of Naples controlled most of the decisions Celestine made.

Realizing his weaknesses as a leader, Celestine consulted with the cardinal who would eventually succeed him as Pope Boniface VIII. Under Boniface’s direction and his desire to give up his title, Celestine made his final decree which was a declaration for the right of resignation. He then promptly exercised that right and resigned after serving as pope for only 161 days.

Celestine planned to return to his life in the wilderness as a simple monk, but that would not be. Concerned that his enemies might use Celestine as someone to question his authority, Pope Boniface VIII had Celestine imprisoned in a castle. After only ten months of imprisonment, Celestine died. Rumors started spreading that Boniface had Celestine executed.

After Boniface died, some of Celestine’s supporters nominated him for sainthood. In 1313, Celestine was canonized a saint.

Why Pray the Pope St. Celestine V Novena?

Praying the Pope St. Celestine V Novena offers a meaningful way to seek guidance and inspiration in the pursuit of humility and discernment. Known for his ascetic lifestyle and commitment to reform, St. Celestine V serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to God’s will, especially in times of uncertainty.

This novena encourages participants to reflect on their own spiritual journeys, fostering a deeper relationship with God and a commitment to living authentically.

By invoking his intercession, individuals can find strength to navigate challenges with grace and a renewed focus on serving others. Ultimately, this novena highlights the transformative power of humility and the pursuit of holiness in everyday life.

Pope St. Celestine V Novena Prayers

Novena to Pope St. Celestine V is a nine-day prayer experience designed to deepen your faith, strengthen your relationship with God, and seek the powerful intercession of Pope St. Celestine V.

You can pray the Pope St. Celestine V Novena for any intention!

Pope St. Celestine V Novena Day 1

Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St. Celestine, you were pope for only five months, for in that short amount of time it was apparent that although you were very holy, you were not a natural leader, as you could not say no to anyone. You went again to the cardinals and begged that the position be taken away from you. They were deeply impressed by your humility. They chose a new pope, who decided to keep you in a cell so that no one could take advantage of you and make you into an anti-pope. In this prison you lived out the rest of your days in prayer.

St. Celestine, you were not the slightest ambitious for clerical power. Please pray that we may grow in humility as you did and not yearn for worldly honors. St. Celestine, you realized you were incapable of governing the people through the duties of a pope and resigned. The next pope to resign of his own accord was our Benedict XVI. Please pray for all our popes, for you know how terribly burdensome and stressful this position is. We thank you for your gentle intercession.

Amen.

Saint Celestine, pray for us

(Mention your request here…)

Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…

Pope St. Celestine V Novena Day 2

Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St. Celestine, you were pope for only five months, for in that short amount of time it was apparent that although you were very holy, you were not a natural leader, as you could not say no to anyone. You went again to the cardinals and begged that the position be taken away from you. They were deeply impressed by your humility. They chose a new pope, who decided to keep you in a cell so that no one could take advantage of you and make you into an anti-pope. In this prison you lived out the rest of your days in prayer.

St. Celestine, you were not the slightest ambitious for clerical power. Please pray that we may grow in humility as you did and not yearn for worldly honors. St. Celestine, you realized you were incapable of governing the people through the duties of a pope and resigned. The next pope to resign of his own accord was our Benedict XVI. Please pray for all our popes, for you know how terribly burdensome and stressful this position is. We thank you for your gentle intercession.

Amen.

Saint Celestine, pray for us

(Mention your request here…)

Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…

Pope St. Celestine V Novena Day 3

Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St. Celestine, you were pope for only five months, for in that short amount of time it was apparent that although you were very holy, you were not a natural leader, as you could not say no to anyone. You went again to the cardinals and begged that the position be taken away from you. They were deeply impressed by your humility. They chose a new pope, who decided to keep you in a cell so that no one could take advantage of you and make you into an anti-pope. In this prison you lived out the rest of your days in prayer.

St. Celestine, you were not the slightest ambitious for clerical power. Please pray that we may grow in humility as you did and not yearn for worldly honors. St. Celestine, you realized you were incapable of governing the people through the duties of a pope and resigned. The next pope to resign of his own accord was our Benedict XVI. Please pray for all our popes, for you know how terribly burdensome and stressful this position is. We thank you for your gentle intercession.

Amen.

Saint Celestine, pray for us

(Mention your request here…)

Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…

Pope St. Celestine V Novena Day 4

Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St. Celestine, you were pope for only five months, for in that short amount of time it was apparent that although you were very holy, you were not a natural leader, as you could not say no to anyone. You went again to the cardinals and begged that the position be taken away from you. They were deeply impressed by your humility. They chose a new pope, who decided to keep you in a cell so that no one could take advantage of you and make you into an anti-pope. In this prison you lived out the rest of your days in prayer.

St. Celestine, you were not the slightest ambitious for clerical power. Please pray that we may grow in humility as you did and not yearn for worldly honors. St. Celestine, you realized you were incapable of governing the people through the duties of a pope and resigned. The next pope to resign of his own accord was our Benedict XVI. Please pray for all our popes, for you know how terribly burdensome and stressful this position is. We thank you for your gentle intercession.

Amen.

Saint Celestine, pray for us

(Mention your request here…)

Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…

Pope St. Celestine V Novena Day 5

Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St. Celestine, you were pope for only five months, for in that short amount of time it was apparent that although you were very holy, you were not a natural leader, as you could not say no to anyone. You went again to the cardinals and begged that the position be taken away from you. They were deeply impressed by your humility. They chose a new pope, who decided to keep you in a cell so that no one could take advantage of you and make you into an anti-pope. In this prison you lived out the rest of your days in prayer.

St. Celestine, you were not the slightest ambitious for clerical power. Please pray that we may grow in humility as you did and not yearn for worldly honors. St. Celestine, you realized you were incapable of governing the people through the duties of a pope and resigned. The next pope to resign of his own accord was our Benedict XVI. Please pray for all our popes, for you know how terribly burdensome and stressful this position is. We thank you for your gentle intercession.

Amen.

Saint Celestine, pray for us

(Mention your request here…)

Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…

Pope St. Celestine V Novena Day 6

Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St. Celestine, you were pope for only five months, for in that short amount of time it was apparent that although you were very holy, you were not a natural leader, as you could not say no to anyone. You went again to the cardinals and begged that the position be taken away from you. They were deeply impressed by your humility. They chose a new pope, who decided to keep you in a cell so that no one could take advantage of you and make you into an anti-pope. In this prison you lived out the rest of your days in prayer.

St. Celestine, you were not the slightest ambitious for clerical power. Please pray that we may grow in humility as you did and not yearn for worldly honors. St. Celestine, you realized you were incapable of governing the people through the duties of a pope and resigned. The next pope to resign of his own accord was our Benedict XVI. Please pray for all our popes, for you know how terribly burdensome and stressful this position is. We thank you for your gentle intercession.

Amen.

Saint Celestine, pray for us

(Mention your request here…)

Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…

Pope St. Celestine V Novena Day 7

Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St. Celestine, you were pope for only five months, for in that short amount of time it was apparent that although you were very holy, you were not a natural leader, as you could not say no to anyone. You went again to the cardinals and begged that the position be taken away from you. They were deeply impressed by your humility. They chose a new pope, who decided to keep you in a cell so that no one could take advantage of you and make you into an anti-pope. In this prison you lived out the rest of your days in prayer.

St. Celestine, you were not the slightest ambitious for clerical power. Please pray that we may grow in humility as you did and not yearn for worldly honors. St. Celestine, you realized you were incapable of governing the people through the duties of a pope and resigned. The next pope to resign of his own accord was our Benedict XVI. Please pray for all our popes, for you know how terribly burdensome and stressful this position is. We thank you for your gentle intercession.

Amen.

Saint Celestine, pray for us

(Mention your request here…)

Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…

Pope St. Celestine V Novena Day 8

Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St. Celestine, you were pope for only five months, for in that short amount of time it was apparent that although you were very holy, you were not a natural leader, as you could not say no to anyone. You went again to the cardinals and begged that the position be taken away from you. They were deeply impressed by your humility. They chose a new pope, who decided to keep you in a cell so that no one could take advantage of you and make you into an anti-pope. In this prison you lived out the rest of your days in prayer.

St. Celestine, you were not the slightest ambitious for clerical power. Please pray that we may grow in humility as you did and not yearn for worldly honors. St. Celestine, you realized you were incapable of governing the people through the duties of a pope and resigned. The next pope to resign of his own accord was our Benedict XVI. Please pray for all our popes, for you know how terribly burdensome and stressful this position is. We thank you for your gentle intercession.

Amen.

Saint Celestine, pray for us

(Mention your request here…)

Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…

Pope St. Celestine V Novena Day 9

Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St. Celestine, you were pope for only five months, for in that short amount of time it was apparent that although you were very holy, you were not a natural leader, as you could not say no to anyone. You went again to the cardinals and begged that the position be taken away from you. They were deeply impressed by your humility. They chose a new pope, who decided to keep you in a cell so that no one could take advantage of you and make you into an anti-pope. In this prison you lived out the rest of your days in prayer.

St. Celestine, you were not the slightest ambitious for clerical power. Please pray that we may grow in humility as you did and not yearn for worldly honors. St. Celestine, you realized you were incapable of governing the people through the duties of a pope and resigned. The next pope to resign of his own accord was our Benedict XVI. Please pray for all our popes, for you know how terribly burdensome and stressful this position is. We thank you for your gentle intercession.

Amen.

Saint Celestine, pray for us

(Mention your request here…)

Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…