St. Philip and St. James, two of Christ’s apostles, are celebrated for their unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the Gospel, each leaving a unique legacy in the early Church.
About St. Philip and St. James
James, Son of Alphaeus: We know nothing of this man except his name, and, of course, the fact that Jesus chose him to be one of the 12 pillars of the New Israel, his Church. He is not the James of Acts, son of Clopas, “brother” of Jesus and later bishop of Jerusalem and the traditional author of the Letter of James. James, son of Alphaeus, is also known as James the Lesser to avoid confusing him with James the son of Zebedee, also an apostle and known as James the Greater.
Philip: Philip came from the same town as Peter and Andrew, Bethsaida in Galilee. Jesus called him directly, whereupon he sought out Nathanael and told him of the “one about whom Moses wrote” (Jn 1:45).
Like the other apostles, Philip took a long time coming to realize who Jesus was. On one occasion, when Jesus saw the great multitude following him and wanted to give them food, he asked Philip where they should buy bread for the people to eat. Saint John comments, “[Jesus] said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do” (Jn 6:6). Philip answered, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little [bit]” (Jn 6:7).
John’s story is not a put-down of Philip. It was simply necessary for these men who were to be the foundation stones of the Church to see the clear distinction between humanity’s total helplessness apart from God and the human ability to be a bearer of divine power by God’s gift.
On another occasion, we can almost hear the exasperation in Jesus’s voice. After Thomas had complained that they did not know where Jesus was going, Jesus said, “I am the way. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him” (Jn 14:6a, 7). Then Philip said, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us” (Jn 14:8). Enough! Jesus answered, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn 14:9a).
Possibly because Philip bore a Greek name or because he was thought to be close to Jesus, some gentile proselytes came to him and asked him to introduce them to Jesus. Philip went to Andrew, and Andrew went to Jesus. Jesus’s reply in John’s Gospel is indirect; Jesus says that now his “hour” has come, that in a short time he will give his life for Jew and gentile alike.
Why Pray the St. Philip and St. James Novena?
Praying the St. Philip and St. James Novena is a meaningful way to honor these apostles and seek their intercession for guidance and strength in faith. This novena offers an opportunity to reflect on their commitment to spreading the Gospel, inspiring participants to deepen their own spiritual journeys.
By dedicating nine days to prayer, individuals can bring forth personal intentions, asking for clarity in decision-making and perseverance in their faith. Additionally, invoking St. Philip’s role as a communicator of Christ and St. James’ leadership in the early Church fosters a sense of community and support in one’s spiritual life.
Ultimately, the St. Philip and St. James Novena serves as a reminder of the importance of discipleship, encouraging believers to live out their faith boldly and share it with others.
St. Philip and St. James Novena Prayers
St. Philip and St. James Novena is a nine-day prayer experience designed to deepen your faith, strengthen your relationship with God, and seek the powerful intercession of St. Philip and St. James.
You can pray the St. Philip and St. James Novena for any intention
St. Philip and St. James Novena Day 1
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As we remember the apostles Philip and James we are reminded that God calls us all and sends us out into the world to be his hands and his feet. We thank you Jesus for the tasks you have entrusted to us. Help us each day to become more aware of our calling to serve you.
Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Philip and James, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Philip and St. James Novena Day 2
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As we remember the apostles Philip and James we are reminded that God calls us all and sends us out into the world to be his hands and his feet. We thank you Jesus for the tasks you have entrusted to us. Help us each day to become more aware of our calling to serve you.
Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Philip and James, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Philip and St. James Novena Day 3
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As we remember the apostles Philip and James we are reminded that God calls us all and sends us out into the world to be his hands and his feet. We thank you Jesus for the tasks you have entrusted to us. Help us each day to become more aware of our calling to serve you.
Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Philip and James, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Philip and St. James Novena Day 4
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As we remember the apostles Philip and James we are reminded that God calls us all and sends us out into the world to be his hands and his feet. We thank you Jesus for the tasks you have entrusted to us. Help us each day to become more aware of our calling to serve you.
Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Philip and James, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Philip and St. James Novena Day 5
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As we remember the apostles Philip and James we are reminded that God calls us all and sends us out into the world to be his hands and his feet. We thank you Jesus for the tasks you have entrusted to us. Help us each day to become more aware of our calling to serve you.
Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Philip and James, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Philip and St. James Novena Day 6
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As we remember the apostles Philip and James we are reminded that God calls us all and sends us out into the world to be his hands and his feet. We thank you Jesus for the tasks you have entrusted to us. Help us each day to become more aware of our calling to serve you.
Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Philip and James, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Philip and St. James Novena Day 7
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As we remember the apostles Philip and James we are reminded that God calls us all and sends us out into the world to be his hands and his feet. We thank you Jesus for the tasks you have entrusted to us. Help us each day to become more aware of our calling to serve you.
Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Philip and James, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Philip and St. James Novena Day 8
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As we remember the apostles Philip and James we are reminded that God calls us all and sends us out into the world to be his hands and his feet. We thank you Jesus for the tasks you have entrusted to us. Help us each day to become more aware of our calling to serve you.
Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Philip and James, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Philip and St. James Novena Day 9
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As we remember the apostles Philip and James we are reminded that God calls us all and sends us out into the world to be his hands and his feet. We thank you Jesus for the tasks you have entrusted to us. Help us each day to become more aware of our calling to serve you.
Lord in your mercy – hear our prayer
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Philip and James, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…