St Andrew Christmas Novena Prayer — 15 times a day until Christmas

The history of this prayer

Despite its name, this prayer was not written by Saint Andrew and does not mention him. It takes his name because it begins on his feast, 30 November; Andrew is the apostle who brought his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus (John 1:40-42). The custom is to say it fifteen times a day from 30 November until 24 December, dwelling on the moment of Christ’s birth. That is why it is called a “Christmas novena”, even though it lasts more than nine days.

Its origin is uncertain. It is often said to come from Ireland, but no document is known that proves it. The earliest record we know is the imprimatur, the permission to publish, of the Archbishop of New York, Michael Augustine Corrigan, dated 6 February 1897, which accompanies the text in many editions.

How to say it fifteen times

There is no fixed rule. Many divide it into three sets of five, morning, noon and night; others say all fifteen together, or three before each mystery of the Rosary. Make your request at the place marked. If you miss a day, simply carry on.

What about the promise?

It is often said that whoever prays it this way “will obtain what is asked”. That is a pious belief, not a promise of the Church. Better to pray it as a way of preparing the heart for Christmas and placing the request in God’s hands; he sometimes answers with something better than we asked.