Courage to Depart

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

Holy God, you drew St. Francis Xavier from restless ambition into friendship with Christ and sent him across oceans in service of the Gospel. As I begin this novena, receive my intention and reorder my desires. Through his intercession, root me in prayer, teach me to listen with humility, and give me courage to serve across every boundary with freedom, patience, and love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, 'Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.' Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Leaving Europe for Asia required Francis to surrender familiar language, status, and safety. Courage did not mean that danger was unreal or preparation unnecessary. It meant offering the next responsible step after prayer and discernment. Our departures may be quieter: releasing a plan, beginning treatment, changing harmful patterns, or answering a vocation we cannot fully predict.

Holy Spirit, give me neither recklessness nor paralysis. Clarify the next faithful step within my real duties, limits, and need for counsel. Through the intercession of St. Francis Xavier, strengthen travelers and those beginning unfamiliar work. When I must leave what is comfortable, accompany me with prudent courage and trustworthy people beside me. Amen.

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 among 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.

St. Francis Xavier, companion of Ignatius and pilgrim of the Gospel, carry my intention before God. Pray for missionaries, catechists, travelers, migrants, and every person discerning where love is calling them. Ask the Lord to purify our zeal of pride, protect the freedom and dignity of those we meet, deepen our prayer, and make our service patient, truthful, and brave. May Christ complete every good work. Amen.

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