To support ongoing recruitment efforts, Conferences are invited to join a simple yet deeply Vincentian initiative: praying a nine‑day novena for new members between now and Easter. This offers a meaningful way for everyone – including those no longer able to serve actively – to contribute to our mission. The resource explains everything needed to take part.

What:  A novena (from the Latin for ‘nine’) is a prayer or set of prayers that are prayed for nine consecutive days. 

Why:  The St Vincent de Paul Society only exists and can continue because of its members and volunteers. New people are always needed for our important service to those in need. Believing in the power of prayer, the novena is a spiritual aid to help achieve results: a call for God to raise up new members/volunteers and for us to embrace the gifts they bring.  

How: Say the following prayers for nine days in a row, alone or as a group. As you do, keep an eye out for prospective people. Be ready to invite them along and make sure you know the entry process or who to contact. 

Thank you to Sr Elizabeth Young RSM (WCF Central Council Spiritual Advisor), Members of West Region, and Kelly Morgan (Regional Director, West) for your contributions.

Novena Day 1

Spiritual friend: The Holy Spirit 

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

God of compassion, 

We put our St Vincent de Paul Society in your hands. 

Hear our prayers and attend to our need. 

Our community is struggling in many ways 

and we long for more people to help. 

Draw to us those with a heart to respond 

and open us to the gifts they will bring. 

Today we call upon the Holy Spirit 

to fill the hearts of your faithful 

and enkindle in them the fire of your love. 

We ask this prayer, through Christ our Lord, Amen. 

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

Novena Day 2

Spiritual friend: Saint Vincent de Paul 

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

God of compassion, 

We put our St Vincent de Paul Society in your hands. 

Hear our prayers and attend to our need. 

Our community is struggling in many ways 

and we long for more people to help. 

Draw to us those with a heart to respond 

and open us to the gifts they will bring. 

Today we ask the intercession of Saint Vincent de Paul. 

Like our patron saint, may we find fullness of life 

in compassion and service of those in poverty. 

We ask this prayer, through Christ our Lord, Amen. 

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

Novena Day 3

Spiritual friend: Blessed Frédéric Ozanam 

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

God of compassion, 

We put our St Vincent de Paul Society in your hands. 

Hear our prayers and attend to our need. 

Our community is struggling in many ways 

and we long for more people to help. 

Draw to us those with a heart to respond 

and open us to the gifts they will bring. 

Today we ask the intercession of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam. 

Like our Society’s founder, may we read the signs of the times 

and draw those around us to respond. 

We ask this prayer, through Christ our Lord, Amen. 

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

Novena Day 4 

Spiritual friend: Amélie Soulacroix 

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

God of compassion, 

We put our St Vincent de Paul Society in your hands. 

Hear our prayers and attend to our need. 

Our community is struggling in many ways 

and we long for more people to help. 

Draw to us those with a heart to respond 

and open us to the gifts they will bring. 

Today we ask the intercession of Amélie Soulacroix. 

Like the wife of our founder, may we show generous love 

to all those who offer their service with us. 

We ask this prayer, through Christ our Lord, Amen. 

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

Novena Day 5

Spiritual friend: Blessed Rosalie Rendu 

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

God of compassion, 

We put our St Vincent de Paul Society in your hands. 

Hear our prayers and attend to our need. 

Our community is struggling in many ways 

and we long for more people to help. 

Draw to us those with a heart to respond 

and open us to the gifts they will bring. 

Today we ask the intercession of Blessed Rosalie Rendu. 

Like the mentor of our founder, may we welcome and encourage 

every new person with all their gifts and ideas.   

We ask this prayer, through Christ our Lord, Amen. 

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

Novena Day 6 

Spiritual friend: Father Gerald Ward 

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

God of compassion, 

We put our St Vincent de Paul Society in your hands. 

Hear our prayers and attend to our need. 

Our community is struggling in many ways 

and we long for more people to help. 

Draw to us those with a heart to respond 

and open us to the gifts they will bring. 

Today we ask the intercession of Father Gerald Ward. 

Like the founder of our society in Australia, may we not be afraid 

to try new things and adapt to the needs around us.    

We ask this prayer, through Christ our Lord, Amen. 

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

Novena Day 7

Spiritual friend: Captain Charles O’Neill 

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

God of compassion, 

We put our St Vincent de Paul Society in your hands. 

Hear our prayers and attend to our need. 

Our community is struggling in many ways 

and we long for more people to help. 

Draw to us those with a heart to respond 

and open us to the gifts they will bring. 

Today we ask the intercession of Captain Charles O’Neill. 

Like the co-founder of our Society in Australia, may we use our gifts and talents to leave a legacy for those who will come after us.    

We ask this prayer, through Christ our Lord, Amen. 

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

Novena Day 8

Spiritual friend: Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop 

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

God of compassion, 

We put our St Vincent de Paul Society in your hands. 

Hear our prayers and attend to our need. 

Our community is struggling in many ways 

and we long for more people to help. 

Draw to us those with a heart to respond 

and open us to the gifts they will bring. 

Today we ask the intercession of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. 

Like the patron of the Church in Australia, may we never see a need 

without trying to do something about it.    

We ask this prayer, through Christ our Lord, Amen. 

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

Novena Day 9

Spiritual friend: Our Lady 

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

God of compassion, 

We put our St Vincent de Paul Society in your hands. 

Hear our prayers and attend to our need. 

Our community is struggling in many ways 

and we long for more people to help. 

Draw to us those with a heart to respond 

and open us to the gifts they will bring. 

Today we ask the intercession of Our Lady. 

Like Mary, Mother of Jesus, may we be open to the new life within us, 

and with love, nurture it and help it to grow.   

We ask this prayer, through Christ our Lord, Amen. 

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