Day 1 — Prayer to Pope Saint Leo the Great — Pope Saint Leo the Great Novena, Day 1

Prayer for day 1

Glory be to Thee, O Jesus, Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who hast raised up in Thy Church a lion to defend her when the holy faith was exposed to danger. Thou didst charge Peter to confirm his brethren; and in Leo we have seen Peter's office fulfilled with sovereign authority. We have heard the acclaim of the holy Council, which admired Leo's heavenly teaching and proclaimed Thy favor to the flock when Thou didst bid Peter feed Thy sheep and lambs. O holy Pontiff Leo, thou worthily didst represent Peter in his chair, from which thy apostolic teaching continued to flow, ever beautiful in truth and majesty. The Church of thy own day honored thee as a great teacher of faith, and succeeding ages have recognized thee among the learned Doctors and preachers of the divine Word. From thy throne in heaven, obtain for us understanding of the great mystery which thou wast called upon to defend. Under thy teaching this mystery becomes clearer; we behold its harmony with the other mysteries of the faith. Strengthen this faith within us. The Incarnate Word is dishonored in our own times. Obtain for the Church pastors and teachers of thy zeal and learning. Thou didst prevail in the meeting with Attila, who withdrew his soldiers from the Christian lands they threatened. May thy intercession help the Church in every age to defend truth, serve peace, and remain faithful to Christ. Pray that the light of faith may not be extinguished among us, and that scandals which harm souls may be brought to an end. Help those entrusted with public responsibilities to seek what is just and good for the people they serve. The Easter days thou didst spend on earth, teaching those newly baptized, recall thy magnificent sermons. Pray for believers who have risen to a new life in Christ. Obtain for them a fuller and more faithful knowledge of the Savior, so they may remain close to Him and persevere in His service. By thy prayers and teaching, help us to know Christ in His divine and human natures: as God, our last end and our judge; as man, our brother, our redeemer, and our model. Bless and help the one who now succeeds thee in Peter's chair. Pray for the Church in Rome and throughout the world. Amen.