The Novena to St. Christina the Astonishing is a nine-day prayer devotion seeking the intercession of this extraordinary saint. St. Christina, known for her miraculous life, extreme penances, and deep spiritual connection, is a powerful intercessor for those seeking healing, deliverance, and perseverance in faith.
Born in Belgium in the 12th century, Christina experienced a mystical resurrection after being presumed dead. She dedicated her life to prayer, sacrifice, and helping souls in purgatory. Many people turn to her novena when struggling with mental, emotional, or spiritual battles.
Who is St. Christina the Astonishing?
Early Life and Mystical Experience
St. Christina was born around 1150 in Brustem, Belgium. She lived a simple life until, at the age of 21, she suffered a severe seizure and was believed to be dead.
During her funeral Mass, she suddenly revived and astonished everyone by floating to the rafters of the church. She later explained that she had seen heaven, hell, and purgatory and was sent back to help souls in need.
A Life of Extreme Penance
After her resurrection, Christina lived a life of severe self-denial. She would often throw herself into icy rivers, run through fire, and climb trees to escape human company. Her strange behavior led many to believe she was insane, but she insisted that she was offering her suffering for the conversion of sinners and the release of souls from purgatory.
Her Mission and Death
Despite her extreme acts, Christina was known for her deep compassion, miraculous endurance, and unwavering faith. She died around 1224 and was later venerated as a saint, inspiring countless believers to turn to her in prayer.
How to Pray the Novena to St. Christina the Astonishing
Each day of this novena follows a simple format:
- Sign of the Cross
- Opening Prayer
- Daily Reflection and Intention
- Closing Prayer
1. Sign of the Cross
Begin by making the Sign of the Cross, offering your prayer with faith and devotion.
2. Opening Prayer
“St. Christina the Astonishing, you endured great suffering for the salvation of souls. Through your intercession, help me to bear my own trials with patience and faith. Obtain for me the grace I seek in this novena (mention your intention). Amen.”
3. Daily Reflections and Prayers
Day 1: Trust in God’s Will
Reflection: St. Christina submitted herself fully to God’s mysterious plans.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in Your will, even when I don’t understand it. St. Christina, intercede for me that I may grow in faith. Amen.
Day 2: Courage in Suffering
Reflection: Christina endured suffering with joy for the sake of others.
Prayer: St. Christina, grant me the strength to face my challenges with courage. Help me to offer my trials for the salvation of souls. Amen.
Day 3: Compassion for the Souls in Purgatory
Reflection: Christina’s greatest mission was to assist souls in purgatory.
Prayer: Lord, through the intercession of St. Christina, may I always remember to pray for those who have gone before me. Amen.
Day 4: Love for the Forgotten and Rejected
Reflection: Many people misunderstood and rejected Christina.
Prayer: St. Christina, help me to love and support those who feel abandoned or different. May I see Christ in everyone. Amen.
Day 5: Strength Against Temptation
Reflection: Christina overcame spiritual battles and temptations through prayer.
Prayer: Lord, give me the strength to resist sin and temptation. St. Christina, be my guide and protector. Amen.
Day 6: Perseverance in Faith
Reflection: Despite ridicule and suffering, Christina remained steadfast in her faith.
Prayer: St. Christina, help me to stay firm in my beliefs, even when others do not understand me. Amen.
Day 7: Healing of Mental and Emotional Struggles
Reflection: Many seek St. Christina’s intercession for mental and emotional healing.
Prayer: Lord, grant me peace of mind and heart. St. Christina, intercede for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and fear. Amen.
Day 8: Offering Sacrifices for Others
Reflection: Christina willingly offered her life as a sacrifice for others.
Prayer: St. Christina, teach me to offer up my hardships for the good of others. Help me to unite my suffering with Christ’s. Amen.
Day 9: Eternal Joy in Heaven
Reflection: Christina now rejoices in God’s presence.
Prayer: St. Christina, lead me closer to Christ so that I may one day join you in the eternal joy of heaven. Amen.
4. Closing Prayer
At the end of each day, say:
“St. Christina the Astonishing, pray for me and for all who seek your help. May your life inspire me to trust in God’s divine plan. Amen.”
The Power of St. Christina’s Intercession
Why Pray This Novena?
The Novena to St. Christina the Astonishing is particularly helpful for those who need:
- Healing from mental and emotional struggles
- Strength to endure suffering
- Guidance in overcoming temptations
- Compassion for souls in purgatory
Many people have experienced peace, spiritual growth, and answered prayers through her intercession.
Additional Prayers to St. Christina the Astonishing
Prayer for Mental Healing
“St. Christina, you understand the struggles of the mind and heart. Intercede for me and grant me peace, clarity, and strength. Amen.”
Prayer for Perseverance
“Lord, through the intercession of St. Christina, help me to remain faithful even in difficult times. May I never lose hope. Amen.”
Prayer for Souls in Purgatory
“St. Christina, you offered your sufferings for the souls in purgatory. Please pray for my loved ones who have passed away, that they may enter God’s eternal rest. Amen.”
Ways to Honor St. Christina the Astonishing
1. Pray for the Forgotten and Lonely
Since St. Christina understood rejection, praying for those who feel alone is a meaningful way to honor her.
2. Offer Sacrifices for Souls in Purgatory
Following Christina’s example, offering prayers and sacrifices for the deceased can bring them closer to heaven.
3. Trust in God’s Plan
Christina’s life teaches us to accept God’s will, even when it seems unusual. Practicing patience and trust is a way to live her message.
Feast Day of St. Christina the Astonishing
Her feast day is celebrated on July 24. This is a special time to pray her novena and reflect on her life.
The Novena to St. Christina the Astonishing is a powerful devotion that strengthens faith, provides healing, and helps us grow in trust and perseverance. Through her intercession, we can overcome challenges and draw closer to God’s love and mercy.
May St. Christina the Astonishing inspire us to live with faith, sacrifice, and love for those in need.
St. Christina the Astonishing, pray for us!