Novena of Grace

This Novena, which begins on March 4th and ends on March 12th, the day of the Canonization of St. Francis Xavier, owes its origin to the saint himself.  At Naples, in December 1633, Fr. Marcello Mastrilli, S.J. was at the point of death.  The saint appeared to him and, bidding him renew a vow he had made to labor in Japan, said:  "All those who implore my help daily for nine concecutive days, from the 4th to the 12th of March included, or the 25th of November to the 3rd of December (The Feast of St. Francis Xavier), and worthily receive the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist on one of the nine days, will experience my protection and may hope with entire assurance to obtain from God any grace they ask for the good of their souls and the glory of God."  Father Marcello Mastrilli, S.J. was instantly cured after saying this.  So well has Saint Francis Xavier kept this promise that this devotion in his honor became universally known as the Novena of Grace.