St. Andrew the Apostle: Herald of Advent Hope
St. Andrew, the brother of St. Peter and one of the first disciples called by Jesus, is celebrated on November 30, a feast that traditionally marks the beginning of the Advent season. Known as the First-Called, Andrew’s immediate response to Christ’s invitation— “Come, follow me”—sets the tone for Advent’s spirit of readiness and joyful expectation.
His feast day launches the liturgical year and introduces the St. Andrew Christmas Novena, a beloved devotion prayed from November 30 to December 25. This prayer, repeated 15 times daily, invites the faithful to prepare their hearts for Christ’s birth with quiet longing and spiritual focus.
Andrew’s role as a bridge-builder—bringing his brother Peter to Jesus and later evangelizing in distant lands—makes him a fitting patron for Advent, a season of invitation and proclamation. His life embodies the Advent call to watch, wait, and witness, urging us to seek the Messiah and share the good news.
St. Andrew Christmas Novena
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.