Saint Andrew, the brother of Saint Peter, was one of the first to be called by Jesus to the shores of Lake Galilee. A fisherman turned disciple, he joyfully announced to his brother: "We have found the Messiah!". A tireless missionary, he took the Gospel to distant lands and sealed his testimony with martyrdom on an X-shaped cross, known as the "Cross of Saint Andrew". Protector of fishermen and travellers, and patron saint of many countries including Scotland, Greece and Russia, he is invoked as an intercessor in the faith and guide on the path to Christ.
Powerful prayer to Saint Andrew
O Saint Andrew, beloved apostle of the Lord, you who heard Jesus' call and left your nets to become a fisher of men, we come to you with trust and humility. Obtain for us the grace to recognise Christ's call in our lives and to respond generously and faithfully.
Saint Andrew, you who led your brother Peter to the Lord, teach us to lead our loved ones and friends into the light of Christ. Give us the courage to bear witness with simplicity and joy that Jesus is the Saviour of the world, He alone fills hearts.
You, tireless missionary, who travelled the seas and lands to proclaim the Gospel, inflame our hearts with the same apostolic zeal. Inspire our words with truth and our actions with charity. Make us bold witnesses to God's love in our families, our workplaces and our communities.
St Andrew, martyr of Christ, you who embraced the cross, greeting it as a precious friend, help us to accept our sufferings and trials with faith and hope. Teach us to see in every cross not a curse but a grace, not a defeat but a victory promised by the Lord.
O glorious apostle, protector of fishermen and travellers, extend your blessing on those who take to the sea, on those who leave their homeland in search of a better future, and on those who walk in the darkness of uncertainty. Be their guide and protector, so that they may find security, peace and hope.
Saint Andrew, intercede for the universal Church. Help the Pope, the bishops and all pastors to remain faithful to the mission received from Christ. Keep the Christian people in unity, truth and charity. Inspire in everyone the desire to build a more fraternal and just world.
O powerful intercessor, present our prayers before the throne of God. Obtain for us the strength to live according to the Gospel, perseverance in trials and the joy of sharing the Good News. And when the hour of our passage comes, accompany us to meet the Risen Lord, so that with you and all the saints we may eternally sing the glory of God.
Saint Andrew, pray for us and make us faithful disciples of Christ.
Amen.
