Prayer for the Feast of St. Gertrude

On November 16, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Gertrude the Great (1256–1302), a German Benedictine nun, mystic, theologian, and one of the most remarkable women of the Middle Ages. She is the only woman to bear the title “the Great,” a testament to her extraordinary holiness, intellectual depth, and profound mystical experiences.

St. Gertrude was a visionary to whom our Lord granted numerous revelations. He appeared to her frequently, speaking to her heart and revealing the depths of His Sacred Heart’s love for humanity. He taught her many prayers, including the famous Prayer of St. Gertrude for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, to which He attached the promise that many souls would be released each time it was prayed devoutly.

Her spiritual masterpiece, The Herald of Divine Love (Legatus Divinae Pietatis), records her dialogues with our Lord and remains one of the great classics of Catholic mysticism. In it, she writes: “O Sacred Heart of Jesus, fountain of eternal life, I adore You. O Heart of love, I place all my trust in You, for You are my salvation, my hope, and my strength.”

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which would later be promoted by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, found one of its earliest and most ardent advocates in St. Gertrude. She is also known as the patron saint of the West Indies and of travelers, and she is invoked for the souls in Purgatory.

This collection of Prayers for the Feast of St. Gertrude includes prayers for her feast day, the famous prayer for the Holy Souls, novenas, litanies, and devotions to this great saint. Whether you are preparing for her November 16 feast, seeking her intercession for the faithful departed, or simply desiring to deepen your devotion to the Sacred Heart, these prayers will guide you.

May St. Gertrude, who was so beloved by our Lord, intercede for us and lead us into the depths of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Who Is St. Gertrude the Great?

Before we pray, let us briefly recall the life of this extraordinary saint.

Early Life: Gertrude was born in Eisleben, Germany, in 1256. At the age of five, she was offered as a student to the Benedictine monastery at Helfta, where her elder sister, Mechtilde, was already a nun. She excelled in her studies, becoming fluent in Latin and well-versed in Scripture, the Church Fathers, and classical literature.

Conversion: In her mid-twenties, Gertrude experienced a profound conversion. She turned from her love of learning for its own sake to a deep, personal, mystical union with Christ. She wrote: “I was like a dry tree, unable to produce any fruit of virtue until the Lord watered me with the dew of His grace.”

Mystical Life: After her conversion, our Lord granted her numerous visions and revelations. He appeared to her frequently, speaking to her heart and instructing her in the ways of divine love. He revealed to her the infinite mercy of His Sacred Heart.

Writings: She recorded her mystical experiences in The Herald of Divine Love, which remains one of the great classics of Catholic spirituality. She also wrote Spiritual Exercises and several other devotional works.

Death and Canonization: St. Gertrude died on November 16, 1302. She was never formally canonized, but her cultus was confirmed by the Church, and she is honored as a saint. Her feast day is November 16.

Patronage: St. Gertrude is the patron saint of the West Indies, of travelers, and of the souls in Purgatory. She is invoked for the faithful departed and for those who suffer from spiritual dryness.

Symbols: In art, St. Gertrude is often depicted with a heart (symbol of her devotion to the Sacred Heart), a book (her writings), a scroll, a dove (the Holy Spirit), and souls rising from Purgatory.

The Promise of St. Gertrude’s Prayer for the Holy Souls

Our Lord revealed to St. Gertrude that each time the following prayer is prayed devoutly, a large number of souls – traditionally believed to be 1,000 – are released from Purgatory:

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.

This promise is not magic but an assurance of God’s mercy. The prayer must be prayed with devotion, faith, and the intention of releasing souls. On her feast day, this prayer is especially powerful.

Opening Prayers for the Feast of St. Gertrude

1. Opening Invocation for the Feast of St. Gertrude (November 16)

O glorious St. Gertrude, beloved spouse of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, you who were favored with extraordinary revelations and intimate conversations with our Lord, look upon us who honor you on this your feast day. Obtain for us a share in your love for the Sacred Heart, that we may find rest in the wounds of Jesus and mercy for our sins. Amen.

2. A Prayer to St. Gertrude for Her Feast Day

St. Gertrude, you were a vessel of divine grace, a mystic of the Sacred Heart, and a friend of the Holy Souls. On this your feast day, we ask you to intercede for us before the throne of God. Obtain for us the grace to love Jesus as you loved Him, to serve Him as you served Him, and to find our rest in His Sacred Heart. Pray for us, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

3. The Feast Day Collect (from the Liturgy of the Hours)

O God, who prepared a delightful dwelling for Yourself in the heart of St. Gertrude, grant, through her intercession, that we may find Your mercy in the wounds of Your Son and experience the sweetness of Your love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

4. A Prayer of Thanksgiving for St. Gertrude

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the life and witness of St. Gertrude the Great. Thank You for the revelations You gave her, the writings You inspired her to record, and the devotion to the Sacred Heart that she spread throughout the Church. May her example inspire us to seek You in prayer, to trust in Your mercy, and to pray unceasingly for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Amen.

5. A Prayer for the Grace to Imitate St. Gertrude

Lord Jesus, St. Gertrude abandoned herself entirely to Your love. She sought You in prayer, found You in the Eucharist, and rested in Your Sacred Heart. Grant me the grace to imitate her example. Help me to turn away from distractions, to seek Your presence in silence, and to love You with all my heart, all my soul, and all my strength. Amen.

The Prayer of St. Gertrude for the Holy Souls

This is the most famous prayer associated with St. Gertrude. It is traditionally prayed for the souls in Purgatory, especially on her feast day.

6. The Prayer of St. Gertrude (Short Version)

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.

7. The Prayer of St. Gertrude (Longer Version with Invocations)

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on the poor souls.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for the souls in Purgatory.
St. Joseph, patron of the dying, pray for them.
St. Gertrude, pray for us and for the holy souls.

8. How to Pray This Prayer on Her Feast Day

On November 16, the Feast of St. Gertrude, it is especially appropriate to pray this prayer repeatedly. Many Catholics pray it five, ten, or even fifty times on her feast day as an act of mercy for the Holy Souls. Each time it is prayed devoutly, many souls are released.

 Novena to St. Gertrude

(Prayed for nine days, from November 7 to November 15, in preparation for her feast)

9. Preparatory Prayer for All Days

O glorious St. Gertrude, beloved of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, you who were granted the grace to rest upon the breast of our Lord and to hear the beating of His divine Heart, I come to you with confidence. On this novena, I ask you to intercede for me before the throne of God. Obtain for me the grace to love Jesus as you loved Him, and to obtain the favor I now request (mention your intention). St. Gertrude, pray for me. Amen.

10. Daily Prayer for the Novena (Days 1-9)

St. Gertrude, you who were so favored by our Lord that He revealed to you the secrets of His Sacred Heart, obtain for me a deep and abiding love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Help me to spend time with Him in prayer, to receive Him with reverence, and to adore Him with gratitude. May I, like you, find my rest in His Heart.

(Pray one Our Father, three Hail Marys, one Glory Be, and the Prayer of St. Gertrude.)

11. Day 1 – Love for the Sacred Heart

St. Gertrude, you were consumed with love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You wrote: “O Sacred Heart of Jesus, fountain of eternal life, I adore You.” Obtain for me a burning love for the Heart that was pierced for my sins. Let me find my rest in You, O Lord, and never again seek comfort in the things of this world. Amen.

12. Day 2 – Devotion to the Eucharist

St. Gertrude, you spent countless hours in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Our Lord appeared to you frequently during Mass and after Communion. Obtain for me a deep reverence for the Eucharist. Let me never receive our Lord casually or distractedly. Let every Communion be a meeting with the Living God. Amen.

13. Day 3 – Prayer for the Holy Souls

St. Gertrude, you were given the great gift of praying for the souls in Purgatory. Our Lord promised you that many souls would be released each time you prayed the prayer He taught you. Obtain for me a fervent devotion to the Holy Souls. Let me not forget those who cannot pray for themselves. Amen.

14. Day 4 – Perseverance in Prayer

St. Gertrude, you rose early each morning to pray. You spent hours in the chapel, even when you were tired or ill. Obtain for me the grace of perseverance in prayer. Let me not abandon my devotions when they feel dry or difficult. Let me pray faithfully, trusting that You hear me. Amen.

15. Day 5 – Humility and Repentance

St. Gertrude, after your conversion, you never forgot the sins from which you had been saved. You remained humble, despite your extraordinary graces. Obtain for me true repentance for my sins and the gift of humility. Let me never think myself better than others or presume upon Your mercy. Amen.

16. Day 6 – Trust in Divine Mercy

St. Gertrude, you trusted completely in the mercy of God. You wrote: “O Heart of love, I place all my trust in You, for You are my salvation, my hope, and my strength.” Obtain for me an unshakable trust in Divine Mercy. When I am afraid, let me run to the Sacred Heart. When I doubt, let me remember Your promises. Amen.

17. Day 7 – Love for Our Lady

St. Gertrude, you had a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Lady appeared to you several times, and you wrote beautiful prayers in her honor. Obtain for me a tender love for Mary, my Mother. Let me run to her in every need, and let her lead me always to the Heart of her Son. Amen.

18. Day 8 – Detachment from Worldly Things

St. Gertrude, you renounced the love of learning for its own sake and turned instead to the love of God. Obtain for me detachment from worldly things – from fame, from comfort, from possessions. Let me seek first the Kingdom of God and trust that all else will be added to me. Amen.

19. Day 9 – Final Perseverance

St. Gertrude, you died peacefully in the arms of our Lord on November 16, 1302. Obtain for me the grace of final perseverance. When my hour comes, let me die in the state of grace, surrounded by the sacraments, and carried by the angels into the presence of God. St. Gertrude, pray for me now and at the hour of my death. Amen.

20. Concluding Prayer for the Novena

O God, who prepared a delightful dwelling for Yourself in the heart of St. Gertrude, grant, through her intercession, that we may find Your mercy in the wounds of Your Son and experience the sweetness of Your love. May we, like St. Gertrude, rest in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and one day join her in the eternal praise of Your glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Litany of St. Gertrude

This litany may be prayed publicly or privately, especially on her feast day.

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

21. Holy Mary, Queen of Virgins, pray for us.
22. St. Gertrude, beloved of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.
23. St. Gertrude, favored with divine revelations, pray for us.
24. St. Gertrude, vessel of grace, pray for us.
25. St. Gertrude, mystic of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.
26. St. Gertrude, devoted to the Blessed Sacrament, pray for us.
27. St. Gertrude, intercessor for the Holy Souls, pray for us.
28. St. Gertrude, model of humility, pray for us.
29. St. Gertrude, teacher of divine love, pray for us.
30. St. Gertrude, patron of travelers, pray for us.
31. St. Gertrude, patron of the West Indies, pray for us.
32. St. Gertrude, friend of the Holy Souls, pray for us.
33. St. Gertrude, who rested on the breast of Jesus, pray for us.
34. St. Gertrude, who heard the beating of His Heart, pray for us.
35. St. Gertrude, who recorded the words of our Lord, pray for us.
36. St. Gertrude, who spread devotion to the Sacred Heart, pray for us.
37. St. Gertrude, who died in the arms of Jesus, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

℣. Pray for us, O glorious St. Gertrude,
℟. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray:

O God, who prepared a delightful dwelling for Yourself in the heart of St. Gertrude, grant, through her intercession, that we may find Your mercy in the wounds of Your Son and experience the sweetness of Your love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for the Holy Souls on the Feast of St. Gertrude

Since St. Gertrude is the patron of the Holy Souls, her feast day is an especially powerful time to pray for the faithful departed.

38. Prayer for the Release of Many Souls (to be prayed multiple times on her feast day)

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, especially for the most abandoned souls who have no one to pray for them. Release them this day, O Lord, and bring them into the light of Your presence. Amen.

39. Prayer for Deceased Family Members on St. Gertrude’s Feast

St. Gertrude, you who were so close to the Heart of Jesus, intercede today for the soul of my beloved (family member’s name), who has departed from this life. If they are still in Purgatory, obtain for them a speedy release. If they are already in heaven, let this prayer be for their greater glory and for the souls most in need. Amen.

40. Prayer for the Most Abandoned Souls

Lord Jesus, on this feast of St. Gertrude, I ask You to pour out Your mercy on the most abandoned souls in Purgatory – those who have been forgotten by the world, who have no family to pray for them, who have been waiting the longest for release. St. Gertrude, pray for these forgotten souls. Amen.

41. The Eternal Rest Prayer (to be prayed on her feast day)

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. (Pray three times.)

Prayers for the Feast Day Mass

These prayers are appropriate to pray before or after Mass on November 16.

42. Prayer Before Mass on the Feast of St. Gertrude

Lord Jesus, as I prepare to enter into the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood, I ask for the intercession of St. Gertrude. She so often received You with profound devotion and was rewarded with visions of Your presence. Help me to receive You today with the same reverence, the same love, and the same gratitude. Amen.

43. Prayer After Communion on the Feast of St. Gertrude

St. Gertrude, you often heard the voice of our Lord speaking to your heart after you had received Him in Holy Communion. Speak to me now, O Lord. Let me hear Your voice in the silence. Let me feel Your presence in my soul. And let me leave this church changed, as St. Gertrude was changed, by the grace of Your love. Amen.

44. An Offering of Holy Communion for the Holy Souls

Eternal Father, I offer You this Holy Communion, received on the feast of St. Gertrude, for the souls in Purgatory. Apply the infinite merits of the sacrifice of Your Son to those who are being purified. Release them this day, O Lord, through the intercession of St. Gertrude. Amen.

A Novena of Holy Communions for the Holy Souls

This devotion, inspired by St. Gertrude’s love for the Eucharist and for the Holy Souls, involves receiving Holy Communion for nine consecutive days for the release of a particular soul.

45. Preparation for Each Day

St. Gertrude, you knew the power of the Eucharist to release souls from Purgatory. As I receive our Lord in Holy Communion for (number) days, I ask you to intercede for the soul of (name). Apply the infinite merits of the Mass to this suffering soul. Pray for them at the altar of God. Amen.

46. Prayer After Each Communion

Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life. You are the Resurrection and the Life. I have received You today in the Eucharist. I ask You, through the intercession of St. Gertrude, to apply the graces of this Communion to the soul of (name). Release them from Purgatory if they are still there. Bring them into the light of Your presence. Amen.

Conclusion

St. Gertrude teaches us that holiness is not complicated. It is not reserved for theologians or mystics. It is simply this: to love Jesus with all your heart, to trust Him completely, to receive Him with reverence in the Eucharist, and to remember the suffering souls who depend on your prayers.

On her feast day, November 16, we honor her. But we also imitate her. We pray her prayer for the Holy Souls. We spend time before the Blessed Sacrament. We receive our Lord with greater devotion. We offer our day for the souls in Purgatory. And we rest, as she did, in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Do not let this feast day pass without praying the Prayer of St. Gertrude at least once. Do not let a single day go by without remembering the Holy Souls. They are waiting. They are hoping. They are depending on you.