St. Maurice
Feast Day: September 22
Patronage:
- Infantry soldiers
- Military strength & discipline
- The Army
- Swordsmiths
- Civilians working in military service
- Leaders seeking courage and integrity
Who Was St. Maurice?
St. Maurice was a 3rd-century Roman commander of the legendary Theban Legion, a unit made up entirely of Christian soldiers from Egypt (Thebes).
He served as Primicerius (senior officer) under Emperor Maximian.
When ordered to participate in pagan sacrifices and to execute innocent Christians, Maurice and his entire legion refused, declaring:
“We are your soldiers, but we are also servants of God.”
Maximian executed the legion in stages for their refusal. Maurice remained steadfast, choosing martyrdom over disobedience to Christ.
Why the Army & Infantry Claim Him as Patron
- He led thousands of trained foot soldiers.
- He modeled discipline, courage, loyalty, and moral integrity.
- His martyrdom shows that true strength begins with obedience to God.
- He is traditionally invoked by:
- Soldiers in battle
- Infantry regiments
- Military leaders seeking righteous judgment
Many European armies historically carried banners or orders dedicated to him (e.g., the Order of Saint Maurice and Saint Lazarus).
Short Prayer to St. Maurice (for Soldiers & Military Units)
“St. Maurice, brave commander and faithful martyr,
guide our soldiers in courage, honor, and integrity.
Protect all who serve in the Army and watch over those in harm’s way.
Strengthen them with the same faithfulness you showed in the face of death.
St. Maurice, pray for us.”
Longer Prayer for Protection of Soldiers
“Glorious St. Maurice, leader of the Theban Legion,
you stood firm against injustice and refused to abandon your faith.
Intercede for all soldiers, especially infantry and those in direct danger.
Grant them courage in fear, discipline in hardship,
and faithfulness in every duty.
Guard them from physical and spiritual harm,
and bring them safely home.
Amen.”
PRAYERS
Prayer
Saint Maurice, most blessed and honorable patron saint, you who fought so valiantly on the battlefield of faith, steadfastly opposed the tyranny of earthly rulers, boldly confessed faith in the one true God, and preferred to die by the sword rather than to betray your Lord, Jesus Christ, pray for us. O holy martyr and loyal soldier of Christ, obtain for us the courage to persevere in truth, to be a light in the darkness of the times in which we live, and to defend the honor of the Church wherever it is opposed. Obtain also for us the grace to endure patiently all the trials and hardships of this life, and to carry our cross in the spirit of prayer and self-denial. In particular we ask you to obtain for us from God the following favor: [mention your special request]. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord.
Prayer to Saint Maurice
Saint Maurice, most blessed and honourable patron saint, you who fought so valiantly on the battlefield of faith, steadfastly opposed the tyranny of earthly rulers, boldly confessed faith in the one true God, and preferred to die by the sword rather than to betray your Lord, Jesus Christ, pray for us.
O holy martyr and loyal soldier of Christ, obtain for us the courage to persevere in truth, to be a light in the darkness of the times in which we live, and to defend the honour of the Church wherever it is opposed. Obtain also for us the grace to endure patiently all the trials and hardships of this life, and to carry our cross in the spirit of prayer and self-denial. In particular we ask you to obtain for us from God the following favour: [Mention your special request].
We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord.
Amen.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the solemn festival of Thy holy martyrs, Maurice and his companions, may bring us joy, that we may glory in the natal day of those upon whose patronage we lean. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer
Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that the solemn festival of Thy holy martyrs, Maurice and his companions, may bring us joy, that we may glory in the natal day of those upon whose patronage we lean. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God forever and ever. Amen.
NOVENA TO ST. MAURICE AND COMPANIONS
Prayer
O God, who gave St. Maurice and his companions the courage to remain steadfast in faith, grant us the strength to always put You first, even in times of difficulty. May we live with integrity, courage, and love for You above all things. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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