Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face, is one of the most loved and venerated saints in the world. Her simple spirituality, based on the "little way" of love and abandonment to God, has touched millions of believers. Canonised in 1925, she is the patron saint of missions and desperate causes. The novena to Saint Thérèse is an intense nine-day prayer, marked by trust in her intercession and the expectation of a sign, often in the form of a rose. This novena is particularly powerful for asking for special graces, strengthening faith and finding spiritual comfort in times of doubt or difficulty.
Why pray the novena to Saint Thérèse?
St. Thérèse is invoked to:
Request special graces: She is known for her quick and tangible answers to prayers. Many of the faithful report receiving a rose as a sign of her intercession.
Strengthening faith and trust:
Her life inspires total surrender to God's will, even in the small things of everyday life.
Finding inner peace:
St. Therese brings comfort and serenity to those who feel lost or overwhelmed by trials.
Getting miracles:
She is called upon for seemingly hopeless situations, offering hope and comfort.
The benefits of the novena to Saint Therese
Deep spiritual comfort:
Prayer to Saint Therese brings a unique inner peace.
Tangible answers:
Roses received are often seen as signs of her intercession.
Greater closeness to God: By following "the little way", believers deepen their relationship with the divine.
An encouragement to love and forgive: Her spirituality inspires one to live in love and simplicity.
How to pray the novena to Saint Therese?
Choose a specific intention:Clearly identify what you want to ask or entrust to Saint Teresa.
Recite a daily prayer:Every day, recite a prayer dedicated to Saint Teresa, accompanied by your personal request.
Express your faith and trust: Firmly believe that Saint Teresa hears your prayers and intercedes for you with God.
Be attentive to a sign: Many believers receive a sign, often a rose, as proof of Saint Teresa's intercession.
Daily Novena Prayer
O Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus,
You who promised to make it rain roses on the earth,
Listen to my prayer and intercede for me with God.
With faith and trust, I entrust my intention to you:
(specify your request here).
Teach me to follow your little way,
To live with love, humility and abandonment to the divine will.
Saint Therese, send me a sign of your love,
And make me feel God's presence in my life.
Thank you for your intercession and your infinite goodness.
I promise to make your name known
And to spread devotion to your love for Jesus.
Amen.
The intentions for each day of the novena
Day 1: To deepen faith
"Saint Therese, help me to believe in God with the simplicity and confidence of a child."
Day 2: For inner peace
"Saint Therese, soothe my mind and heart, and fill me with the peace of Christ."
Day 3: For strength in trials
"Saint Therese, give me the courage to overcome obstacles and persevere in the love of God."
Day 4: For trust in God's love
"Saint Teresa, help me to surrender myself entirely to God's infinite mercy and love."
Day 5: For reconciliation and forgiveness
"Saint Teresa, intercede so that I may forgive those who have hurt me and find peace."
Day 6: For physical and spiritual healing
"Saint Teresa, obtain for me and my loved ones healing and consolation."
Day 7: For love and charity towards others
"Saint Teresa, inspire me to love without reserve and to serve with joy."
Day 8: For doing God's will
"Saint Teresa, help me to say yes to God in all the circumstances of my life."
Day 9: For giving thanks to God and Saint Teresa
"Saint Teresa, I give thanks for your intercession and for the graces received."
A sign of her presence: the rose
Many of the faithful report receiving a rose, real or symbolic, during or after the novena, as a tangible sign of Saint Teresa's intercession. This strengthens their faith and gives them the assurance that their prayer has been heard.
Conclusion: A prayer of love and simplicity
The novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is a journey of faith, trust and spiritual transformation. By following her "little way", we learn to live with love and humility, to abandon our burdens to God and embrace his will.
Pray with confidence, open your heart, and let Saint Thérèse guide you in your relationship with God. May her shower of roses bring you peace, joy and abundant graces.
