Feast of St. Théresè of Lisieux

October 1, 2014

On October 1, we remember St. Théresè of Lisieux.

In the past, I didn’t give her much thought – the Little Flower didn’t seem as interesting to me as a big Archangel wielding a sword and with Satan under his foot! –until a friend suggested I read "Story of a Soul," St. Théresè’s autobiography. One of my favorite stories occurred when her father took her to the Coliseum in Rome. She longed to kiss the ground that the martyrs had made holy with their blood, but she was terribly disappointed to discover a barrier preventing anyone from entering the ruins. She saw an opening and climbed down with her sister! The guide had pointed out a “tiny bit of pavement marked with a cross as the place where the martyrs fought.” As she kissed the “dust stained with the blood of the first Christians, (she) asked for the grace of being a martyr for Jesus.” She’s tougher than she looks!

This novena to St. Théresè is the easiest one I know of.

The Twenty-four "Glory be to the Father's" novena can be said at any time. However, the ninth to the seventeenth of the month is particularly recommended, for on those days the petitioner joins in prayer with all those making the novena. The "Glory be to the Father" praising the Holy Trinity is said twenty-four times each of the nine days, in thanksgiving for all the blessings and favors given to Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus during the twenty-four years of her life. In addition, this, or a similar prayer may be used:

"Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, I thank Thee for all the blessings and favors Thou hast showered upon the soul of Thy servant Theresa of the Child Jesus, during the twenty-four years she spent here on earth, and in consideration of the merits of this Thy most beloved Saint, I beseech Thee to grant me this favor, if it is in accordance with Thy most Holy Will and is not an obstacle to my salvation."

After this Prayer, follow the twenty-four "Glory Be's," between each of which may be included this short prayer: "Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, pray for us."

St. Théresè of Lisieux is the Patron Saint of Missions, so I’m leaning on her throughout these 40 Days for Life!

by Susan Platt
CPLC Prayer, Civic Action & Outreach Director
40 Days for Life-Dallas Campaign Director