| Saint Therese (Theresa) of Lisieux—
Patron Saint of Pilots, Florists,
Missions, France "Often
called the 'Little Flower,' Therese was born in France in 1873, the pampered daughter
of a middle-class family. Tragedy and loss came quickly when her mother died of
breast cancer when Therese was four. At eight she became so ill with a fever that
people thought she was dying. When Therese saw her sisters praying to statue of
Mary in her room, she also prayed. She saw Mary smile at her and she was cured.
At fifteen Therese was admitted to the Carmelite
convent her sisters Pauline and Marie had already joined. Her life was short however,
and she died on September 30, 1897 at the age of 24. Pauline put together Therese's
writings about her 'little way'of trusting in Jesus to make her holy, and relying
on small daily sacrifices instead of great deeds, and sent them to other convents.
These writings appealed to the thousands of Catholics and others who were trying
to find holiness in ordinary lives. She was canonized in 1925. St.
Therese wrote 'Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great
deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers
and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing
of the least actions for love.' Prayer to St. Therese
"O Little Flower of Jesus, ever consoling troubled souls with heavenly graces,
in your unfailing intercession I place my trust. From the Heart of Our Blessed
Savior petition these blessing of which I stand in greatest need (mention here).
Shower upon me your promised roses of virtue and grace, dear Saint Therese, so
that swiftly advancing in sanctity and in perfect love of neighbor, I may someday
receive the crown of eternal life. Amen.” Prayer
to St. Therese
“Dear Little Flower of Lisieux, how wonderful was
the short life you led. Though cloistered, you went far and wide through fervent
prayers and great sufferings. You obtained from God untold helps and graces for
his evangelists. Help all missionaries in their work and teach all of us to spread
Christianity in our own neighborhoods and family circles. Amen.” Novena
to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus
O Little Therese of the Child Jesus,
please pick for me a rose from the heavenly gardens and send it to me as a message
of love.
O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God today to grant the favors I now
place with confidence in your hands... (mention specific request)
Saint Therese,
help me to always believe as you did, in God's great love for me, so that I might
imitate your "Little Way" each day. Amen. | 
12mm
diameter 
