The Little Flower

Doctor of the Church and patron of missionaries.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897), known as the Little Flower, was a Carmelite nun who died of tuberculosis at age 24. She is one of the most beloved saints of modern times and her ‘little way’ — doing ordinary things with extraordinary love — has inspired millions worldwide.

The Prayer

O Little Thérèse 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 your request.]
St. Thérèse, 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.

About This Prayer

St. Thérèse promised before her death: ‘I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.’ She vowed to let fall a shower of roses — favours and graces — from heaven. She was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II in 1997, one of only four women Doctors. Her feast day is October 1.