Novena to St. Thérèse of Lisieux: The Miraculous Rose That Inspired a Devotion

Sep 22, 2026: What began as one priest’s simple prayer became a devotion that continues to inspire people to turn to St. Thérèse with trust.

On 3 December 1925, Fr. Putigan, a Jesuit priest, began a novena asking St Thérèse of the Child Jesus to intercede for a special intention. For nine days, he prayed the ‘Glory be to the Father’ 24 times, thanking the Holy Trinity for the graces given to St Thérèse during the 24 years of her life.

As a sign that his prayer had been heard, he asked St Thérèse for a freshly picked rose. On the third day, an unknown person came to him and presented him with a beautiful rose.

Encouraged by this, Fr. Putigan began another novena on 24 December, this time asking for a 'white rose' as a sign. On the fourth day, a Sister-nurse brought him a white rose, saying, ‘Saint Thérèse sent you this.’

She explained that while leaving the chapel, a rose had fallen at her feet from near a picture of St Thérèse. Though she first thought of returning it to the bouquet, she felt prompted to bring it to the priest.

For Fr. Putigan, these unexpected roses became signs that strengthened his trust in St Thérèse’s intercession. After receiving the favours he had prayed for, he resolved to spread the novena and encourage others to turn to the Little Flower with confidence.

Why Pray This Novena?

You do not need to have a perfect prayer or know exactly how your situation will unfold. Bring to the novena what is weighing on your heart — a family concern, a difficult decision, a personal struggle, a long-awaited intention or simply the desire to grow closer to God.

St. Thérèse is known for her ‘Little Way’ — approaching God with childlike trust and offering even small things with love. Her spirituality reminds us that we do not need extraordinary deeds to draw close to God. We can begin with simple prayers, offered with sincerity, humility and confidence.

As you pray this novena, unite your intentions with those of countless others turning to St Thérèse for her intercession. Whether or not a rose comes as a visible sign, you can trust that your prayer is bearing fruit — bringing you closer to God, strengthening your faith and giving you the grace to persevere with hope.

Let this novena be more than a prayer for a favour. Let it be nine days of learning, with St Thérèse, to trust God even when you cannot yet see the answer.

Click Here to begin your Novena to St Thérèse today.

By Catholic Connect Reporter