Recently I read an article saying that Pope Francis has a strong devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux. Whenever he needed a special grace, especially when it was difficult to accept God’s will in his life, he prayed a novena to her. Every time he prayed the novena, he received a white rose. In a way, the rose was a confirmation of St. Therese’s intercession.
Although I had never done a novena to St. Therese, I have a very special bond with her like Pope Francis. It is hard to describe, but I feel her very close, like a sister or dear friend. As a matter of fact, I decided to join the Legionaries of Christ on an October 1, her feast day.
After reading the article, I decided to do the novena because someone in my family was very sick. I was worried about the situation, and Pope Francis’ story hit home. “Maybe I should give it a try…” I thought to myself.
On day three of the novena, the idea of getting the white rose began to bother me: “Do I really think I will get a white rose? This is just a sign… the most important thing is the faith and the purity of intention!” When I finally finished the nine days, I felt a lot of peace and a sense that God had heard my prayers. “Even if I do not receive the white rose, I know St. Therese is interceding for me.” That week I found out that the person I was praying for was getting better.
A couple of days later, I went to my office as I usually do every morning. I needed an envelope for a letter I had just written, so I opened the drawer under my desk, and behold, there was the white rose.
The rose is still there inside my drawer. It is dried now, and once in a while I hold it and remember that our brothers and sisters in heaven are always praying and cheering for us before God! The communion of saints is REAL!
St. Therese, pray for us!
Amazing!