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."
The
Glory Be Prayer
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen.
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ORIGIN OF THE
NOVENA
Father Putigan, a Jesuit, began the Novena to Saint Theresa of the Child
Jesus on December 3, 1925, asking the glorious Saint for one great
favor. For nine days he recited the "Glory be to the Father" twenty-four
times thanking the Holy Trinity for the favors and Graces showered on
Saint Theresa during the twenty-four years of her life on earth. The
priest asked Saint Theresa, that as a sign that his novena was heard he
would receive from someone a freshly plucked rose. On the third day of
the novena, an unknown person sought out Father Putigan and presented
him with a beautiful rose.
Father Putigan began the second novena on December 24 of the same year,
and as a sign, asked for a white rose. On the fourth day of this novena
one of the Sister-nurses brought him a white rose saying:
"Saint Theresa sent you this."
Amazed, the priest asked: "Where did you get this?"
"I was in the chapel," said the Sister, "and as I was leaving I passed
the altar above which hangs the beautiful picture of Saint Theresa. This
rose fell at my feet. I wanted to put it back into the bouquet, but a
thought came to me that I should bring it to you."
Father Putigan received the favors he had petitioned of the Little
Flower of Jesus, and promised to spread the novena to increase devotion
to, and bring her more honor.
In this fashion, from the ninth to the seventeenth of each month, those
who want to participate in the Twenty-four "Glory be to the Father's"
novena, should add to those of their own, the intentions of all who are
at that time making the novena, thus forming one great prayer in common.
