St. Therese of Child Jesus is among the most loved and admired saints of the Catholic church. Her autobiography has made her an object of admiration of many who wish to pursue holiness in life.

The twenty-four “Glory Be’s” are recited to thank the Holy Trinity for the favours and graces showered on St Therese of the Child Jesus (the Little Flower) during the twenty-four years of her life on earth.

The novena has its origin from Father Putigan, a Jesuit priest who began the Novena to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus on December 3, 1925, asking the glorious Saint for one great favour. He did recite the “Glory Be” twenty-four times, thanking the Holy Trinity for the favours and graces showered on St Therese during the twenty-four years of her life on earth. The priest asked St Therese 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 24th 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 Therese 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 Therese. 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 favours he had petitioned of the Little Flower of Jesus, and promised to spread the “24 Glory Be Novena to St Therese and the Holy Face” to increase devotion to, and bring her more honour.

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.

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 (state your petition), 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 Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.”