About St. Teresa of the Andes
St. Teresa of the Andes was born Juana Enriqueta Josefina de los Sagrados Corazones Fernández Solar on July 13, 1900, in Santiago, Chile. From childhood she displayed a remarkable love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and a tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
At the age of nineteen, she entered the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Los Andes, taking the name Teresa of Jesus. Although her religious life lasted less than a year, she lived with extraordinary joy, humility, and fidelity to prayer.
She died on April 12, 1920, after contracting typhus, offering her sufferings entirely to God. Her holiness quickly became known throughout Chile and beyond. She was beatified by Pope St. John Paul II in 1987 and canonized in 1993, becoming the first Chilean saint.
Today, she remains a beloved patron for young people, those discerning their vocation, and anyone seeking holiness through love, sacrifice, and complete confidence in Christ.
Feast Day: April 12, 13 July (Discalced Carmelites)
Who was St. Teresa of the Andes?
St. Teresa of the Andes was a Discalced Carmelite nun from Chile who lived from 1900 to 1920. She is the first canonized saint of Chile and is known for her profound love of Jesus, joyful spirit, and heroic holiness despite dying at a very young age.
What is the St. Teresa of the Andes Novena for?
People commonly pray this novena to ask for:
- Growth in holiness
- Joy in following Christ
- Strength during suffering
- Healing and peace
- Vocational discernment
- Trust in God’s will
- Perseverance in faith
- Special personal intentions
When should I pray the St. Teresa of the Andes Novena?
You may pray this novena at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it on April 3, so it concludes on her feast day, April 13.
How do I pray the St. Teresa of the Andes Novena?
Begin with the Sign of the Cross, pray the novena prayer while presenting your personal intention, then conclude with:
- Pray One: Our Father
- Pray One: Hail Mary
- Pray One: Glory Be
Repeat the novena for nine consecutive days.
What is St. Teresa of the Andes the patron saint of?
Although she has no officially declared universal patronage, St. Teresa of the Andes is widely regarded as a patron and heavenly friend of:
- Young people
- Carmelites
- Those discerning a religious vocation
- People seeking holiness
- Those enduring illness and suffering
Why is St. Teresa of the Andes so beloved?
She demonstrated that holiness does not depend on age or a long life. Her complete surrender to God’s will, joyful acceptance of suffering, and deep union with Christ continue to inspire Catholics around the world.
Can I pray the St. Teresa of the Andes Novena for someone else?
Yes. You may offer this novena for family members, friends, those who are sick, those discerning their vocation, or anyone in need of God’s grace and mercy.
Is the St. Teresa of the Andes Novena approved by the Catholic Church?
Yes. This novena is a private Catholic devotion inspired by the life and example of St. Teresa of the Andes. While novenas are not part of the Church’s liturgy, they are a long-standing and encouraged tradition of prayer that helps the faithful grow in trust, perseverance, and devotion to God through the intercession of the saints.
| Novena Begins: | April 3 |
| Feast Day: | April 12 |
Patron Saint of Against disease, Against illness, Young people, Santiago, Los Andes
Day 1 – St. Teresa of the Andes Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of mercy, the joy of the saints, You set the youthful heart of Saint Teresa of the Andes ablaze with the fire of virginal love for Christ and for His Church. Even in the midst of suffering, You made her a joyful witness of charity and unwavering faith.
Through her loving intercession, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Fill me with the joy and gifts of Your Holy Spirit, that I may proclaim by both word and deed the saving message of Your love to the world. Grant that, following the example of Saint Teresa of the Andes, I may persevere in holiness, embrace my crosses with confidence, and grow each day in love for You.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
St. Teresa of the Andes, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Teresa of the Andes Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of mercy, the joy of the saints, You set the youthful heart of Saint Teresa of the Andes ablaze with the fire of virginal love for Christ and for His Church. Even in the midst of suffering, You made her a joyful witness of charity and unwavering faith.
Through her loving intercession, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Fill me with the joy and gifts of Your Holy Spirit, that I may proclaim by both word and deed the saving message of Your love to the world. Grant that, following the example of Saint Teresa of the Andes, I may persevere in holiness, embrace my crosses with confidence, and grow each day in love for You.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
St. Teresa of the Andes, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Teresa of the Andes Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of mercy, the joy of the saints, You set the youthful heart of Saint Teresa of the Andes ablaze with the fire of virginal love for Christ and for His Church. Even in the midst of suffering, You made her a joyful witness of charity and unwavering faith.
Through her loving intercession, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Fill me with the joy and gifts of Your Holy Spirit, that I may proclaim by both word and deed the saving message of Your love to the world. Grant that, following the example of Saint Teresa of the Andes, I may persevere in holiness, embrace my crosses with confidence, and grow each day in love for You.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
St. Teresa of the Andes, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Teresa of the Andes Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of mercy, the joy of the saints, You set the youthful heart of Saint Teresa of the Andes ablaze with the fire of virginal love for Christ and for His Church. Even in the midst of suffering, You made her a joyful witness of charity and unwavering faith.
Through her loving intercession, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Fill me with the joy and gifts of Your Holy Spirit, that I may proclaim by both word and deed the saving message of Your love to the world. Grant that, following the example of Saint Teresa of the Andes, I may persevere in holiness, embrace my crosses with confidence, and grow each day in love for You.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
St. Teresa of the Andes, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Teresa of the Andes Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of mercy, the joy of the saints, You set the youthful heart of Saint Teresa of the Andes ablaze with the fire of virginal love for Christ and for His Church. Even in the midst of suffering, You made her a joyful witness of charity and unwavering faith.
Through her loving intercession, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Fill me with the joy and gifts of Your Holy Spirit, that I may proclaim by both word and deed the saving message of Your love to the world. Grant that, following the example of Saint Teresa of the Andes, I may persevere in holiness, embrace my crosses with confidence, and grow each day in love for You.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
St. Teresa of the Andes, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Teresa of the Andes Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of mercy, the joy of the saints, You set the youthful heart of Saint Teresa of the Andes ablaze with the fire of virginal love for Christ and for His Church. Even in the midst of suffering, You made her a joyful witness of charity and unwavering faith.
Through her loving intercession, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Fill me with the joy and gifts of Your Holy Spirit, that I may proclaim by both word and deed the saving message of Your love to the world. Grant that, following the example of Saint Teresa of the Andes, I may persevere in holiness, embrace my crosses with confidence, and grow each day in love for You.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
St. Teresa of the Andes, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Teresa of the Andes Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of mercy, the joy of the saints, You set the youthful heart of Saint Teresa of the Andes ablaze with the fire of virginal love for Christ and for His Church. Even in the midst of suffering, You made her a joyful witness of charity and unwavering faith.
Through her loving intercession, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Fill me with the joy and gifts of Your Holy Spirit, that I may proclaim by both word and deed the saving message of Your love to the world. Grant that, following the example of Saint Teresa of the Andes, I may persevere in holiness, embrace my crosses with confidence, and grow each day in love for You.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
St. Teresa of the Andes, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Teresa of the Andes Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of mercy, the joy of the saints, You set the youthful heart of Saint Teresa of the Andes ablaze with the fire of virginal love for Christ and for His Church. Even in the midst of suffering, You made her a joyful witness of charity and unwavering faith.
Through her loving intercession, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Fill me with the joy and gifts of Your Holy Spirit, that I may proclaim by both word and deed the saving message of Your love to the world. Grant that, following the example of Saint Teresa of the Andes, I may persevere in holiness, embrace my crosses with confidence, and grow each day in love for You.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
St. Teresa of the Andes, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Teresa of the Andes Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of mercy, the joy of the saints, You set the youthful heart of Saint Teresa of the Andes ablaze with the fire of virginal love for Christ and for His Church. Even in the midst of suffering, You made her a joyful witness of charity and unwavering faith.
Through her loving intercession, I humbly ask You to grant me this special favor:
(Mention your request here…)
Fill me with the joy and gifts of Your Holy Spirit, that I may proclaim by both word and deed the saving message of Your love to the world. Grant that, following the example of Saint Teresa of the Andes, I may persevere in holiness, embrace my crosses with confidence, and grow each day in love for You.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
St. Teresa of the Andes, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…