About St. Mother Theodore Guerin
Mother Théodore Guérin (1798–1856), born Anne-Thérèse Guérin in Brittany, France, responded to a divine call to missionary life in America. In 1840 she and six companions sailed for Indiana, where she founded the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary‑of‑the‑Woods—the first women’s religious community in the Midwest.
Braving frontier hardships, she established a school for settlers’ children and an academy for young women that combined strong academics with deep faith. Her gentle leadership, trust in God’s providence, and compassion for the poor and Native Americans laid the groundwork for Catholic education across the region. She was canonized in 2006, and her spiritual legacy endures in the educational and charitable works of her sisters.
What is the St. Mother Theodore Guerin Novena?
The St. Mother Theodore Guerin Novena is a nine-day Catholic prayer asking for the intercession of St. Mother Theodore Guerin for faith, hope, charity, guidance, and special intentions.
Who was St. Mother Theodore Guerin?
St. Mother Theodore Guerin was a French missionary sister who founded the Sisters of Providence of Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods in Indiana. She dedicated her life to education, serving the poor, and trusting in God’s Providence.
When should I pray the St. Mother Theodore Guerin Novena?
You may pray this novena at any time of the year. Many Catholics pray it before her feast day on October 3 or whenever they need strength, guidance, and trust in God’s plan.
What can I pray for during this novena?
You may pray for:
- A deeper faith in God
- Hope during difficult times
- Charity and love for others
- Guidance in important decisions
- Strength through suffering
- Success in educational efforts
- Help serving those in need
- Special personal intentions
Why is St. Mother Theodore Guerin important?
St. Mother Theodore Guerin is an example of courage, perseverance, and complete trust in Divine Providence. She showed that God’s work can be accomplished through faithful service, even during great challenges.
What is St. Mother Theodore Guerin the patron saint of?
St. Mother Theodore Guerin is often invoked by educators, teachers, administrators, missionaries, and those seeking guidance in works of charity and service.
Is St. Mother Theodore Guerin a recognized saint of the Catholic Church?
Yes. St. Mother Theodore Guerin was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 15, 2006. She is recognized by the Catholic Church as a saint and an example of faith and service.
Can I pray this novena for someone else?
Yes. You can offer this novena for family members, friends, students, teachers, those in need, or anyone who needs God’s grace and guidance through St. Mother Theodore Guerin’s intercession.
How do I pray the St. Mother Theodore Guerin Novena?
Begin with the Sign of the Cross, pray the novena prayer for nine consecutive days, mention your special intention, and conclude with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
| Novena Begins: | September 24 |
| Feast Day: | October 3 |
Patron Saint of Orphans, Poor
Day 1 – Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, valiant woman of God, intercede for us in our needs. Obtain for us, through Jesus Christ, the gifts of a living faith, abiding hope, and steadfast charity, so that through a life of prayer and service to others, we may help promote the Providence of God among all peoples.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, valiant woman of God, intercede for us in our needs. Obtain for us, through Jesus Christ, the gifts of a living faith, abiding hope, and steadfast charity, so that through a life of prayer and service to others, we may help promote the Providence of God among all peoples.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, valiant woman of God, intercede for us in our needs. Obtain for us, through Jesus Christ, the gifts of a living faith, abiding hope, and steadfast charity, so that through a life of prayer and service to others, we may help promote the Providence of God among all peoples.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, valiant woman of God, intercede for us in our needs. Obtain for us, through Jesus Christ, the gifts of a living faith, abiding hope, and steadfast charity, so that through a life of prayer and service to others, we may help promote the Providence of God among all peoples.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, valiant woman of God, intercede for us in our needs. Obtain for us, through Jesus Christ, the gifts of a living faith, abiding hope, and steadfast charity, so that through a life of prayer and service to others, we may help promote the Providence of God among all peoples.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, valiant woman of God, intercede for us in our needs. Obtain for us, through Jesus Christ, the gifts of a living faith, abiding hope, and steadfast charity, so that through a life of prayer and service to others, we may help promote the Providence of God among all peoples.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, valiant woman of God, intercede for us in our needs. Obtain for us, through Jesus Christ, the gifts of a living faith, abiding hope, and steadfast charity, so that through a life of prayer and service to others, we may help promote the Providence of God among all peoples.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, valiant woman of God, intercede for us in our needs. Obtain for us, through Jesus Christ, the gifts of a living faith, abiding hope, and steadfast charity, so that through a life of prayer and service to others, we may help promote the Providence of God among all peoples.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, valiant woman of God, intercede for us in our needs. Obtain for us, through Jesus Christ, the gifts of a living faith, abiding hope, and steadfast charity, so that through a life of prayer and service to others, we may help promote the Providence of God among all peoples.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…