About St. Teresa of Avila
St. Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582), born Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada in Ávila, Spain, was a bold reformer, mystic, and foundress of the Discalced Carmelites. After a profound interior conversion in her thirties, she experienced numerous visions of Christ and the Blessed Virgin, which she described in spiritual classics like “The Interior Castle”and “The Way of Perfection.”
Driven by obedience and love, Teresa established reformed Carmelite convents across Spain, emphasizing poverty, prayer, and contemplative union with God. Pope Paul VI declared her a Doctor of the Church in 1970—the first woman to receive that honor—recognizing her profound contribution to Catholic spirituality.
Short Prayer:
St. Teresa of Ávila, teach us to seek the deep chambers of prayer where Christ awaits. Inspire in us the courage to reform our hearts and the joy of abiding in God’s love. Amen.
What is the St. Teresa of Ávila Novena?
The St. Teresa of Ávila Novena is a nine-day Catholic prayer asking for her intercession to grow in prayer, holiness, trust in God, perseverance, and spiritual wisdom.
Who was St. Teresa of Ávila?
St. Teresa of Ávila was a Spanish Carmelite nun, mystic, reformer, and Doctor of the Church. She is one of the most influential saints in Catholic spirituality and is renowned for her teachings on prayer and union with God.
When should I pray the St. Teresa of Ávila Novena?
You may pray this novena at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it before her feast day on October 15.
What can I pray for during this novena?
You may pray for:
- Growth in prayer
- Holiness
- Trust in God’s providence
- Patience during trials
- Wisdom and discernment
- Perseverance in faith
- Religious vocations
- Any special intention
Why is St. Teresa of Ávila called a Doctor of the Church?
She received the title Doctor of the Church because of her profound teachings on prayer, the spiritual life, and the journey toward union with God. Her writings continue to educate and inspire Catholics around the world.
What is St. Teresa of Ávila best known for?
She is best known for reforming the Carmelite Order, her deep mystical experiences, and her spiritual classics, especially The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection. She is also remembered for her beloved prayer:
“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”
Can I pray this novena for someone else?
Yes. You may offer this novena for family members, friends, priests, religious, those discerning a vocation, or anyone seeking God’s grace through the intercession of St. Teresa.
How do I pray the St. Teresa of Ávila Novena?
Begin with the Sign of the Cross, pray the novena prayer for nine consecutive days, present your special intention, and conclude with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
| Novena Begins: | October 6 |
| Feast Day: | October 15 |
Patron Saint of Spain, sick people, headache sufferers and writers, people in religious orders
Day 1 – St. Teresa of Avila Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Teresa of Ávila, seraphic virgin and beloved spouse of Christ, obtain for me a spark of your burning love for God. Help me to seek His holy will in all things and to love Him above all else, whether in joy or in suffering.
Teach me to forget myself, to grow in holiness, and to live each day in faithful obedience to God’s will. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace I now ask.
(Mention your request here…)
May my heart burn with the love of God, and may I always trust in His providence.
“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”
Amen.
St. Teresa of Ávila, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Teresa of Avila Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Teresa of Ávila, seraphic virgin and beloved spouse of Christ, obtain for me a spark of your burning love for God. Help me to seek His holy will in all things and to love Him above all else, whether in joy or in suffering.
Teach me to forget myself, to grow in holiness, and to live each day in faithful obedience to God’s will. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace I now ask.
(Mention your request here…)
May my heart burn with the love of God, and may I always trust in His providence.
“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”
Amen.
St. Teresa of Ávila, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Teresa of Avila Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Teresa of Ávila, seraphic virgin and beloved spouse of Christ, obtain for me a spark of your burning love for God. Help me to seek His holy will in all things and to love Him above all else, whether in joy or in suffering.
Teach me to forget myself, to grow in holiness, and to live each day in faithful obedience to God’s will. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace I now ask.
(Mention your request here…)
May my heart burn with the love of God, and may I always trust in His providence.
“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”
Amen.
St. Teresa of Ávila, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Teresa of Avila Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Teresa of Ávila, seraphic virgin and beloved spouse of Christ, obtain for me a spark of your burning love for God. Help me to seek His holy will in all things and to love Him above all else, whether in joy or in suffering.
Teach me to forget myself, to grow in holiness, and to live each day in faithful obedience to God’s will. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace I now ask.
(Mention your request here…)
May my heart burn with the love of God, and may I always trust in His providence.
“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”
Amen.
St. Teresa of Ávila, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Teresa of Avila Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Teresa of Ávila, seraphic virgin and beloved spouse of Christ, obtain for me a spark of your burning love for God. Help me to seek His holy will in all things and to love Him above all else, whether in joy or in suffering.
Teach me to forget myself, to grow in holiness, and to live each day in faithful obedience to God’s will. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace I now ask.
(Mention your request here…)
May my heart burn with the love of God, and may I always trust in His providence.
“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”
Amen.
St. Teresa of Ávila, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Teresa of Avila Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Teresa of Ávila, seraphic virgin and beloved spouse of Christ, obtain for me a spark of your burning love for God. Help me to seek His holy will in all things and to love Him above all else, whether in joy or in suffering.
Teach me to forget myself, to grow in holiness, and to live each day in faithful obedience to God’s will. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace I now ask.
(Mention your request here…)
May my heart burn with the love of God, and may I always trust in His providence.
“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”
Amen.
St. Teresa of Ávila, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Teresa of Avila Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Teresa of Ávila, seraphic virgin and beloved spouse of Christ, obtain for me a spark of your burning love for God. Help me to seek His holy will in all things and to love Him above all else, whether in joy or in suffering.
Teach me to forget myself, to grow in holiness, and to live each day in faithful obedience to God’s will. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace I now ask.
(Mention your request here…)
May my heart burn with the love of God, and may I always trust in His providence.
“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”
Amen.
St. Teresa of Ávila, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Teresa of Avila Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Teresa of Ávila, seraphic virgin and beloved spouse of Christ, obtain for me a spark of your burning love for God. Help me to seek His holy will in all things and to love Him above all else, whether in joy or in suffering.
Teach me to forget myself, to grow in holiness, and to live each day in faithful obedience to God’s will. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace I now ask.
(Mention your request here…)
May my heart burn with the love of God, and may I always trust in His providence.
“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”
Amen.
St. Teresa of Ávila, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Teresa of Avila Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Teresa of Ávila, seraphic virgin and beloved spouse of Christ, obtain for me a spark of your burning love for God. Help me to seek His holy will in all things and to love Him above all else, whether in joy or in suffering.
Teach me to forget myself, to grow in holiness, and to live each day in faithful obedience to God’s will. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace I now ask.
(Mention your request here…)
May my heart burn with the love of God, and may I always trust in His providence.
“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”
Amen.
St. Teresa of Ávila, pray for us.
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…