Prayer for the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux

Holy One, Source of all that has been, all that is, and all that will be, we call upon Your name today, on the Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, our patron saint of women’s ordination, to pray for all your people. Bless all those whom you call to priestly service – women and men of all races and ethnicities, married and single, heterosexual and homosexual – those for whom St. Therese’s words ring true: “I feel in me the vocation of PRIEST. With what love, O Jesus, I would carry you in my hands when, at my voice, You would come down from heaven. And with what love would I give you to souls!”

Rekindle in our souls the strength, courage and compassionate love of Jesus. Bless us that we might pursue the work of justice as our heart’s desire. We offer our lives to you.

We thank you, Blessed One, for accepting us — strong and weak, firm and faltering, wise and foolish. Guide and teach us to serve through both love and service in the reformation and resurrection of the Catholic Church we love. Lead us in the path you envision for us, to minister through education and advocacy so that all those you call to priestly ministry may respond and serve your people as you have chosen.

Beloved and Holy God, thank you for St. Therese’s strength and love. May we honor her and you through our prayers and our love as we move forward to work for church renewal. Empower us with new life, a life of service to the People of God. We entrust ourselves and our church to your love as we enroll others, by making them feel touched, moved and inspired. We make this prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Blessed be. Amen.