Novena to St Teresa of Avila: Learn to Live Like a Saint

Oct 6, 2026: What if, instead of simply asking a saint to pray for you, you asked God for the grace to become more like that saint? That is the heart of the Novena to St Teresa of Avila, composed by St Alphonsus Liguori. Through nine days of prayer, you are invited to seek the grace to imitate the virtues that shaped St Teresa’s life.

St Teresa of Avila was a woman of deep prayer, courage and perseverance. Her journey was not simply about having a profound spiritual life; it was also about allowing her relationship with God to shape the way she lived, served and responded to the challenges before her.

As you pray this novena, you can bring your own struggles, weaknesses and desires for holiness before God. Ask for the grace to develop the virtues you see in St Teresa — particularly her perseverance in prayer, humility, courage and trust in God.

You may find yourself asking: How faithful am I when prayer feels difficult? Can I persevere when I do not see immediate results? Do I trust God when I cannot understand what He is doing? Am I willing to follow Him even when doing so demands courage?

These questions can make the novena more than a nine-day prayer. They can turn it into an opportunity to examine your own life and consider the person God is calling you to become.

St Teresa’s life also reminds you that prayer and action belong together. Her deep life of prayer did not keep her from taking on difficult responsibilities. Instead, it gave her the strength to undertake the reform of the Carmelite religious life and persevere in her mission.

As you journey through the nine days, ask not only for what you need but also for the grace to grow in holiness. Place your intentions before God, while asking Him to shape your heart through the virtues that St Teresa lived.

Click Here to pray the novena today.

The Novena to St Teresa of Avila, composed by St Alphonsus, ultimately invites you to make a simple prayer: Lord, give me the grace to imitate the virtues of St Teresa and to grow closer to You.

By Catholic Connect Reporter