Feast day: October 1

Saint Therese of Lisieux

Beloved for her Little Way, hidden faithfulness, daily love, and trust in small acts.

  • Feast day: October 1
  • Life and era: 1873 to 1897; Alencon and Lisieux, France
  • Role in the Church: Carmelite nun and spiritual teacher
  • Common titles: Doctor of the Church, Patron of the missions, Teacher of the Little Way
  • Often asked for: trust, ordinary holiness, missions

When is Saint Therese of Lisieux's feast day?

Saint Therese of Lisieux's feast day is October 1.

For a broader explanation of how feast days work in Catholic life, read the feast day guide.

Biography and witness

Therese of Lisieux was a Carmelite nun whose spiritual teaching became known as the Little Way, a path of childlike trust and great love in ordinary duties. Though her life was outwardly hidden, her autobiography Story of a Soul spread widely after her death. She was later named a Doctor of the Church and a patron of the missions.

Why Catholics remember Saint Therese of Lisieux

Saint Therese is known for the Little Way, hidden faithfulness, and great love expressed through small acts.

What is Saint Therese of Lisieux the patron saint of?

Saint Therese of Lisieux is often associated with trust, ordinary holiness, missions.

Why people ask for the intercession of Saint Therese of Lisieux

People turn to Saint Therese when life feels ordinary, hidden, or unimpressive and they want to trust that small faithfulness still matters deeply.

Common situations

  • feeling small or hidden
  • wanting trust in daily life
  • needing hope in ordinary routines

Short prayer

Saint Therese, pray for me when I feel small or unnoticed and help me love faithfully in ordinary things.

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