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Novena to St. Teresa of Calcutta

To St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)

This novena seeks the intercession of St. Teresa of Calcutta, founder of the Missionaries of Charity and servant of the poorest of the poor. It combines a familiar prayer to her with the Memorare, a traditional prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mother Teresa often prayed nine Memorares for an urgent need and a tenth in thanksgiving, a practice she called a flying novena. This nine-day novena is traditionally prayed before her feast on September 5. You may ask for help in loving Christ, serving people in need, persevering in prayer, or entrusting a particular intention to God.

Feast day
September 5
When to begin
Begin on August 27 so that the ninth day falls on September 4, the eve of the feast.

Opening prayer, every day

Saint Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love to all. Obtain from the Heart of Jesus (here make your request). Teach me to allow Jesus to penetrate and possess my whole being so completely that my life, too, may radiate His light and love to others. Amen. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Cause of Our Joy, pray for me. Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for me.
Day 1

Recognizing Christ

Mother Teresa learned to recognize Jesus in every person, especially in those who were hungry, sick, abandoned, or dying. This vision came from faith, not sentiment alone. Christ identifies himself with those in need and receives works of mercy as service offered to him. Ask for eyes that notice the people whom others overlook. You may not be called to distant streets or extraordinary works, but Christ is already near you in someone who needs patience, attention, food, forgiveness, or companionship.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Day 2

Love for the Poor

The poor were not an idea to Mother Teresa. They were particular people with names, wounds, fears, and immortal souls. Christian charity protects human dignity because every person is created in the image of God. Ask St. Teresa to help you resist indifference and contempt. Consider the poverty closest to you, whether material hardship, loneliness, grief, disability, or spiritual need. Love begins by drawing near. Even when you cannot solve another person’s suffering, you can offer respect, practical help, prayer, and faithful presence.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Day 3

Dignity of Every Person

Mother Teresa cared for people whom society often treated as burdens or failures. Her service reminds you that worth does not depend on health, usefulness, wealth, age, or social standing. Human dignity is given by God and cannot be erased by suffering. Ask for the grace to reject judgments that reduce a person to weakness or circumstance. Let your words and choices affirm the dignity of the unborn, the elderly, the sick, the disabled, the imprisoned, the homeless, and everyone placed in your care.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Day 4

Prayer Before Service

Mother Teresa’s active service rested on prayer, especially the Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Charity can become restless or self-reliant when it is separated from communion with Christ. Prayer does not excuse you from serving others. It purifies your motives and gives you strength to serve with humility. Ask St. Teresa to help you remain close to Jesus in the Eucharist. Bring your work, responsibilities, and present intention before him, trusting that lasting fruit comes from his grace rather than your effort alone.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Day 5

Faithful Small Deeds

Much of Mother Teresa’s life consisted of ordinary acts repeated faithfully. She fed, washed, comforted, listened, prayed, and began again. Holiness usually grows through daily duties performed with love rather than through attention or acclaim. Ask for grace to be faithful in the small responsibilities God has given you. A patient answer, an honest task, a hidden sacrifice, or a visit to someone lonely can become an offering of charity. Do not measure love only by visible results. Place each small deed in Christ’s hands.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Day 6

Perseverance in Darkness

Mother Teresa remained faithful through long periods of spiritual darkness. Her experience shows that holiness does not depend on constant consolation or strong feelings. Faith can remain firm when God seems silent and prayer feels difficult. If you are discouraged, continue to place yourself before the Lord. Receive the sacraments, keep your duties, and ask for help when you need it. St. Teresa can intercede for the grace to persevere without pretending that suffering is easy. Christ remains faithful even when his presence is hidden from your feelings.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Day 7

Confidence in Mary

Mother Teresa turned readily to the Blessed Virgin Mary and trusted her maternal intercession. The Memorare expresses the confidence of a child who brings sorrow and need to a loving mother. Mary always leads you to her Son and teaches you to receive his grace with faith. Place your intention in her hands without trying to control how it will be answered. Ask her to obtain what serves your salvation and the good of others. Like Mary, remain attentive to Christ and ready to do what he asks.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Day 8

Mercy Close to Home

Mother Teresa’s witness can seem extraordinary, yet the call to mercy begins in your own home, parish, workplace, and neighborhood. Those nearest to you may require the patience that is hardest to give. Ask for charity that is gentle in speech, quick to forgive, and willing to notice hidden burdens. Service to distant needs should never become an excuse to neglect present duties. Let Christ order your love so that it is both generous and responsible. One sincere work of mercy can restore hope to a person who feels forgotten.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Day 9

Gratitude and Mission

End this novena with gratitude, whether or not you can yet see an answer to your petition. Thanksgiving recognizes that God is good and that every grace comes from him. Mother Teresa’s flying novena included a tenth Memorare offered in thanksgiving, showing confidence in divine providence. Entrust the outcome of your prayer to God and remain ready to cooperate with his will. Ask St. Teresa to help you carry the charity received in prayer into concrete service. Let gratitude make you more attentive, generous, and faithful to Christ.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Closing prayer

Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us.
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