# Walking in Praise with Pope Francis – Day Two of the Novena to St. Teresa of the Child Jesus
*2015-09-26*

> Bill Young reflects on Pope Francis’ New York Mass, shares a personal story about a rose given on St. Teresa’s feast, and leads the second day of the novena for our common home, ending with a prayer to St. Teresa of the Child Jesus.

## Pope Francis in New York

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Yesterday Pope Francis celebrated a beautiful Mass at Madison Square Garden, and I was fortunate to watch it on television. The homily was inspiring, reminding us of our responsibility to care for our common home. I’m still feeling uplifted by his words and hope our listeners, especially our friends from Miami and Washington, can share in that joy as we continue our 30‑day journey of caring for creation.

## A Rose from St. Teresa’s Feast

A few years ago, on the feast day of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, which fell on a Sunday, our parish held its annual celebration a few blocks from St. Maximilian’s. One of the benefactors gave each participant a fresh, fragrant rose. While we were praying the rosary and asking St. Teresa for her intercession, a small girl tried to block a hard‑boiled egg that had been thrown at her. The egg struck her rose, scattering petals across the street. I asked the girl if I could have the stem, and she gladly gave it to me.

When I got home, I shook the rose vigorously—no petal or leaf fell. I repeated the test several times, and the rose remained intact. To me, that was a sign of St. Teresa’s continued presence and protection. It reminded me that even small signs can point us toward the saints’ help as we pray this novena.

## Opening Our Eyes to Creation

Day two of our novena focuses on “Opening Our Eyes.” God designed the earth as a place of beauty and fullness, yet our modern conveniences—especially those enjoyed in the first world—have come at a great cost to the planet. Pope Francis warns that the relentless quest for more goods drains natural resources and harms the common home.

Today’s ponder asks us to consider how the comforts we enjoy may be contributing to environmental degradation and affecting the livelihoods of others. Let us pray that God opens our eyes and hearts to see the beauty of creation and to care for it more responsibly.

## Prayer to St. Teresa of the Child Jesus

Dear Little Teresa, Child of Jesus, great saint of pure love for God, I come before you to entrust my heartfelt desires. I implore your powerful intercession for the grace I seek, especially for Pope Francis. May he continue to be blessed throughout his journey, and may his words draw many—Catholics and non‑Catholics alike—to the truth of the Gospel.

You, who asked God to spread heaven’s love on earth, promised a shower of roses for the faithful. The Lord heard your prayer, and countless pilgrims testify to your intercession. In confidence, I ask you to obtain for me the grace I need, according to God’s will, through the crucified and glorious Lord.

Little Teresa, patron of missions and model of simple, loving discipleship, obtain for me the grace I request, if it aligns with God’s plan. May you be blessed for the countless good you bring to us, now and forever. Amen.

We are asked to pray this novena for nine consecutive days.

## Closing Blessing

May God bless you all, and may Pope Francis receive abundant blessings as he continues his ministry.

*May we keep our eyes open to the beauty of creation and trust the intercession of St. Teresa as we strive to protect our common home.*