Father Rock with the FSSP just released this article for the blessing of roses in honour of The Little Flower, whose feast day is October 3rd.
by Rev. Cav. William Rock, FSSP, SMOCSG
Most readers of the Missive are no doubt familiar with the prediction made by St. Thérèse of Lisieux that, after her death, she "will let fall a shower of roses."1 In the years since her death, a not insignificant number of those who have had recourse to her intercession have received roses, some in a miraculous manner, in answer to their prayers thus manifesting the fulfilment of her prediction.2 It should come as no surprise, then, that, due to her association with roses, the Sacred Congregation of Rites, on 9 December 1925, approved the Blessing of Roses in Honor of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus (Rosarum in honorem S. Teresiæ ab Infante Iesu) for use by the Carmelite Order, which has since been extended to all priests. The blessing is found in the Roman Ritual, and is presented here in translation:3
℣. Our help is in the Name of the Lord.
℟. Who made heaven and earth.
℣. O Lord, hear my prayer.
℟. And let my cry come onto Thee.
℣. The Lord be with you.
℟. And with your spirit.Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, in Thy clemency look upon these roses which we ✠ bless in honor of Thy spouse, St. Thérèse, the Virgin; and grant that all those who scent their fragrance, may run after the odour of Thine ointments, and, through her intercession, deserve to obtain the health of both soul and body: Who livest and reignest for ever and ever.℟. Amen.
