How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (October 1)

Celebrating the Feast of St. Thérèse with Kids

The Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, celebrated on October 1, offers a beautiful opportunity to introduce young children to the simple yet profound spirituality of this beloved saint. Known as “The Little Flower,” St. Thérèse is remembered for her “Little Way” of love, doing small acts with great love for God. Here are some fun and meaningful ways to celebrate her feast day with little ones.

1. St. Thérèse Coloring Page and Dot Marker Sheets

Print out a St. Thérèse coloring page to allow your little ones to connect with her through art. To take it a step further, our Dot Marker Sheets feature popular quotes attributed to St. Thérèse. You kids can practice fine motor skills while being introduced to this saint’s inspiring words in a fun and interactive way.

2. Enjoy Flower-Shaped Food

Food is always a fun way to connect with a celebration, and for St. Thérèse, incorporating flowers is the perfect theme! Known as “The Little Flower,” you can prepare flower-shaped treats to add a special touch to your feast day celebrations.

Rose-Shaped Sandwiches: Use a flower-shaped cookie cutter to make rose-shaped sandwiches with simple fillings like peanut butter and jelly or cheese. They’re easy to make and fun to eat!
Flower Fruit Skewers: Create fruit skewers using melon, grapes, strawberries, and flower-shaped pieces. These are a healthy, colorful snack that ties in beautifully with St. Thérèse’s love of flowers.

3. Shower of Roses Sensory Experience

St. Thérèse is famous for her promise to “let fall a shower of roses” from heaven, symbolizing blessings and love. Bring this concept to life with a Shower of Roses sensory activity! Here’s how:

Materials: Provide each child with a small basket or bowl filled with fake rose petals. You can tear up pieces of red and pink construction paper, or purchase inexpensive silk rose petals for this activity.
Activity: Explain to the children that St. Thérèse promised to send blessings in the form of roses from heaven. Let them throw the rose petals into the air, symbolizing her shower of love. Turn it into a playful and sensory experience by allowing them to gather the petals and throw them again and again.

Bringing St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” to Life

These activities, from coloring to flower-shaped snacks and a sensory rose shower, help children connect with the spirit of St. Thérèse in fun and meaningful ways. As you celebrate her feast day, remind them of her “Little Way”—that we can all do small things with great love. Through these simple actions, they can grow closer to Jesus, just like the Little Flower herself!