SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX

 

Saint Therese
Saint Therese

By Edward Matulanya 

Life and Vocation

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897), born Marie-Françoise-Thérèse Martin in Alençon, France, entered the Discalced Carmelite convent in Lisieux at the age of 15. She lived a cloistered life devoted to prayer, humility, and service, emphasizing a simple and childlike trust in God (Franciscan Media, 2023). Despite her short life—she died of tuberculosis at age 24—her spiritual writings had profound influence on Catholic devotion (USCCB, n.d.).

Spirituality: The “Little Way”

Thérèse is renowned for her “Little Way”, a spirituality centered on performing ordinary actions with extraordinary love and trust in God’s mercy. She emphasized that holiness could be achieved through small, humble acts rather than grandiose deeds (Thérèse of Lisieux, 1996). Her approach democratized sanctity, showing that all believers, regardless of status or vocation, could achieve holiness through love and devotion in daily life.

Major Works

Her most famous work, Story of a Soul (1898), is a collection of her autobiographical writings and reflections, revealing her deep contemplation of God’s love and mercy. This text has inspired countless Catholics worldwide and contributed to her recognition as a Doctor of the Church in 1997 by Pope John Paul II (USCCB, n.d.).

Patronage and Iconography

Thérèse is invoked as the patroness of missions, florists, aviators, and the sick. In religious art, she is often depicted in a Carmelite habit, holding roses, symbolizing her promise to let fall a “shower of roses” of blessings from heaven (Franciscan Media, 2023).

Liturgical Celebration

Her feast is celebrated on 1 October in the Roman Catholic Church, commemorating her exemplary life of faith, humility, and love.

References

Franciscan Media. (2023, October 1). Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-therese-of-lisieux

Thérèse of Lisieux. (1996). Story of a Soul: The autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (M. B. Byles, Trans.). Ignatius Press. (Original work published 1898)

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (n.d.). Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. https://www.usccb.org/saints/saint-therese-of-lisieux


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