SAINT THERESE OF LISIEUX
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 mos...