St. Therese of Lisieux

 St. Therese was born in Alencon, France  January 2, 1873. Two days later she got her baptism. Her parents were Marie-Azelie Guerin Martin and Louis Martin. When Theresa was 4 years old her mother died. She became a nun 1888, at the age of 15. She made her religious vows on September 8, 1890. Thérèse of Lisieux lived as a cloistered Carmelite nun in France for the last nine years of her life, from the age of 15 until her death at 24. She went with two of her older sisters. The feast day of St. Thérèse of Lisieux is celebrated on October 1st. St. Therese of Lisieux quotes:

If every little flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness"  This quote highlights the beauty of diversity and the importance of embracing one's own unique role in God's plan. 

• "I understood that love comprises all vocations, that love is everything" Love is the core of all vocations and actions.

• "To pick up a pin for love can convert a soul"  Even the smallest actions, done with love, can have a profound impact.

• "Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love" Opportunities for love and sacrifice are found in everyday moments. 

• "I will spend my heaven doing good on earth" St. Thérèse's mission after death was to continue her work of love and bring souls closer to God

• "Holiness consists simply in doing God's will, and being just what God wants us to be"  True holiness is found in fulfilling God's will in every moment

Prayer of  St. Therese of  Lisieux:

O Glorious Saint Therese, whom Almighty God has raised up to aid and inspire the human family, I implore your Miraculous Intercession. You are so powerful in obtaining every need of body and spirit from the Heart of God. Holy Mother Church proclaims you “Prodigy of Miracles… the greatest saint of Modern Times.” Now I fervently beseech you to answer my petition [mention your request] and to carry out your promises of spending heaven doing good on earth… of letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses. Little Flower, give me your childlike faith, to see the Face of God in the people and experiences of my life, and to love God with full confidence. St. Therese, my Carmelite Sister, I will fulfill your plea “to be made known everywhere” and I will continue to lead others to Jesus through you. Amen."

St. Therese of Lisieux encounter with Jesus was traditionally considered to be her First Holy Communion on May 8, 1884.St. Therese of Lisieux's spirituality is because of her profound spirituality, particularly her Little Way of spiritual childhood and trust in God, and because of miracles attributed to her intercession.  St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as the Little Flower, earned her nickname because she likened herself to a small, humble flower in God's garden. 

 Learning about the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux can offer numerous benefits, particularly in the realm of spirituality and personal growth. Here are some key reasons why her life and teachings are worth exploring:

1. The "Little Way": St. Thérèse's most significant contribution to spirituality is her concept of the "Little Way." This path emphasizes finding holiness in small, ordinary acts of love and trust in God, even when facing personal weaknesses and difficulties. Her approach is accessible and relatable to anyone, regardless of their circumstances or state in life.

2. Confidence in God's Mercy and Love: Despite her own struggles and imperfections, St. Thérèse exhibited an unwavering confidence in God's love and mercy. She believed that God delighted in caring for souls who acknowledged their nothingness and relied entirely on Him. This teaches us to trust God's grace even in our weakest moments. 

3. Finding Holiness in the Ordinary: St. Thérèse's life teaches us that everyday tasks and duties, even mundane ones, can be transformed into opportunities for holiness when done with love for God. She showed that it's the love behind the action that matters, not the greatness of the deed itself. 

4. Patron of Missionaries: Despite living a cloistered life, St. Thérèse is the patron saint of missionaries, alongside St. Francis Xavier. This designation stems from her deep desire to support missionaries through her prayers and sacrifices. Prayer exemplifies the power of prayer and highlights that contributions to God's mission are possible, even without being physically present in distant lands. 

5. Dealing with Suffering: St. Thérèse faced personal suffering throughout her life, including the loss of her mother, a serious illness, and a dark night of the soul. Embracing trials with patience and trusting in God's will can provide solace and strength to those facing their own difficulties. Her example teaches that suffering can lead to a deeper relationship with God. 

6. Importance of Humility: St. Thérèse, also known as the "Little Flower," viewed herself as a small, humble flower in God's garden, symbolizing her simple, childlike trust and love for God. She recognized her own limitations and relied on God's strength, demonstrating the significance of humility in the spiritual life. 

In essence, learning about St. Thérèse of Lisieux can provide a practical and inspiring guide to living a life of faith, love, and trust in God, transforming the ordinary moments of our lives into opportunities for spiritual growth and radiating God's love to the world. Her message of the "Little Way" transcends religious boundaries and offers a timeless path to holiness and inner peace.

 Some of her characteristics are simple, childlike faith, her "Little Way" of spiritual childhood, and her profound love for God and others.

One reason we should learn about her life is because:Therese had a simple yet powerful message that still resonates in the hearts of millions today. believing that her life was really just beginning for God. She had love for God, she focused on even the smallest tasks with love and gratitude for God.

St. Therese is the patron saint of  missions, parents, loss of priests, and the sick. Many people in Rome pray a novena to St. Therese of Lisieux believing she would send them a mystical flower from heaven.