Therese of Lisieux – The Little Flower

St. Therese of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face (1873-1897)
Virgin and Doctor
Feast Day – Oct. 1^st

St. Therese of Lisieux

 

Also known as St. Therese of Lisieux, The Little Flower.  St. Therese of Lisieux was born January 2nd 1873 as Thérèse Martin in Normandy, France. She entered the Carmel of Lisieux at the age of fifteen. At that time the notion that God’s anger on account of sin must be appeased by voluntary self-offering was prevalent in the Church. Instead within nine years Thérèse achieved holiness through her grasp of the central Gospel truth of God’s merciful saving love for everyone without exception. Her short autobiography was written at the request of others and revealed her strong desire that all should know this truth and respond in trust no matter what their condition, sinner or saint. Her teaching has rescued convicted criminals, alcoholics and other addicts from despair as well as pointing out the simple way of trust to countless Christians. She is the patron saint of missionaries and in 1997 was declared a Doctor of the Church.

Last content update 01/01/09