St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower,” was born in France in 1873. From an early age, she showed a deep love for God and a strong desire to serve Him. At the age of 15, she entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux, dedicating her life to prayer and contemplation.
Despite living a hidden life, Thérèse’s spirituality would have a profound impact on the world. She developed what became known as her “Little Way,” a path of seeking holiness through small, everyday acts of love and sacrifice. Thérèse believed that you didn’t need to accomplish grand gestures to please God; instead, it was in the little things done with great love where true sanctity could be found.
Her life, marked by humility, simplicity, and unwavering trust in God’s mercy, was short, as she died at 24 of tuberculosis. Yet, through her autobiography, Story of a Soul, her spirituality spread, and she became one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church. St. Thérèse was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997, emphasizing the universal value of her simple and loving approach to life.
Practical Lessons:
Lesson 1: Do Small Things with Great Love: Thérèse’s “Little Way” teaches us that even the smallest actions can have great spiritual significance when done with love. In daily life, this means we can turn ordinary tasks—washing dishes, working, caring for children—into acts of devotion by doing them with kindness and a desire to serve God and others.
Lesson 2: Face Daily Challenges with Trust in God: Thérèse dealt with illness, inner struggles, and the routine difficulties of life in the convent. Her constant trust in God’s plan for her, even in suffering, encourages us to place our worries and challenges, big or small, into God’s hands. When things don’t go as planned—whether at work, home, or in relationships—we can take a moment to pray and trust that God will guide us through.
Prayer to St. Thérèse of Lisieux:
St. Thérèse, Little Flower of Jesus, help me to follow your example of finding holiness in the simple moments of daily life. Teach me to do small things with great love and to trust in God’s mercy when I face difficulties. May your Little Way lead me closer to Jesus each day. Amen.
Other Saints We Remember Today
St. Remigius (Remi) (530), Bishop
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