Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face, is one of the most beloved and venerated figures of the Catholic Church. Her humble life and simple spiritual teachings have inspired millions of people around the world and made her one of the most popular saints in the modern history of the Church.
Thérèse was born on 2 January 1873 in Alençon, France, into a deeply Christian family. She was the last of nine children born to Louis and Zélie Martin. Despite her short life, Thérèse was deeply spiritual from an early age. At the age of fourteen, after attending her cousin's ordination ceremony, she felt a call to religious life and expressed a desire to enter the Carmelite convent at Lisieux.
However, her young age and frail health posed obstacles to her admission to the convent. After a pilgrimage to Rome, where she sought the approval of Pope Leo XIII, Thérèse was finally admitted to the Carmel of Lisieux at the age of fifteen. She received the name Thérèse de l'Enfant-Jésus et de la Sainte Face and joyfully embraced the contemplative religious life.
Thérèse's spirituality was deeply rooted in simplicity and trust in God's mercy. She proposed a way of spiritual childhood, called "the little way", in which she taught that even the most ordinary actions performed with love can lead to holiness. Thérèse firmly believed in the power of prayer and trust in God, and she herself practised a life of intense prayer and offering to God for the salvation of souls.
The most famous account of Thérèse's life is her autobiography, entitled "Histoire d'une âme", written at the request of her religious superiors. This book, which details her spiritual journey and inner experiences, has become a classic of spiritual literature and has influenced many of the faithful in their own lives of prayer and devotion.
Thérèse suffered from tuberculosis for much of her religious life and died on 30 September 1897, aged twenty-four. However, her death was not the end of her influence. After her death, Thérèse's fame spread rapidly and many miracles were attributed to her intercession.
She was canonised by Pope Pius XI in 1925 and proclaimed patron saint of the missions in 1927. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on 1 October. Thérèse's spiritual teachings have continued to touch the hearts and minds of the faithful around the world, leaving a lasting legacy of trust in God, love of neighbour and perseverance in prayer. Her simple and accessible spirituality continues to inspire people from all walks of life to seek God in the ordinary moments of everyday life and to live with a heart filled with trust and love.
