Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as "Little Thérèse", is one of the Catholic Church's most beloved and influential saints.
Although she lived only twenty-four years, her life has left an indelible mark on the spiritual history of the Church and inspired millions of people around the world.
Born on 2 January 1873 in Alençon, France, Thérèse Martin was the youngest of nine children born to Louis and Zélie Martin, both devoted to their Catholic faith. At the age of fifteen, after obtaining permission from Pope Leo XIII, she entered the Carmelite convent at Lisieux, intent on devoting her life to God.
In Carmel, Thérèse embraced the "little way", a spiritual path of simplicity, humility and total trust in God's mercy. She understood that holiness was not reserved for the chosen few, but was accessible to all, even the smallest and weakest. Her spirituality was centred on love and trust in God like a child towards its father.
Thérèse lived a hidden life, devoted to prayer, obedience and charity towards her Carmelite sisters. She experienced profound spiritual and physical trials, but they only strengthened her faith and love for God. Her correspondence and autobiography, "Histoire d'une âme", reveal a soul deeply rooted in the love of God and the desire to make Him loved.
Sickness struck her at the age of twenty-three, and she suffered greatly until her death on 30 September 1897. On the verge of death, she exclaimed, "I have never so longed for Heaven!" Her last words were "My God, I love you!"
Canonised in 1925, Thérèse of Lisieux was proclaimed co-patroness of the missions in 1927 and a Doctor of the Church in 1997 by Pope John Paul II. Her simple life, inspiring writings and "little way" continue to attract and guide those seeking to grow in faith, hope and love.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux reminds us that holiness is accessible to all, that every act of love, no matter how small, can lead to holiness. She is a model of trust in God's mercy and a precious guide for all who seek to live a life of authentic faith and devotion to God.
May her "little way" continue to illuminate our path and lead us towards holiness, teaching us to love God with all our heart and to serve him with joy and simplicity.
