Therese (Oct 1) born Jan 2, 1873 Childhood of considerable suffering. Lost her mother to breast cancer at age of 4yrs. Various separations by sisters when they entered Carmel added to her interior woundedness. At the age of 14 yr., she received a miraculous healing of her emotional fragility. She entered Carmel at the young age of 15 yr. and died of tuberculosis at 24 yr.
In the judgement of the Church as a Doctor, proclaimed by JPII, Therese has become a primary reference for understanding and practicing the Gospel message today.[1] She can help us rediscover the heart of the gospel, the tenderness of God the Father and the way of spiritual childhood. Therese’ was a contemporary of Fredrick Nietzsche, an ardent atheist.
Names bestowed by order, unique St Therese Infant Jesus and the Holy Face. Profound name. Arrived as a child, Mother Agnes (Pauline) mother superior. Childish delight, her face radiated joy of God. Look on her face, incorrupt, see death mask of Therese’ in Basilica in San Antonio
Therese as presented by Fr Philippe based her spirituality on humility & paternal trust, her little way contra to the pride of Lucifer from the clear and confident teaching of Scripture. Contras Jansenism.
Childlike, imminently approachable as a saint. Diary of a Soul easy to access. Delights in small things. For modern saints her heroism is accessible. She longs to be loved, shower of roses.
Therese defines humility as accepting ourselves as we are, to love ourselves as we are. It attracts God’s grace very powerfully.[2] The good that we do is gift from God and accepting the poverty of our lives is a frank assessment that apart from God we can do nothing. Being a child, spiritually, is accepting ourselves as we are because God loves us as we are. We don’t get upset about our weaknesses but accept them in all simplicity. God’s grace is attracted in a powerful way. It is our weakness, that keeps us small, and reliant on God[3]
[1] Jacques Philippe, translated by Helena Scott, The Way of Trust and Love, A Retreat Guided by St. Therese of Lisieux (Scepter Press: USA) 5-6
[2] Ibid 47
[3] Ibid 45-47
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