Your Faith Journey with EWTN
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
January 2, 1873–September 30, 1897
Patron Saint of missions, missionaries, florists, aviators, the terminally ill, and France
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, affectionately known as “The Little Flower,” is one of the most beloved saints of modern times. She lived only 24 years and spent her religious life cloistered within monastery walls; yet her simple, profound spirituality continues to transform lives around the world.
Born in Alençon, France, in 1873, Thérèse Martin was the youngest of nine children born to Louis and Zélie Martin. Raised in a deeply faithful home, she developed a tender love for Jesus from an early age. After her mother’s death when she was just four years old, Thérèse experienced periods of emotional sensitivity but gradually matured through prayer and growing trust in God’s mercy.
Convinced that God was calling her to Carmel, Thérèse entered the Carmelite convent at Lisieux at the early age of fifteen after obtaining special permission from Church authorities. Struggling with her own spiritual limitations and feeling unable to perform grand, heroic acts of virtue, she was drawn to Proverbs 9:4, which says, “Whosoever is a little one, let him come to me.”
Concluding from Scripture that God would provide the grace to lift her to Heaven, she believed that every small, humble act of kindness, patience, and love, when offered to God, could become a path to sanctity. She called this spiritual path her “Little Way.”
Contemplating the apostolic work of priests, Thérèse felt called to pray for them, writing, “The sole end of our prayers and sacrifices is to be the apostle of the apostles, praying for them while they evangelize souls.” Later, she corresponded with and prayed for missionary priests. Although she never served abroad, her deep desire to bring souls to Christ led Pope Pius XI to name her Patroness of the Missions in 1927.
During her final years, St. Thérèse endured tuberculosis and a profound trial of faith with remarkable courage. She died on September 30, 1897, whispering, “My God, I love You.” She was canonized in 1925 by Pope Pius XI and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope St. John Paul II in 1997. Her autobiography, Story of a Soul, quickly spread throughout the world, inspiring countless souls to seek holiness in everyday life.
Fr. Alexis Prou was a French Franciscan priest. He is best known for preaching at the annual retreat at the Lisieux Carmel in October 1891. During this time, he heard Thérèse’s confession and freed her from scrupulosity, confirming her intuition that God was not offended by her minor faults. Finding comfort in his words at the retreat, Thérèse said, “He launched me full sail upon the waves of confidence and love.” The encounter gave her the grace and confidence she needed to advance her “Little Way” of spiritual childhood.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux is called the “Little Flower” because she viewed herself as a small, humble flower in God’s garden. In her autobiography, Story of a Soul, she compared herself to a simple wildflower that brought glory to God through the “Little Way.” She reasoned that not everyone could be an eloquent rose performing extraordinary works for the glory of God, but as a little flower, she could practice doing ordinary, everyday things with extraordinary charity and offer them to God with love.
Near the end of her life, St. Thérèse expressed her great hope that her mission would continue after death. She famously said, “I will spend my heaven doing good upon earth,” and spoke of letting fall “a shower of roses” as a sign of God’s graces. Since her canonization, countless people have reported receiving unexpected blessings, answered prayers, or roses after asking for her intercession. These accounts have contributed to her enduring reputation as a powerful intercessor who continues to draw souls closer to Christ through God’s grace.
The Blessed Virgin Mary bore extreme pains throughout her life. And as the mother of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), she witnessed her Son’s Passion and Death on the Cross. This is why, as we face our own pains and temptations, we should turn to Our Lady of Sorrows and meditate on her Seven Dolors, or Sorrows.
This free eBook will encourage you to meditate on these Sorrows that pierced Mary’s Immaculate Heart. Use the form below to tell us where to send your free eBook, The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux inspires each of us to choose a path of holiness by following her “Little Way.” Learn about the five lessons we can learn from the Little Flower’s example.
Alex and Sarah learn about the life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her “Little Way” of holiness.
Be inspired to follow in the footsteps of the saints. Subscribe to receive the Daily Saint, featuring a brief biography delivered to your inbox each day.
Start now and let the intercession and witness of the saints draw you closer to God.
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
STEP 1
We’re here to serve you. Let us help you complete your gift with confidence.
Send a message to Mission Advancement.
Guidance for DAFs, stock, IRA, and more.
Manage your gifts and preferences.
