Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux

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Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux

by Thérèse de Lisieux, John Clarke (Translator)

4.35 of 5 stars 4.35 · rating details · 3,333 ratings · 200 reviews

This book first published in 1898 in a highly edited verson, quickly became a modern spiritual classic, read by millions and translated into over fifty-five languages. John Clarke's acclaimed translation, first published in 1975, is now accepted as the standard throughout the English-speaking world.

Paperback, Third Edition, 306 pages

Published January 19th 1996 by I C S Publications, Institute of Carmelite St (first published 1896)

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Sep 14, 2011 booklady rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: my daughters

Recommended to booklady by: Sacred Heart sisters

Shelves: autobiography, religion, hagiography, 1990s, all-ages, youth, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2010, children, church-documents, classic, family, non-fiction, spiritual, theology, worth-reading-over-and-over, must-have

I can't remember the first time I read this but I think it was in high school. Dear St. Thérèse was my Confirmation saint so I wanted to read her autobiography. I remember being blown away by her simple and yet powerful approach to sanctity. It IS the Gospel -- so gentle, humble, meek and Christian -- and not even difficult in a way except that I kept forgetting to live it!

Then as I got older, I confess I sort of forgot about this book and my patron saint. I even came to think that she was too...more I can't remember the first time I read this but I think it was in high school. Dear St. Thérèse was my Confirmation saint so I wanted to read her autobiography. I remember being blown away by her simple and yet powerful approach to sanctity. It IS the Gospel -- so gentle, humble, meek and Christian -- and not even difficult in a way except that I kept forgetting to live it!

Then as I got older, I confess I sort of forgot about this book and my patron saint. I even came to think that she was too 'young' for me. She died in her mid-twenties so what could she have known or written which could be of help to a wife and mother, someone living the active life out in our modern world? Everything. I reread her book a few years ago and it spoke to my heart a million times more than it did when I was younger.

Here are some of my observations from my 2010 reading: I have so much to learn from her! In many ways I envy her that quiet, solitary life behind the walls of Carmel. So much crowds in on my life and seems to stand between me and simplicity, between me and the love of God. Then I read some more and know that all the 'things' don't matter, whether they be physical, emotional or mental. It is only a matter of a willing heart. Is this heart open to Him? Am I willing to give it all away in a second and run to Him when He calls? Am I following Him now ... or trying to anyway? Little Flower, please continue to be my guide! Dear gentle mentor saint, help this sinner follow Him Whom we both love.

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Special note: My oldest daughter, Meg, was born on St. Thérèse's feast day, October 1st! That has always felt like such a special gift to me from her! A further 'rose' from her was the gift of my present job, as Director of Religious Education at my parish. Coincidentally (and of course there are no coincidents with God!) my first day on the job was her feast day as well ... the 1st of October, 2009. Thank you again dear St. Thérèse!

Just found out one of the dates/times I actually read this, so I'm recording it now. (less)

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Sep 07, 2012 Ibrahim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: spirituality, biography, thinkers-i-adore

I have always heard of her and didn't know what to make of her. I read quotes here and there and didn't catch my attention much. Since I have begun reading her autobiography, I have been completely absorbed and taken by every words she writes and I feel like she is sitting in front of me like a bosom friend telling me her story in all purity, in all simplicity, in an extremely natural manner. Sometimes you read the Saints and you end up feeling they are way up there but not so with our beloved T...more I have always heard of her and didn't know what to make of her. I read quotes here and there and didn't catch my attention much. Since I have begun reading her autobiography, I have been completely absorbed and taken by every words she writes and I feel like she is sitting in front of me like a bosom friend telling me her story in all purity, in all simplicity, in an extremely natural manner. Sometimes you read the Saints and you end up feeling they are way up there but not so with our beloved Thérèse who is every bit as human as she can be. I read a part of the book and I feel like I really miss her and I want to go back to her to hear her talking some more to me. Reading just excerpts of her quotes will not do her justice or help you know and meet the real Thérèse. You HAVE to read the Autobiography first and then you would hear her heartbeat in what she is saying in every word she is writing. Reading her I feel like I am getting a letter from a pen-pal living in France and sharing in full transparency how she really feels and what she longs for.

Since the Lord has called me to missionary work reaching out to Muslims, it delighted me to know that my little friend Thérèse also had real longing for proclaiming the Gospel in foreign lands, to the infidels, i.e. those who are still living in darkness and Christ has yet to open their eyes. I adore her missionary, evangelistic zeal. On p. 216 she talks about how since her entrance into the blessed ark, she has always thought that if Jesus did not bring her swiftly to heaven, her lot would be the same as that of Noah's little dove: the Lord would open window of the ark one day, telling Thérèse to fly very far, very far, towards infidel shores, carrying with her the little olive branch. Now, this is true evangelist at heart, and can she preach!

She often talks about realizing her vocation for the foreign missions. As a convert from Islam into Christianity, I had to leave my family and was exiled from my homeland, Egypt. I feel Thérèse can relate to my situation as she says in a child-like manner that He, i.e. Jesus, has given her the attraction for a complete exile (p.218). In her heart, she knew that she is not to make lodging here but her real home is, indeed, heaven. We leave our homelands, where we have had roots all along, and then for the sake of the cross we have to be pulled out of all this be called to a different kind of citizenship, to be a citizen of Heaven, my real home where my ultimate loyalty rests.

I loved her honesty as she, like some of us, struggled with concepts of faith and how she wondered if heaven was real. She was evidently intelligent and she struggled with the realness of some Christian concepts while she herself was full of heaven and her focus was heaven-ward all along. That is one thing I love about the saints: they are not ashamed to express struggles and doubts, and this helps us in many ways to relate to them and take them for close friends. Her littleness was the secret of her spiritual uniqueness and I believe she got her inspiration from the mouth of Eternal Wisdom speaking in the Holy Bible: "Whoever is a LITTLE ONE let him come to me" (Proverbs 9: 4).

What about people who aggravate us and keep giving us a hard time? Does Thérèse have something to say to us from her own experience? Well, she share that in her Community there was a Sister who had the faculty of displeasing her in everything, in her ways, in her words, her character, everything seemed disagreeable to her. Yet, despite all that, Thérèse insists, she must be very pleasing to God, and this should count for a lot. Everytime Thérèse met her she prayed to God for her, offering Him all her virtues and merits. Thérèse says: I felt this was pleasing to Jesus, for there is no artist who doesn't love to receive praise for his works, and Jesus the Artist of souls is happy when we don't stop at the exterior, but, penetrating into the inner sanctuary where He chooses to dwell, we admire its beauty. Whenever Thérèse was tempted to answer her back in a disagreeable manner, I was content with giving her the most friendly smile, and with changing the subject of the conversation as it says in the Imitation: It is better to love each one in his own opinion than to enter into arguments (The Imitation of Christ III, 44: 1). Finally this Sister got curious and one day at recreation she asked Thérèse in almost these words: "Would you tell me Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus, what attracts you so much toward me; every time you look at me, I see you smile?" Thérèse explains that what attracted her was Jesus hidden in the depths of her soul; Jesus who makes sweet what is most bitter. Then she answered her that she was smiling because she was so happy to see her.

While we hope to do great things for the Lord and be "mightily used" by Him, as the cliché phrase goes, and we should give our best for the Lord and His work, Thérèse teaches us that she is just delighted to be a "little brush" in the hands of the great Artist (p. 235). The brush can't boast of the masterpiece produced with it. She explains: An artist doesn't use only one brush, but needs at least two; the first is the more useful and with it he applies the general tints and covers the canvas entirely in a very short time; the other, the smaller one, he uses for details. Then she tells her mother that she is the precious brush the hand of Jesus lovingly holds when He wishes to do a great work in the soul of her children while she, Thérèse, is the very small brush He deigns to use afterward for the smallest details.

I will always fondly remember her, she who was a soul winner, and believed in her effective role as a Christian in praying people into the Kingdom. Her intercessory prayers never go in vain. She believed in a God who draws all people to Himself and we are actively involved in His work and she could boldly pray as Jesus pray and see her role in the mission of the Father.

Many a friend of mine who have told me how she has impacted them greatly in the beginning of their monastic vocation and she is so indispensable to their spiritual growth. What sheer joy and sheer delight!!(less)

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Sep 19, 2011 Leslie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Seekers

Recommended to Leslie by: Mother Therea

Shelves: spiritual, bio-memoirs, french

Well this book has been such an emotional experience for me. I guess I have now come full circle from my early childhood version of God ( magical nice fatherly fellow who granted wishes and protection from evil) to my early adulthood ( and also completely wrong notion of) God ( angry father who didn't love me, but seemed to reward evildoers) to my later notion of their not being a God at all. That was the only way I could explain the horrors of the modern world, the evils I learned of on the nig...more

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Sep 19, 2008 Wanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2008, acpl, saints, spiritual-reading

A sweet story!

I didn't like the book as well as I thought I would, though. I think I just can't relate to someone as doted on as Therese was. I kept thinking what a wuss she was and then feeling bad that I thought such a thing about someone who became a saint! I'll admit that in the end she was not a wuss at all.

The best thing I got out of the book is that God gives everyone the ability to be a saint in his/her own way, and doesn't expect anyone to be a saint in the way that anyone else did. W...more

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Jan 29, 2013 Jackie Hesse rated it 3 of 5 stars

After reviewing Therese's life story, I am have yet to be convinced she achieved anything other than nunhood. The book is full of contradictions as to why she became a nun and her early family life. For example- her mother is dead and all of her sisters have entered the church, why is it so unlikely that in 1888 a girl wouldn't, as her sisters before her, go into the convent?. She reveals that she enjoys suffering: that her soul has always been "inflamed with a desire for suffering." The contrac...more

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Oct 18, 2012 J.T. Therrien rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Story of a Soul is a most edifying book! If one wishes to learn how a saint truly lived her life, there is no better source or textbook to use as reference than to read her autobiography. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, shows us how easy, and yet so difficult, it is to live the humble life; more importantly, she offers compelling reasons why we should wish to focus on this virtue.

St. Thérèse claims to be a simple soul who hones her devotion by entering a Carmelite convent. Her life is...more

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Feb 10, 2012 Marne rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have to confess, that this was the most difficult book to read that I have read in a long while. It doesn't usually take me several days to finish a book of only 241 pages, even taking into account that I don't have a great deal of time to read every day.

Overall, it was a worthwhile read. I found her experiences, her outlook, her very nature to be almost completely foreign to me. For a while, I read almost in disbelief, thinking to myself that nobody could possibly be this humble, or rejoice...more

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Apr 29, 2011 Ahmed rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-the-first-time

القديسة تريزا ليسوع الطفل

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus

description

سأنحي مسألة إختلاف الدين جانبًا، فهذا الكتاب من أفضل كتب السيرة الذاتية التي قرأتها من قبل، أحببته للغاية ومازالت (قدّيستي) تريزا في البال إثر إنتهائي منه خلال الأسبوع الماضي إلى الآن، هنا مقالة مطولة عنها اختصرها صاحب المقال من كتابنا هذا، وهي تغني كثيرًا عن التمهيد لها ..

http://www.marnarsay.com/Santas/St.Te...

وقصتها مفعمة بالإيمان والبراءة والبساطة والتأمل والجمال النفسي وكل خصائص النفس الطيبة الوادعة، وكل ذلك جاء في سيرتها في أعلى درجات...more

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Aug 09, 2010 Carsten Thomsen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This autobiography by Saint Therese of Lisieux is worth reading if you want an honest insight to the life in a very strict monastery - this nun tells her story from the funny memories of childhood where her dream of becoming a nun is already formed - to her youth where she is so determined in her pursuit of this call that nothing can stop her - not even the pope :) - well it is a hard life with many dissapointments where she is struggling all the time with her emotions and feelings of envy or la...more

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Oct 24, 2010 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure about this book at first and had to dig way back to my Catholic upbringing to understand the terminology. I also think it helped that I spent 2 overnighters at a convent when I was a young (10 year old) girl, so I had a little sense of what life in a convent is like.

It's difficult for me to understand what she liked about this cloistered life except that her sisters were there and they were her mother figures. She lead a somewhat spoiled childhood and at times didn't seem extremel...more

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Nov 09, 2011 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars

Although the writing style was a bit hard to follow, reading the story Saint Therese of Lisieux has profoundly changed my life. Coming to an understanding of her "little way" through her eyes and reading about her devotion to Christ and of her self sacrifice, her humility, and her total love of God has been monumental to me and my salvation.

This summer I was working at a day camp held at a Catholic school named after St. Therese. During this time I was struggling with my faith. There was a book...more

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Apr 09, 2009 Emma rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: school

I am not finishing this book. Now that I have switched English classes, I do not plan on reading this again. As you an see, my feelings for this book have not changed. Everyone says how they admire Thérése so much. I just don't get it. She is extremely full of herself, and she is always crying at every little thing. She seems really spoiled, and it drives me crazy. Even when she says that she "did it for Jesus" she is still obsessed with herself. I just don't know what people like about her.

Ok....more

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Jul 23, 2012 Sean rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was a most helpful book in rediscovering the joy and simplicity of a love-relationship with your higher power. I actually have a little miracle story from this little saint: It was recommended to me on Amazon to read this book and I meant to have read her but never got to it. I ordered it online and it never came, I thought it was a mistake with the processing. A few days later at work I found a copy of this book in my boss' golf cart. He said a sister had left it behind and I cou...more

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Mar 18, 2008 Colleen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion

This short autobiography of a simple saint, St. Therese of Lisieux, gives hope to us all. She has shown us that we don't have to accomplish great things to be loved by God. She is the saint of "little things". Millions of copies of this book have been printed and spread across the world. It has been translated into more than 50 languages.

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Mar 23, 2013 Moise rated it 4 of 5 stars

"great love, not great deeds, is the essence of sanctity"
"He does not call those who are worthy, but those who He choses"
"My God, I choose all. I do not want to be a saint by halves. I am not afraid to suffer for You. I fear only one thing - that I should keep my own will. So take it, for I choose all that You will."
"The sun seemed to sink into the vastness of the ocean at the end of a path of light"
"But i am not going ti give every detail. Some things lose their fragrance when opened to the air...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Julie Davis rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book has been mentioned for a long time as one for the Elements of Faith group to tackle. I have high hopes of relating to Therese more than the first time around because I was sent the lovely Paraclete Heritage Edition. For one thing it is a new translation so I'm hoping that some of the sentimentality is toned down a bit. For another, I have always seen Therese's photo in the wimple. The photo featured on the cover of this book has so much more personality. In fact, she looks quite mischi...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Aatira Benn John rated it 5 of 5 stars

‘The Story of a Soul’

I do not know if I would be able to convey all the essential details of a book .
Before I venture into writing the book review, a few words about the author would serve as a pre-requisite to reading the book wholly and thus reaping its benefits. St.Theresa popularly called as
Little Flower was a French Carmelite Nun, born on January 2nd 1873 to saintly parents. She is
considered as one of the doctors of the church. How would the autobiography of a cloistered nun be
of use to a l...more

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Jun 06, 2011 Cara Ruegg rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

So I loved this. St. Therese is just such a gentle, kindhearted soul. One of my favorite saints, and mind you a very good writer. It was an easy read for the most part, but full of profound wisdom, and beautiful imagery. Her portrayal of her life was so well done, and so engrossing, I devoured the book rather quickly.

I recommend this book to anyone, and everyone, even those who aren't Catholic/Christian, mainly b/c it is such a good book. Anybody would enjoy it.

Favorite quote: "Jesus, you are...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Ina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, christian, catholicism

I found this book to be okay. In the case of the narrative's sentimentality, I maintain that it is one of the charms of the book, making it more personal, as if she is talking to you instead of writing a classic spiritual heavyweight. As much as I wanted to enjoy and gain insight from the autobiography, however, I've found that most of the concepts she relates are very similar to the teachings of St. Josemaria Escriva, which I've grown up with, so reading the book simply feels like a recall to m...more

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Aug 19, 2012 Latisha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Beautifully moving and regardless of her age at time of death, her little way is extraordinary. Simplicity at it's finest yet incredibly challenging to live it. Young or old, anyone can find useful gems throughout her writing. As my confirmation saint, I hold a special place in my heart for her though I didn't "know" it was her I chose. The day of the Easter Vigil '12, I had not chosen a saint yet. I was handed a list of names and took but a second to choose 'Teresa' but I did hesitate for just...more

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Dec 09, 2011 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

"You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." This verse from Matthew 5:48 tells us we must all grow in holiness. Another way to say this is that we must all become more Christ-like in our thoughts, words, actions, relationships, deeds and everything else. After all, there's no one in heaven who's not a saint...something to think about. St. Therese of Lisieux teaches us in this book that we can offer ourselves up to be consumed by Christ's love and then share that love wit...more

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Sep 22, 2012 Cathy Frazier rated it 5 of 5 stars

Began reading this book a little begrudgingly as St. Therese of Lisieux just never really appealed to me. My opinion was that she was spoiled and had an easy life, so what would she have to offer me?

Well, this is one of my favorite books. The first few chapters I had to drag myself through, after that it was smooth sailing. She had such a practical and 'easy' outlook on life and holiness, very much like St. Josemaria Escriva - that it's through the small, every day events in our lives that we ca...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Alice rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christianity, classic, autobiography, 2013-must-reads

First things first, I'm not Catholic and I'm a missionary.

As the patron saint of missionaries, St Therese's way of following Jesus is profoundly humbling. A nun who never left her village, entered the convent at 15 and died at the young age of 24, she nevertheless had a burning passion to pray for the lost and missionary priests. But more than that, St Therese believe that she could never accomplish great spiritual or missionary tasks, but that the path of holiness could be taken in everyday, o...more

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Oct 21, 2011 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, biography, religion-faith

As a non-Catholic, I was very interested in this autobiography and writings of Saint Therese of Lisieux, the young Catholic nun who lived in the late 1800's and died at age 24.

The variations of her thoughts were fascinating to me. Things such as "I am most thankful to Our Lord that He let me find only bitterness in earthly friendships." and how she looked forward to her death and being with her Lord and spouse, "That day everything was little except the graces received - except my peace and joy...more As a non-Catholic, I was very interested in this autobiography and writings of Saint Therese of Lisieux, the young Catholic nun who lived in the late 1800's and died at age 24.

The variations of her thoughts were fascinating to me. Things such as "I am most thankful to Our Lord that He let me find only bitterness in earthly friendships." and how she looked forward to her death and being with her Lord and spouse, "That day everything was little except the graces received - except my peace and joy in gazing upon the beautiful star-lit sky at night, and thinking that soon I should fly away to Heaven and be united to my Divine Spouse amid eternal bliss."

Yet when someone asked her "How comes it that you can be so patient? You are ever the same - calm and full of joy." Her answer was, "It was not always the case with me, but since I have abandoned all though of self-seeking, I live the happiest life possible."

Some of her thoughts on the scriptures were also interesting: "In Heaven only shall we be in possession of the clear truth. On earth, even in matters of Holy Scripture, our vision is dim. It distresses me to see the differences in its translations, and had I been a Priest I would have learned Hebrew, so as to read the Word of God as He deigned to utter it in human speech."

Even her thoughts about nuns themselves were interesting: "The Apostles murmured against Magdalen. This still happens, for so do men murmur against us. Even some fervent Catholics think our ways are exaggerated, and that - with Martha- we ought to wait upon Jesus, instead of pouring out on Him the odorous ointment of our lives. Yet what does it matter if these ointment jars - our lives - be broken, since Our Lord is consoled, and the world in spite of itself is forced to inhale the perfumes they give forth?".

She seemed to desire, even cherish, suffering: "I give thanks to my Jesus for making me walk in darkness, and in this darkness I enjoy profound peace. Willingly to I consent to remain through all my religious life in this gloomy passage into which He has led me. I desire only that my darkness may obtain light for sinners. I am content, nay, full of joy, to be without all consolation."

And as her death at a young age appeared to be approaching, she wrote to another "Brother, I am so happy to die! Yes, happy...not because I shall be free from suffering: on the contrary, suffering, combined with love seems the one thing worth of desire in this vale of tears: but happy to die because far more than on earth I shall help the souls I hold dear."

Yet in the end, her motto was "Love is Repaid by Love Alone."(less)

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Jan 11, 2013 Andres Mosquera Salazar rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography-autobiography, spiritual

Esta autobiografía es bellísima; más allá de que la lectura es agradable, el contenido es muy rico. En este libro podemos conocer perfectamente la esencia de esta Santa que murió a los veinte cuatro años por tuberculosis. Santa Teresa de Lisieux, a través de esta autobiografía, expone la pureza de su alma, ese deseo tan grande servir siempre a Dios (desde querer responder pronto a su llamado al Carmelo, hasta ansiar rápidamente la muerte).

Definitivamente, no puedes ser la misma persona después...more

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Jan 13, 2011 Bonnie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: inspirational, bibliography, 2011

This book was truly a story of the soul and not a story of the life of St. Therese of Lisieux. I greatly admire the simplicity she desired and her love for God and the church. Everything she did, from the early age of 3 until the age of 15 was in preparation for entering the Carmel as the youngest to enter the Carmel of Lisieux. Her determination to enter could not be stopped - even by the Pope himself.

Not being Catholic there were a few bumps of understanding to hurdle but the general translati...more

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Nov 18, 2010 Maria M. Elmvang rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, 3-stars, biographies, christian, non-fiction, owned

I put this book on my to-read list after having heard and read Gretchen Rubin (of "The Happiness Project"-fame) rave about it in her book and on her blog. I was fascinated, and it was cheap, so I thought "Why not."

It was an odd book to read though, because though I found it extremely difficult to relate to St. Therese, I was still touched by her simplicity - for want of better word. I don't mean that in a condescending way. She was honestly satisfied with loving Jesus and asked for nothing more...more

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Aug 12, 2010 Elisha rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Catholics and people with and open mind

Recommended to Elisha by: My mom

This book has slowly grown on me. The first time I tried to read it I was appalled. St Therese seemed like a spoiled little girl determined to torment herself by hoping for the conversation of impossible sinners. Now years later as I read the book it’s completely different to me. First I think it’s important to remember that this book was originally written only for her and her sisters (physical and spiritual), each section is either in the form of a personal manuscript or a letter. To her (espe...more

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Aug 16, 2009 Georgiana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: inspirational, non-fiction, religion

p. 70 He also gave me to understand that my own glory wouldn't be apparent to mortal eyes, that it would consist in becoming a great Saint!!!...This desire might seem foolhardy if one were to consider how weak and imperfect I was, and how much I still am after seven years spent in the religious life, but nonetheless I still feel the same audacious confidence that I'll become a great Saint. That's because I'm not counting on my merits, since I have none, but I hope in the One who is Virtue, Holin...more

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Jul 17, 2009 Wayne added it Recommends it for: ?????

Recommended to Wayne by: my older sister Dianne

Shelves: french-classics, re-reads, memoirs-biography, religion

I first read this book as a young monk.
And then EVERYTHING about her I could lay my hands on!!!
Later as a retired Catholic I visited Lisieux and the convent where Therese lived and died.
Revisiting this book after so many years fills me with curiosity and is something I'd like to do before the lights go out.I am interested in my response now when I have done some 180 degree turns in some areas of my life.
I hesitate to award any star rating yet - not fair to me or the book.
But I do recall two th...more

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About Thérèse de Lisieux

Thérèse de Lisieux (2 January 1873 – 30 September 1897), or Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, born Marie-Françoise-Thérèse Martin, was a French Carmelite nun. She is also known as "The Little Flower of Jesus". She was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church May 17, 1925.

She felt an early call to religious life, and overcoming various obstacles, in 1888 at the early age of 15, beca...more Thérèse de Lisieux (2 January 1873 – 30 September 1897), or Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, born Marie-Françoise-Thérèse Martin, was a French Carmelite nun. She is also known as "The Little Flower of Jesus". She was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church May 17, 1925.

She felt an early call to religious life, and overcoming various obstacles, in 1888 at the early age of 15, became a nun and joined two of her older sisters in the enclosed Carmelite community of Lisieux, Normandy. After nine years as a Carmelite religious, having fulfilled various offices, such as sacristan and novice mistress, and having spent the last eighteen months in Carmel in a night of faith, she died of tuberculosis at the age of 24. The impact of her posthumous publications, including her memoir The Story of a Soul was great, and she rapidly became one of the most popular saints of the twentieth century. Pope Pius XI made her the star of his pontificate. She was beatified in 1923, and canonized in 1925. The speed of this process may be seen by comparison with that applied to a great heroine of Thérèse, Joan of Arc, who died in 1431 but was not canonized until 1920. Thérèse was declared co-patron of the missions with Francis Xavier in 1927, and named co-patron of France with Joan of Arc in 1944. On 19 October 1997 Pope John Paul II declared her the thirty-third Doctor of the Church, the youngest of all Doctors of the Church, and only the third woman Doctor. Devotion to Thérèse has developed around the world.

Thérèse lived a hidden life and 'wanted to be unknown' yet through her writings—as well as her spiritual autobiography she left letters, poems, religious plays, prayers and various notes, and her last conversations were recorded by her sisters—and thanks to the photographs taken inside the Lisieux Carmel by her sister Céline, she became known to, and later seen by, millions of men and women. According to one of her biographers, Guy Gaucher, after her death, "Thérèse fell victim to an excess of sentimental devotion which betrayed her. She was victim also to her language, which was that of the late nineteenth century and flowed from the religiosity of her age." Thérèsè herself said on her death-bed : "I only love simplicity. I have a horror of pretence", and she spoke out against some of the Lives of saints written in her day :" We should not say improbable things, or things we do not know. We must see their real, and not their imagined lives." The critic Marina Warner observed that the excesses sometimes associated with her cult should not blind one to the heroism of her, "struggle to be good, and the radical affirmation of ordinary lives that her sainthood stands for."

The depth of her spirituality, of which she said "my way is all confidence and love," has inspired many believers. In the face of her littleness and nothingness, she trusted in God to be her sanctity. She wanted to go to Heaven by an entirely new little way. "I wanted to find an elevator that would raise me to Jesus." The elevator, she wrote, would be the arms of Jesus lifting her in all her littleness.

The Basilica of Lisieux is the second greatest place of pilgrimage in France after Lourdes.(less)

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Books by Thérèse de Lisieux

St. Therese of Lisieux: Her Last Conversations

The Letters of St. Therese of Lisieux, Vol. I: 1877-1890

The Poetry of Saint Therese of Lisieux (Critical Edition of the Complete Works of Saint Therese of Lisieux) (Centenary Edition 1873-1973)

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“I know now that true charity consists in bearing all our neighbors'defects--not being surprised at their weakness, but edified at their smallest virtues.” — 14 people liked it

“And it is the Lord, it is Jesus, Who is my judge. Therefore I will try always to think leniently of others, that He may judge me leniently, or rather not at all, since He says: "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged.” — 14 people liked it

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