Everything is Grace: The Life and Way of Therese of Lisieux

by Joseph F. Schmidt

Therese of Lisieux has been called the greatest saint of modern times, but some view her spirituality as sentimental and syrupy. Joseph F. Schmidt, FSC, dispels that notion by contending that Therese's little way is really the gospel message a message that can best be understood in the context of her life. Schmidt does a masterful job of weaving together biographical details with Therese's profound insights on God's love and mercy. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants an introduction to Therese's spirituality as well as for those who desire a deeper appreciation of her little way--a way that continues to speak to Catholics today. Includes photographs of Therese as a young girl and throughout her life.

Genres: Spirituality, Catholic, Faith, Nonfiction, Biography, Religion, Theology

334 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2007

Reviews

[Cecilia Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read story of a soul and want to understand Therese’s teachings more deeply, this book is incredible

[Diego Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es mi 7mo libro de Teresa de Lisieux (su vida o espiritualidad) y este está en mi top 3 yo creo…

Demasiado insight a su vida, mucha luz espiritual y nueva información. Dios es BUENO, este es el camino. No hay otra verdad.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reason for Reading: After having read Story of a Soul, my priest (who is a Carmelite) recommended I read a book *about* her next to get a deeper understanding of Therese within the framework of her times.

This book is a biography of St. Therese's life starting with the background of her parents and how they met and married and ending with an Epilogue which tells us what happened to her other biological sisters and when they died. But the core of the book is not really to tell Therese's life story but to tell her spiritual story. How she was blessed by the Spirit at such an early age, 3, and from then how her spirituality grew. It describes her inner turmoils as she realizes certain faults within herself and sets to correct them each as they appear to her as such, as early on, she struggled with self recognition. Therese grew up in a time when the world focused much on the wrath off God and a God who punished those who strayed from the path. Therese herself could not find this God in the Gospel and she truly followed the words of Jesus and though very difficult for herself, put them into action in everything she tried to do. Therese realized that she, herself, was only one small person, one who would not do grand things but she also believed this was how God had created her, and many others as well. It was from this that her "Little Way" of living life according to the Gospel came about.

This book is a slow read. It is a font of information on Therese, the Carmelites (at that time), the practice of the Faith in that era, etc. It is also a fantastic insight into how Therese's teachings actually impacted the Church and how we can practice the faith of love according to Jesus now. One impact Therese had was that in her time Communion was not a regular occurrence, she saw how Jesus had intended this grace to be available to us much more frequently and she wrote much about wanting to receive daily Communion. The book backs up everything with many, many quotes from various source materials: all of Therese's writings including Story of a Soul, her letters, poems and plays. Along with her own written material included is quotes from published memoirs of her sisters and others who had known her in her lifetime and other authoritative books about her, her teachings and her relationships. A very full, complete book. One thing I particularly liked is that the book starts with a Part One which in approximately 50 pages attempts to sum up the teachings of St. Therese, why they should be followed, how they are a wonderful way to live life according to the Gospels and how she became canonized and eventually made a doctor of the church.

This book is perfect for anyone who want to know more about St. Therese herself and her "Little Way". It will also be helpful to those who have read Story of a Soul and come away thinking it is very simplistic. Therese had a wiseness way beyond her years and yet expressed herself as any innocent young 20-odd year old would and this book looks deep inside her simple words. A wonderfully spiritually satisfying read.

[Angel7]

Another amazing book about Saint Therese of Lisieux by Joseph F . Schmidt!! He chronicles in detail her life from birth to death, supplemented by quotes from her "Story of a Soul," historical data, her letters, and quotes from the people who knew her. His purpose is to show how she developed her "Little Way" from a seed in childhood to a full spiritual practice at the time of her death. If you're a fan of Therese you will love the hundreds of details in this book. It is truly astounding. I can say this. This book will change everyone who reads it. That's a given. The message from Therese is that powerful.

[Deborah Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never liked, because I have been unable to relate to, Saint Therese. This book helped me overcome that dislike and has moved me to appreciate her.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m on a Therese of Lisieux binge, and wondering how I lived thirty-six years without hearing of her. She lived intensely and quietly, died young, and is “spending her heaven doing good upon earth” just as she hoped. Who could ask for a better way to have lived? Her story makes me think of the rhyme, “when I am gone/ how glad I will be/ that the candle of my life/ has been burned out for Thee.”

If you are unfamiliar with Therese of Lisieux, this book is a good place to start. If you have been long intrigued by her, this book's robust story-telling will confirm the wisdom of your fascination.

[Jillein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my most worthwhile and inspiring spiritual reads of the past year. I had a little difficulty getting into it at first, but later I took it in very small bites because St. Thérèse’s wisdom needs to be taken in small and savory bites. I had read The Story of the Soul twice before I picked up this book. Between those two readings, I became a Catholic. During confirmation I was asked to choose a Patron Saint, so I chose St. Thérèse because she was the only Catholic saint I was familiar with. I know now that God was in this. Her Little Way is the way for me.
I lived this book!

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was extremely informative and I finally feel like I understand who St. Therese was and why she is a saint. So much of her faith, explored in depth here by looking at her life and working through her writings and others' comments on Therese, touched my heart in ways I cannot explain. Beautiful soul. Wonderful book.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book on the spirituality of St. Therese! If you liked her autobiography then you'll love this one because it goes even deeper. But i would suggest it for those who haven't read 'Story of a Soul' anyway!

[Rocky Parra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book over the course of 15 days. It gives a beautiful snippet of St. Therese of Lisieux and her devotion to Christ. It is meant to be read over time and not quickly. I appreciate her mantra of doing smal acts of great love.

[Cassian Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written, clear, insightful book about the Little Flower.