*We highlight these Saints to inspire our students and contribute to their growth in Catholic education by fostering understanding and appreciation for Catholic values and teachings. We encourage parents to share the stories of these Saints with their children to deepen their spirituality and motivate them to live their faith with conviction, following the examples of these admired role models.*
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, is a French Catholic nun who achieved widespread recognition for her profound spiritual writings and her extraordinary example of holiness. She is often referred to as “The Little Flower,” due to her describing herself as a little flower in the garden of the Church. She is revered for her simplicity, devotion, and the practice of her “Little Way.”
Thérèse Martin was born on January 2, 1873, in Alençon, France. Her father, St. Louis Martin, was a watchmaker, and her mother, St. Zélie Martin, was a lacemaker. Thérèse was raised in an incredibly kind, gentle, and devout family who set the foundation for her intense devotion to Jesus. She is the youngest of nine children, five of whom survived infancy. Zélie died of breast cancer when Thérèse was only four years old. Following her mother’s death, her father moved the family to Lisieux, where Thérèse would spend the majority of her life.
“Jesus points out to me the only way which leads to Love’s furnace – that way is self-surrender – it is the confidence of the little child who sleeps without fear in its father’s arms.”
Saint Therese of Lisieux
From an early age, Thérèse displayed a deep and sensitive nature. She experienced her first conversion at the age of 14 when she went on a pilgrimage to Rome with her father and sister, Céline. It was during this pilgrimage that she felt a strong calling to religious life. Thérèse sought admission to the Carmelite convent from the Pope, but was initially turned away due to her young age. She persisted and was allowed to enter by the Pope 1888, at the age of 15, taking the religious name “Thérèse of the Child Jesus.”
Thérèse’s spirituality is characterized by her “Little Way,” a path to holiness that emphasized simplicity, humility, and childlike trust in God. She believes that one could achieve sanctity by performing small acts of love and kindness in their daily life. Her autobiography, “The Story of a Soul,” which she wrote under obedience to her superiors, introduced her “Little Way” to the world. In this work, she describes her life and her profound relationship with God.
Thérèse’s life is marked by suffering. She suffered from tuberculosis, which eventually took her life. During her illness, she continued to practice her “Little Way,” embracing her suffering as an offering to God. She passed away on September 30, 1897, at the age of 24. Her final words were reportedly, “My God, I love You!”
“How shall I show my love is proved by deeds? Well – the little child will strew flowers…she will embalm the Divine Throne with their fragrance, will sing with silvery voice the canticle of love.”
Saint Therese of Lisieux
After her death, Thérèse’s writings and spirituality gained widespread recognition. She was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1925, and was named a Doctor of the Church, a title reserved for saints who have made significant theological contributions. Her feast day is celebrated on October 1.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s legacy continues to inspire countless individuals around the world. Her “Little Way” has been embraced by many as a practical guide to living a life of love and devotion to God through simple acts of kindness and humility. Her autobiography, “The Story of a Soul,” is a classic of Catholic literature, and her intercession is sought by those in need of spiritual guidance and comfort.
FAMILY ACTIVITY: Talk with your kids about the importance of working St. Thérèse’s “Little Way” into their lives. Can they do things like pick up their sibling’s toys, or help with a chore, or make a small sacrifice like giving up screen time? The Martin family is a great model of Catholic family life. Follow their example by praying as a family. Say grace at meals, spend prayer time together each day, or pray the rosary together. Additionally, St. Thérèse’s autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” is a fantastic read for teens and adults! Finally, this episode of the Saints Alive Podcast is great for kids.