St. Thérèse was the youngest child in a large, devout, French family. In 1888, she entered the cloistered convent of the Discalced Carmelites at only 15 years old. After many years as de facto novice mistress, in charge of the formation of the entering novices, St. Thérèse died of tuberculosis at age 24. Her canonization came less than 30 years later, and she is only one of four female Doctors of the Church.
St. Thérèse is the only female Doctor who is not a mystic. Perhaps that is one of the deciding factors in her popularity today. We find her story, her spirituality more accessible. She never experienced stigmata or levitation. She did not subscribe to lengthy methods of corporal mortification or purgation. Her way was a Little Way. A way of complete trust in the benevolence of God.
On her deathbed, St. Thérèse made a solemn promise. “After my death, I will let fall a shower of roses. I will spend my heaven doing good upon earth.” Many have sought her aid and been answered. Not only with a resolution of their trial, but also with a literal rose!
Read on for more ways St. Thérèse can help you.
Amy from Prayer Wine Chocolate has had a special devotion to St. Thérèse for many years. I love how St. Thérèse involved Amy’s husband too!
After years of longing, waiting, and praying, God answered Amy’s prayers again! The fulfillment of those 80+ roses St. Thérèse sent to her in the first story.
Did you know the Holy Father has a long-standing devotion to his Santa Teresita? Read how she encouraged Pope Francis in his duties and took his pain away.
Create Good Deed Beads modeled after the Little Flower’s own sacrifice beads. These are a useful tool adults & children can use to remember to serve one another.
Make paper roses with your children. Together you can share St. Thérèse’s shower of roses with others!
Begin a novena to St. Thérèse on her feast day, October 1st. I will be praying for God to expand our family. Let me know how I can pray for you too!
I’m kicking off a whole month of St Thérèse. Email subscribers will receive the above digital download throughout the month of October. I will post in-depth book reviews of my favorite books on the Little Flower here on the blog. You can read more stories of lives touched and hearts renewed on Facebook. Even Instagram will get a little sprinkle of roses with an announcement on St. Thérèse’s feast day, October 1st! You don’t want to miss this 🙂
Read more Seven Quick Takes with Kelly at This Ain’t The Lyceum.