Thérèse de Lisieux
Thérèse de Lisieux: A Life of Devotion and Spiritual Guidance
Full Name and Common Aliases
Thérèse de Lisieux, also known as the Little Flower, was born Marie-Françoise-Thérèse Martin on January 2, 1873. Her family affectionately called her Thérèse or Thérésine.
Birth and Death Dates
January 2, 1873 - September 30, 1897
Nationality and Profession(s)
French Catholic nun and mystic
Early Life and Background
Thérèse was born in Alençon, France to Louis Martin and Zélie Guerin Martin. She was the youngest of five children, but her mother died when Thérèse was just 24 days old. Her father devoted himself to raising their daughters alone.
In 1886, at the age of 13, Thérèse joined the Carmelite convent in Lisieux as a boarder pupil. After two years, she decided to become a nun and entered the convent on April 9, 1890. She chose the name Marie of the Sacred Heart, but was later authorized to be known as Thérèse of the Child Jesus.
Major Accomplishments
Thérèse's life was marked by her deep spiritual devotion and commitment to her faith. She developed a unique approach to spirituality, emphasizing the importance of loving others through small acts of kindness and charity. Her "little way" encouraged individuals to focus on their own limitations and weaknesses rather than striving for grand accomplishments.
Notable Works or Actions
Thérèse's most famous work is her autobiography, _Story of a Soul_, which she dictated while in the convent. The book provides an intimate look at her spiritual journey and offers practical advice on how to deepen one's faith.
During her lifetime, Thérèse suffered from poor health and underwent several surgeries. Despite these challenges, she continued to write and share her insights with others.
Impact and Legacy
Thérèse's life has had a profound impact on the Catholic Church and beyond. She was beatified in 1925 and canonized as a saint in 1927. Her legacy is characterized by her emphasis on the importance of humility, love, and service to others.
The Carmelite convent where Thérèse lived has become a major pilgrimage site for those seeking spiritual guidance and solace. Her feast day, October 1st, is celebrated with great devotion by Catholics worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Thérèse's words and teachings continue to inspire millions of people around the world. She is widely quoted for her wisdom on love, faith, and spirituality. Her quotes emphasize the importance of living a simple, humble life focused on serving others.
As Saint Thérèse de Lisieux, she has become an iconic figure in Catholicism, representing the values of compassion, kindness, and devotion to God. Her life serves as a reminder that even the smallest acts of love can have a profound impact on those around us.
Thérèse's legacy extends beyond her own lifetime, influencing generations of spiritual seekers, writers, and artists. Her "little way" continues to inspire people from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions to live more meaningful lives.
Quotes by Thérèse de Lisieux
Thérèse de Lisieux's insights on:
The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.
For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.
Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.
El amor verdadero se alimenta de sacrificios. Cuanto más se niega el alma las satisfacciones naturales, tanto más desinteresado se vuelve su cariño.Al amar a Cristo, el corazón se ensancha y puede dar incomparablemente más cariño a los que le son queridos que si se hubiera concentrado en un amor egoísta e infructuoso.
Al comienzo de mi vida espiritual, hacia los trece o catorce años, me preguntaba qué más podría adquirir en lo sucesivo, pues creía que me era imposible comprender mejor la perfección. Pronto reconocí que cuanto más se adelanta en este camino, tanto más lejos del término se cree uno, y por eso ahora me resigno a verme siempre imperfecta y en eso encuentro mi alegría.
La verdadera sabiduría consiste en «querer ser ignorado y tenido por nada» –en «gozar en el desprecio de sí»–. Yo quería que, como el de Jesús, «mi rostro estuviera verdaderamente escondido y que nadie en la tierra pudiera reconocerme». Tenía sed de sufrir y de ser olvidada.
Lo principal que descubre Santa Teresita es que a Dios no se le conquista. A Dios, se le acepta. Él se da. «Él se quiere reservar para sí la dulzura de dar» (C 121). A nosotros nos toca respetarle, aceptarle desde nuestra pequeñez y debilidad. Nuestra misión es la de ser sencillos e insignificantes como «una gotita de rocío». Para llenar esta misión es «necesario permanecer sencilla».
We must despise all these temptations and pay no attention whatsoever to them.