St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as the ‘Little Flower,’ is a beloved saint of the Catholic Church. She is known for her spirituality, writings, and her ‘Little Way’ of holiness. Her life and teachings continue to inspire people all over the world, making her one of the most popular saints of the modern era.
Born in 1873 in Alençon, France, St. Therese entered the Carmelite monastery in Lisieux at the young age of 15. Despite her short life, she left a profound impact on the Church and the world through her simple yet powerful spirituality. She believed that holiness was not reserved for the great and extraordinary, but rather attainable for everyone through small and ordinary actions.
The ‘Little Way’ of St. Therese is based on her understanding of Jesus’ call to become like little children in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. She saw herself as a little child in the eyes of God, dependent and trusting in His love and mercy. She believed that by doing small acts of love and selflessness in our daily lives, we can grow in holiness and draw closer to God.
St. Therese’s ‘Little Way’ is a path to holiness that is accessible to anyone, regardless of their background, education, or abilities. It is not about grand gestures or heroic sacrifices, but rather about doing ordinary things with extraordinary love. As she famously said, ‘What matters in life is not great deeds, but great love.’
One of the most significant aspects of the ‘Little Way’ is its emphasis on the present moment. St. Therese believed that God’s love and grace are available to us in every moment, and it is up to us to open our hearts and receive it. She encouraged people to live in the present and to trust in God’s providence, rather than worrying about the past or the future.
St. Therese’s ‘Little Way’ also teaches us the importance of humility and simplicity. She saw herself as a small and insignificant flower in God’s garden, and yet, she knew that even the smallest flower has a purpose and a beauty that brings joy to others. She reminds us that we are all unique and loved by God, and it is through our small and humble actions that we can make a difference in the world.
St. Therese’s life and teachings have touched the hearts of millions of people, and her ‘Little Way’ has become a source of inspiration and comfort for many. Her autobiography, ‘The Story of a Soul,’ has been translated into countless languages and has been read by people of all ages and walks of life. Her feast day, October 1st, is celebrated by Catholics around the world, and her intercession is sought by many who turn to her for guidance and help in their spiritual journey.
Inspired by her story, I myself visited her home in France, walking through the rooms in which this special saint grew up. I also visited the church she attended, the chapel in which her body rests, and the great cathedral that has since been built in Lisieux, in memory of her. To walk in her footsteps gave me a real sense of her presence.
St. Therese’s message of simplicity, humility, and childlike trust in God is a timeless one, especially in a world that often values success, material possessions, and self-promotion. She reminds us that true happiness and fulfilment can only be found in God, and that our ultimate goal in life should be to love God and serve God in whatever way we can, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
St. Therese of Lisieux’s ‘Little Way’ is a beautiful and practical approach to living a life of holiness. Her example and teachings continue to inspire people to this day, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue for generations to come. As we strive to follow in her footsteps, may we always remember her words, ‘I will spend my heaven doing good on earth,’ and may we too, become little flowers in God’s garden, spreading His love and joy to all those around us.
Worldwide Temple of Aurora 