St. Thérèse, also known as the “Little Flower of Jesus” lived a short, but blessed life as a Carmelite nun in France. Her prayerful and humble devotion has made her an inspiration to millions of people around the world.Marie Thérèse Martin was born at Alençon, France on January 2, 1873, the youngest of five daughters, in a model Christian home. Her father, Louis, was a watchmaker, and her mother, Zelie, was a lace maker. Her mother past away of breast cancer when Thérèse was four.
Thérèse was very emotional as a child and was often overwhelmed with emotion. A word of criticism or a small loss could send her into tears. Thérèse prayed for Jesus to stop these outbursts and she eventually developed an incredible force of will.
While still a child she felt the attraction of the cloister. At 14 she asked to enter the convent but the request was rejected. Unsatisfied, St. Thérèse went to the bishop, and eventually to Rome where she attempted to ask the Pope for his intervention. The Vicar General recognized her effort and intervened. At fifteen Thérèse obtained permission to enter the Carmel of Lisieux. For the next nine years she lived a very ordinary religious life.
While in the convent, she experienced loss and physical suffering. Despite these difficulties, she remained steadfast in her devotion to Christ and her sisters, and she never complained. She attained a very high degree of holiness by carrying out her ordinary daily duties with perfect fidelity, having a childlike confidence in God's providence and merciful love and being ready to be at the service of others at all times. She also had a great love of the Church and a zeal for the conversion of souls. She prayed especially for priests.
Thérèse developed tuberculosis and realized she was soon to die. Her suffering was so great her doctor could not believe it. Thérèse explained that it was impossible for her to suffer, because suffering had become sweet to her.
When her body was exhumed in 1910, it was said to smell sweetly of the Odor of Sanctity. She was canonized in 1925. St. Thérèse continues to intervene for those who suffer. Her devotion, “The Little Way” and her autobiography. “Story of a Soul” are among the most popular Catholic books in the world.
