Thérèse of Lisieux, French nun and saint (d. 1897)

Thérèse of Lisieux (French: Thérèse de Lisieux [te.ʁɛz də li.zjø]), born Marie Françoise-Thérèse Martin on January 2, 1873, in Alençon, France, and passing away on September 30, 1897, in Lisieux, was a profoundly influential French Catholic Discalced Carmelite nun. Renowned globally, she is widely recognized as Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face (Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus et de la Sainte Face). In English-speaking countries, she is affectionately known as "The Little Flower of Jesus" or simply "The Little Flower," while in France, she is often referred to as "la petite Thérèse" (little Thérèse).

Despite her short life, Thérèse’s spiritual legacy has made her one of the most beloved and impactful saints in the history of the Church, often mentioned alongside St. Francis of Assisi for her universal appeal. Her approach to the spiritual life, characterized by its simplicity and profound practicality, has served as an enduring model of sanctity for millions, transcending denominational boundaries. Pope Pius X, recognizing her extraordinary influence, famously declared her "the greatest saint of modern times," a testament to the timeless relevance of her teachings.

Her Enduring Legacy: The "Little Way"

At the heart of Saint Thérèse's immense spiritual influence lies her unique and transformative doctrine known as "The Little Way" (La petite voie). This spiritual path offers a profound yet accessible roadmap to holiness, emphasizing trust, humility, and the diligent performance of small, everyday actions with immense love. It counters the notion that extraordinary deeds are required for sanctity, proposing instead that even the most mundane tasks can become acts of profound spiritual significance when imbued with divine love.

What is "The Little Way"?

The "Little Way" is essentially a path of spiritual childhood, a complete reliance on God's merciful love, much like a child relies on its parents. Key tenets include:

Through her autobiography, "Story of a Soul" (L'Histoire d'une Âme), published posthumously, Thérèse meticulously articulated these principles, making her deep spiritual insights available to the wider world. This book has inspired countless individuals to pursue holiness in their ordinary lives.

A Doctor of the Church

Recognizing the profound theological depth and universal applicability of her teachings, Pope John Paul II declared Saint Thérèse of Lisieux a Doctor of the Church on October 19, 1997. She was only the third woman to receive this prestigious title, joining Saint Teresa of Ávila and Saint Catherine of Siena. This rare designation signifies that her writings and teachings are considered to be of outstanding theological importance, providing an authoritative guide for the entire Church, particularly concerning the path to holiness for ordinary believers.

A Life Dedicated to God

Thérèse's life, though brief, was marked by an unwavering dedication to God from a very early age.

Early Call and Entry into Carmel

Even as a young girl, Thérèse felt an intense call to religious life. Her desire to enter the cloistered Carmelite monastery in Lisieux was exceptionally strong, yet she faced significant obstacles due to her tender age. After being initially refused by the superior of the Lisieux Carmel and the Bishop of Bayeux, she took the audacious step of personally appealing to Pope Leo XIII during a pilgrimage to Rome in 1887. Despite strict instructions not to speak, she bravely pleaded with the Pontiff for permission to enter Carmel at 15. Her perseverance ultimately bore fruit, and in 1888, at the remarkably young age of 15, she was permitted to enter the Carmelite order, joining two of her older sisters, Marie and Pauline, who were already nuns there. Another sister, Céline, later also entered the same community, creating a unique familial bond within the cloister.

The Spiritual Ordeal: Night of Faith

During her nine years as a Carmelite religious, where she diligently fulfilled various duties such as sacristan and assistant to the novice mistress, Thérèse experienced a profound spiritual trial in the last eighteen months of her life. This period, often referred to as "the night of faith," was characterized by intense spiritual darkness and desolation. She experienced a tormenting absence of the palpable presence of Jesus and was assailed by severe doubts concerning the existence of heaven and God. Far from a loss of faith, this was a mystical participation in the suffering of atheists and those who doubt, a profound spiritual solidarity that she offered for their salvation. Despite this inner agony, she clung to faith with heroic determination, continuing to live out her "Little Way" with unwavering trust in God's mercy.

Thérèse’s physical health deteriorated rapidly during this period. She contracted tuberculosis, a prevalent and often fatal disease in the late 19th century, which she bore with remarkable patience and spiritual strength until her death on September 30, 1897, at the age of 24. Her final words, "My God, I love you!", encapsulated her life's devotion.

Global Veneration and Pilgrimage

Saint Thérèse’s enduring appeal extends worldwide, making her one of the most universally recognized and venerated saints. Her feast day, originally observed on October 3rd from her beatification in 1927, was moved to October 1st in 1969 as part of the revision of the General Roman Calendar, allowing for a more prominent celebration. The Basilica of Lisieux, built in her honor and consecrated in 1954, stands as a monumental testament to her global impact. It is the second most popular place of pilgrimage in France, surpassed only by the Marian shrine of Lourdes, drawing millions of pilgrims annually seeking inspiration from her life and intercession.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Who was Saint Thérèse of Lisieux?
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, born Marie Françoise-Thérèse Martin, was a French Catholic Discalced Carmelite nun (1873-1897) widely known for her "Little Way" of spiritual childhood and her profound influence on Catholic spirituality. She is also known as "The Little Flower of Jesus."
What is "The Little Way"?
"The Little Way" is Saint Thérèse's spiritual doctrine emphasizing that holiness can be achieved not through heroic deeds, but by performing ordinary, everyday actions with extraordinary love, humility, and complete trust in God's merciful love.
Why is she called a "Doctor of the Church"?
Saint Thérèse was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II in 1997 because of the exceptional theological depth, universal appeal, and enduring importance of her spiritual teachings, particularly those found in her autobiography, "Story of a Soul." This title signifies her as an authoritative teacher for the entire Church.
What was the "night of faith"?
The "night of faith" refers to a period during the last 18 months of Saint Thérèse's life characterized by profound spiritual darkness, where she experienced an intense absence of the perceived presence of God and struggled with doubts about faith, heaven, and God's existence. This was not a loss of faith, but a mystical suffering in solidarity with those who doubt.
Where can I learn more about Saint Thérèse?
The primary source for learning about Saint Thérèse is her autobiography, "Story of a Soul." Pilgrimages to the Basilica of Lisieux in France also offer deep insight into her life and spirituality.