General Presentation of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as "the Little Thérèse" or "Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face," is one of the most popular spiritual figures in the Catholic Church. Born in 1873 in Alençon, she entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux at only 15 years old and led a life of prayer and sacrifice there. Despite her short life, she left a profound mark on Christian spirituality through her "little way," an approach to holiness based on love and small daily actions offered to God. Thérèse died at 24 from tuberculosis in 1897. She was canonized in 1925 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997.
Correspondence Table of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
| Role | Carmelite, Doctor of the Church |
| Patronage | Missions, France, florists |
| Feast Day | October 1st |
Symbols and Appearances of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Saint Thérèse is often depicted in Carmelite habit, holding a crucifix covered with roses. This symbol reflects her deep faith, her "little way," and her unconditional love for Christ. The roses are also linked to her promises to "make roses rain" from heaven after her death, meaning to grant graces to those who pray to her.
Myths of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Thérèse of Lisieux is best known for her "little way," a spirituality centered on simple and pure love for God. Although her life was marked by suffering, especially in her final years during which she endured a "dark night of faith" (moments of spiritual doubt), she remained faithful to her vocation of trust in God. Her fame quickly spread after her death thanks to her autobiography Story of a Soul. Saint Thérèse was declared patroness of missions, even though she never left the Carmelite convent, because of her burning desire to participate in evangelization through prayer.
