St. Thérèse of Lisieux

St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897) — called "The Little Flower" — is one of the most beloved saints of the modern era: a French Carmelite nun who died of tuberculosis at 24, whose spiritual autobiography Story of a Soul and "Little Way" of spiritual childhood have made her one of the most popular and accessible saints in the Church. She is a Doctor of the Church and patron of missions (CCC 826).

The Little Way

Thérèse's spiritual contribution is her "Little Way" — the conviction that holiness does not require great achievements or dramatic penances, but consists in doing small things with great love, in total trust in God's mercy, like a child trusting completely in a father. She wrote: "I am too little to climb the rough stairway of perfection... I will search for some means of going to Heaven by a little way." This "little way" is the way of spiritual childhood — the way of total trust in God's love (CCC 2015).

Her Life

Thérèse Martin entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux at the age of 15 after special permission from Rome. She lived an ordinary convent life, hidden and obscure. She was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1896 and died in 1897 at the age of 24, her last words: "My God, I love you!" Her autobiography, written under obedience, was published after her death and became an immediate spiritual sensation worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is she a Doctor of the Church if she died so young? The title "Doctor of the Church" is given for the depth, breadth, and importance of a saint's spiritual teaching — not for academic credentials or length of life. Thérèse's teaching on spiritual childhood and trust in God's merciful love has proven of enormous pastoral and theological importance (CCC 2015).