Did you know that this year marks the 100th anniversary of St. Thérѐse of Lisieux’s canonization? Beloved for her reflections in Story of a Soul, which has been translated into over 38 languages and sold millions of copies, she is known as one of the best-selling authors of all time. As we celebrate her memorial on October 1, we invite you to discover five facts about her life and legacy.
1. She was the daughter of a watchmaker.
Saint Thérѐse was born in the rural town of Alençon, France in 1873. Following in the footsteps of her four older sisters, she joined a Carmelite convent in Lisieux when she was 15. Though geographically removed from the rest of the world, Thérѐse would have a far-reaching impact on the faithful around the globe.
2. Her book Story of a Soul is one of the bestselling books of all time.
During her time at the convent, Thérèse wrote a spiritual guidebook called Story of a Soul, describing the path to sanctity and offering practical guidelines for holy living, with reflections from her own experience. In Thérѐse’s book, the path to sanctity is facilitated through a constant awareness of God’s presence in all that one does – something she called “the Little Way.” Thérѐse carried this character of “littleness” into her own self-perception, viewing herself as ordinary – a “Little Flower” – but treasured by God. With millions of copies printed in over 38 languages, this book is now one of the top bestsellers of all time.
3. She only lived to be 24.
Thérѐse was plagued by tuberculosis, but she didn’t let that stop her from dedicating herself to spiritual reflection and service. The majority of Story of a Soul was written in the last 18 months of her life, a time of immense pain for her. In the face of severe physical suffering, Thérѐse displayed steadfast faithfulness, seeing herself serving a “vocation of love.” Today, her works of spiritual guidance continue to strengthen the devotion of the faithful around the world.
4. She is the patroness of missions.
Thérèse of Lisieux was canonized in 1925, and in 1927, Pope Pius declared her the Universal Patron of Missions along with Saint Francis Xavier. Over eight decades later, in 2015, St. Thérèse’s parents became the first spouses to be canonized as a couple.
5. She is the youngest person to be designated a Doctor of the Church.
She received this title on October 19, 1997, and is one of only four women to have the designation. In the Basilica, you can find St. Thérèse portrayed in the west portico, the Mount Carmel Chapel, and in an oratory.
The relationship of the “Little Flower” to the Basilica is a special one. In 1923, Fr. McKenna, the first director of the Basilica, visited the monastery in Lisieux, France and spoke with one of Thérèse’s sisters, who was also a Carmelite nun, and promised to pray for the success of the National Shrine. Fr. McKenna gave a photograph of the Shrine to the Mother Superior, which she hung in the cell once occupied by St. Thérèse. Fr. McKenna again visited the convent at Lisieux in 1925, the year of her canonization. At the chapel of “the Little Flower” in the convent church, Fr. McKenna offered Mass for the success of the Basilica.
At the Basilica This Fall: St. Thérèse of Lisieux Exhibit and Relics
Did you know that starting on November 20, the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux will be at the National Shrine for three days as part of a nationwide tour celebrating the 100th anniversary of her canonization? In anticipation of the relics’ arrival, we recently opened a new exhibit highlighting the history of St. Thérèse, her canonization, her connection to the National Shrine, and more. Learn more about the relics and the special exhibit now being offered at the Basilica!
Sources:
Butler’s Lives of Saints, ed. Bernard Bangley.
Rohling, Geraldine M., PhD, MAEd. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: Guide and Tour Book. Washington, D.C.: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 2018.
“St. Thérèse of Lisieux,” Britannica.
“The Life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux,” the Vatican.
The Way of Saints, Dr. Tom Cowan.
Banner image accessed via Wikimedia: Portrait of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux in the Carmelite Convent’s inner courtyard. Public Domain. Additional image accessed on Wikimedia: Portrait of Saint Thérèse, age seven. Public Domain.
