By John Petty, Catholic Editor
October has many notable feast days in the Catholic Church, including Jerome, Francis of Assisi, etc. A beloved saint–particularly in the modern period–St. Therese of Lisieux “The Little Flower” was celebrated on Oct. 1.
St. Therese of Lisieux – Photo by Wikipedia
“St. Therese put me on the right path to the Catholic Church through her intercession, and I will be forever grateful for that” Tomas Rampe said. “I still pray for her intercession to this day.”
St. Therese lived a very humble life, dying very young as a Carmelite Nun. Though not recognized for her life of holiness initially, she would later be recognized for her “Little Way”–that is–doing little acts of kindness with great love. She spoke of her reliance on Christ in her spiritual life, truly exemplifying childlike humility.
Pope Pius XII spoke highly of the Little Flower and her living of the Gospel.
Many Catholics pray a Novena (nine-day prayer for a specific intention) to St. Therese. While there are many different novenas for many different saints, St. Therese’s Novena is often associated with roses. Many Catholics recount the mysterious appearances of roses after praying this Novena, a small sign from heaven that Therese is interceding on one’s behalf.
Story of a Soul – Photo by John Petty
St. Therese authored “Story of a Soul”, a Catholic spiritual work that is largely influential in the lives of many Catholics to this day. Though Therese died at a very young age, she nevertheless made a huge impact on the spiritual life of many Christians.
In light of Therese’s great humility, her life is evidence that holiness can be very simple. This is perhaps why so many Catholics have a great devotion to her today. The spiritual life is not complex, cold and somber, but rather, simple, warm and lively.
