Sainte Thérèse de Lisieux, also known as "The Little Flower," was a French Carmelite nun. She is famous for her autobiography, "The Story of a Soul," which chronicles her spiritual journey and her devotion to God. This year marks the 150th anniversary of her birth and the centenary of her beatification in 1923, a very good reasons for one to visit Lisieux.
Marie Françoise-Thérèse Martin was born on January 2, 1873, in Alencon, Normandy, into a devout Catholic family. Her mother died when she was only four years old, and Thérèse developed a strong bond with her older sister, Pauline, who later entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux. When Thérèse was 15 years old, she joined the Carmelite convent herself. Although she struggled at first with the strict rules and routines of the religious life, eventually she found solace in her devotion to God becoming well known for her humility and simplicity.
Thérèse's spiritual journey was marked by a deep longing for God and a desire to serve Him. She saw herself as a small flower in God's garden, and she believed that her role was simply to love Him and to do His will. She wrote, "My way is all confidence and love". Unfortunately, Thérèse's health began to decline, and she was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1896. Despite her illness, she continued to write until her death on September 30, 1897.
Thérèse's writings were published posthumously, and she became known as a "saint for ordinary people". Her simple, childlike faith and her devotion to God inspired many which ultimately lead to her beatification in 1923 and subsequent canonization by the Catholic Church two years later.
Thérèse's message of love and trust in God continues to resonate with people today. She is considered one of the most popular and beloved saints in the Catholic Church, and her autobiography has been translated into many languages having been read by millions of people around the world.
For those of you planning to spend a few days in Normandy this year, Lisieux is definetly a place worth visiting. In a world dominated by anger and unrest, this will come as well-deserved break. Furthermore, if you want to know more about the ceremonies scheduled for this year visit: https://www.therese-de-lisieux.catholique.fr/en/2022/12/02/2023-jubiles-de-la-naissance-et-de-la-beatification-de-sainte-therese/