Spiritual Classics

The Story of a SoulSt. Theresa of Lisieux

Background

• Born Marie-Françoise-Thérèse Martin on Rue Saint-Blaise, Alençon.

• Daughter of Blessed Marie-Azélie Guérin (a lacemaker) and Blessed Louis Martin (a jeweler and watchmaker).

• All 5 of their surviving daughters became nuns.

Background

• French Carmelite nun.

• Died of tuberculosis in 1897 at the age of twenty-four.

• Under obedience to religious superiors, composed her autobiography.

• (Sat in drawer for months after completion)

Background

• “I had the greatest difficulty in learning by heart; only at catechism were my efforts crowned with success...

• The Chaplain call me his little ‘Doctor of Theology.’”

• Declared a “Doctor of the Church” by Pope John Paul II on October 19, 1997 (Apostolic Letter Divini Amoris Scientia (The Science of Divine Love).

• One of only four women so named (Teresa of Ávila (Saint Teresa of Jesus), Hildegard of Bingen and Catherine of Siena).

Application

• Provides alternative to complex/complicated 19th century programs of spiritual growth.

• Master of analogy:• Able to intuit divine significance of common

happenings • Make connections between trivial and

transcendent.

Quotes from “the “Little Way”

• I wanted to find a elevator which would raise me to Jesus...

• I am too small to climb the rough stairway of perfection.

• One could cross the river of life by wading the river..... or one could simply “Cross the Bridge” already provided.

Quotes from “the “Little Way”

• “I was far from meriting all the graces which Our Lord showered on my. I had a constant and ardent desire to advance in virtue, but often my actions were spoilt by imperfections.

• My extreme sensitiveness made me almost unbearable. I simply could not correct myself of this miserable fault...”

Quotes from “the “Little Way”

• ...(but) in an instant Out Lord, satisfied with my good will, accomplished the work I had not been able to do during all these years.

• Like the Apostle I could say: “Master we have laboured all night, and have taken nothing.” He made me a fishier of men.

“the Little way”

• Perfection consists of doing God’s will, in being what he will us to be.”

• Doing ordinary tasks ... with extraordinary love.

• Harness insignificant events as crucial tools to demonstrate love.

Mystical Theology

• “One day I expressed surprise that God does not give an equal amount of glory to all the elect in heaven - - I was afraid that they would not all be quite happy.”

• “I understood that there are many degrees of holiness.”

“the Little way”

• “My folly is this: to trust that your love will accept me.”

• Story of the sowing basket: “I choose everything!”

The Story of a SoulSt. Theresa of Lisieux

End of Presentation