St. Theresa Biography
Saint Theresa of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower,” was a French nun and Doctor of the Church. She was born in Alençon, France in 1873, the youngest of nine children. From a young age, Theresa had a deep love for God, and she felt a calling to become a nun.
In 1888, at the age of 15, Theresa entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux. Despite her youth and frail health, she embraced the life of a nun with great enthusiasm and devotion. Theresa is known for her writings, which include her autobiography, “The Story of a Soul,” and a collection of letters and poems that reveal the depth of her love for God and her deep spiritual insights.
Despite her short life, Theresa is remembered as one of the greatest saints of the Church, and she was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997. She is known for her deep devotion to God, her love for others, and her strong trust in divine Providence. Theresa is the patron saint of missionaries and the sick, and is remembered for her powerful intercessions and miracles.
Theresa’s feast day is October 1st, and she is a popular figure in art, literature, and devotion. She is often depicted holding a cross, a rose, or a book, symbols of her deep faith and love for God. Theresa is remembered for her simple and humble life, and for her powerful witness to the love of God.
Popular St. Theresa Medal and St. Theresa Rosary
Why is St. Theresa the patron saint of missionaries?
Saint Theresa of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower,” is the patron saint of missionaries and the sick, and is revered as a powerful intercessor. Theresa is remembered for her deep devotion to God, her love for others, and her strong trust in divine Providence.
Theresa is known for her powerful intercessions and miracles, and she is often invoked for her aid in times of illness and suffering. As a result, she is revered as the patron saint of the sick, and is often prayed to for healing and relief from physical and spiritual afflictions.
In addition to her role as the patron saint of the sick, Theresa is also remembered as the patron saint of missionaries. This is due to her strong desire to serve God and her love for spreading the Gospel. Theresa’s writings, which include her autobiography, “The Story of a Soul,” and a collection of letters and poems, reveal the depth of her love for God and her deep spiritual insights, and they continue to inspire people all over the world.
Theresa’s feast day is October 1st, and she is a popular figure in art, literature, and devotion. She is often depicted holding a cross, a rose, or a book, symbols of her deep faith and love for God.
Miracles of St. Theresa
One of the most famous miracles associated with Theresa is the healing of a young boy named Jacques Goureau. Goureau was suffering from a serious illness, and his parents prayed to Theresa for her intercession. After praying to Theresa, Goureau experienced a miraculous recovery, and his family credited the healing to the intervention of the Little Flower.
Another well-known miracle attributed to Theresa occurred in 1948, when a young boy named André Provençal was diagnosed with a serious eye condition. Provençal’s parents prayed to Theresa for her intercession, and after praying to the Little Flower, the boy’s condition improved significantly, and he was eventually cured.
There have been many other reported miracles associated with Theresa, including healings, conversions, and other blessings. These miraculous events are often seen as a testament to the power of Theresa’s intercession and her deep devotion to God.
Prayers to St. Theresa
Prayer of Intercession to St. Theresa
Dear Saint Theresa, “The Little Flower,” I turn to you in my time of need, seeking your intercession and guidance. You are known for your powerful intercessions and miracles, and I ask for your aid in my time of illness and suffering. Grant me your healing touch and bring me comfort in my time of need. Inspire me to trust in God’s love and care, just as you did, and to seek His will in all things. I place my trust in you, and ask for your blessings and protection. Amen.
Prayer to St. Theresa
Dear Saint Theresa, patron saint of missionaries and the sick, I ask for your intercession and guidance as I navigate the challenges of life. Grant me your protection and help me to remain faithful to God’s will. Inspire me to love and serve others, just as you did, and to seek His will in all things. I place my trust in you, and ask for your blessings and guidance. Amen.
Quotes by St. Theresa
Here are a few quotes by Saint Theresa of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower”:
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“I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.”
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“The only way to be happy is to love and be loved.”
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“Love is a paradise in which one finds oneself by loving.”
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“The only way to be happy is to be holy.”
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“I choose all. In my vocation, I am the bride of Jesus. Love is the only law of my life.”
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“I want to love you, O my God, more and more.”
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“For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.”
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“The more one loves, the more one suffers; but it is sweet to suffer for those we love.”
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“I will be love in the heart of the Church.”
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“Prayer is an uprising of the soul to God.”
Children’s Story about the life of St. Theresa
Once upon a time, in the beautiful country of France, there lived a young girl named Theresa. Theresa was a very special girl, for she had a deep love for God and a strong desire to serve Him.
When Theresa was just 15 years old, she entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux, where she became a nun. Despite her youth and frail health, Theresa embraced the life of a nun with great enthusiasm and devotion. She spent her days praying and serving God, and she became known as “The Little Flower,” because of her small size and her great love for God.
Theresa’s love for God and her strong trust in divine Providence inspired many people, and she became known for her powerful intercessions and miracles. People from all over the world came to pray to Theresa, and she became a beloved figure in the Church.
Even though Theresa lived a very simple life, her love for God and her devotion to others made her a shining example for all to follow. Today, Theresa is remembered as one of the greatest saints of the Church, and her powerful intercessions and miracles continue to inspire people all over the world.
Papal Writings about St. Theresa of the Little Flower
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Pope John Paul II wrote about Theresa in his encyclical letter, “Familiaris Consortio,” in which he called her “one of the most widely known and loved saints of modern times.” He also praised her for her love for God and her dedication to prayer, saying that she “has left us a precious legacy of spiritual teaching which is a rich source of inspiration for Christian life.”
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Pope Benedict XVI also wrote about Theresa in his encyclical letter, “Deus Caritas Est,” in which he praised her for her love for God and her humility. He called her “a shining example of the love of God” and said that her life and writings “continue to inspire countless people throughout the world.”
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In a homily given at the canonization of Theresa in 1997, Pope John Paul II spoke about her strong devotion to God and her love for others. He said that she “taught us to trust in God’s mercy, to love Him with all our heart, and to find joy in loving others.”
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Pope Francis has also spoken about Theresa on several occasions, praising her for her deep devotion to God and her love for others. In a homily given in 2013, Pope Francis called Theresa “a great saint of love” and said that her example “teaches us to seek the face of God in all things.”
Reflection on the Feast of St. Theresa
Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Theresa on October 1
Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Theresa of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower.” Theresa was a French nun who is remembered for her deep devotion to God and her strong trust in divine Providence. Despite her youth and frail health, Theresa embraced the life of a nun with great enthusiasm and devotion, and she is remembered for her powerful intercessions and miracles.
As we celebrate the Feast of Saint Theresa, we are reminded of the powerful example that she set for us in her life of faith and devotion to God. Theresa’s love for God and her strong trust in divine Providence inspire us to seek a closer relationship with God, and to trust in His love and care for us.
In this time of celebration, let us give thanks for the example of Saint Theresa, and let us ask for her intercession and guidance in our own lives. May we draw strength and inspiration from her example, and may we strive to live lives that are pleasing to God and filled with love and service to others. Amen.
Lessons learned from St. Theresa
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The importance of love and devotion to God: Theresa is remembered for her deep love for God and her strong devotion to Him. This teaches us the importance of seeking a close relationship with God and living a life of faith.
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The power of trust in divine Providence: Theresa is remembered for her strong trust in God’s love and care, and she is revered as a powerful intercessor. This teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s plan and His care for us, even in difficult circumstances.
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The value of humility and simplicity: Theresa is remembered for her humble and simple life, and she is revered for her powerful witness to the love of God. This teaches us the value of humility and simplicity, and the importance of seeking to serve God and others.
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The importance of forgiveness and reconciliation: Theresa is remembered for her spirit of forgiveness and her desire to reconcile with others, even in difficult circumstances. This teaches us the importance of seeking forgiveness and reconciling with others, and the power of love to overcome conflict and division.
Next up: Biography of St. Therese of Lisieux
Also check out our handmade St. Theresa Medal and St. Theresa Rosary and St. Theresa Rosary Bracelet .