Born Marie Françoise-Thérèse Martin in Alençon, France, in 1873, she entered the Carmelite monastery in Lisieux at the age of 15. She lived a hidden life of prayer and sacrifice, developing her 'Little Way' of spiritual childhood. She died of tuberculosis in 1897 at the age of 24.
Saint Thérèse's 'Little Way' teaches us to seek holiness not through grand gestures, but through faithfully performing small, ordinary duties with extraordinary love for God. Her example encourages us to find sanctity in everyday life, trusting completely in God's merciful love. She reminds us that even the smallest acts of charity and self-denial, done for love of God, are precious in His sight.
Saint Thérèse, teach us your 'Little Way' of spiritual childhood and help us to do ordinary things with extraordinary love. Intercede for us, that we may always trust in God's merciful love and find holiness in our daily lives.