Spiritual Roses from Story of A Soul - Prayers for Pranzini

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"To awaken my zeal God showed me my desires were pleasing to Him. I heard talk of a great criminal just condemned to death for some horrible crimes; everything pointed to the fact that he would die impenitent. I wanted at all costs to prevent him from falling into hell, and to attain my purpose I employed every means imaginable. Feeling that of myself I could do nothing, I offered to God all the infinite merits of Our Lord, the treasures of the Church, and finally I begged Celine to have a Mass offered for my intentions. I didn't dare ask this myself for fear of being obliged to say it was for Pranzini, the great criminal. I didn't even want to tell Celine, but she asked me such tender and pressing questions, I confided my secret to her. Far from laughing at me, she asked if she could help convert my sinner. I accepted gratefully, for I would have wished all creatures would unite with me to beg grace for the guilty man.

I felt in the depths of my heart certain that our desires would be granted, but to obtain courage to pray for sinners I told God I was sure He would pardon the poor, unfortunate Pranzini; that I'd believe this even if he went to his death without any signs of repentence or without having gone to confession. I was absolutely confident in the mercy of Jesus. But I was begging Him for a "sign" of repentance only for my own simple consolation.

My prayer was answered to the letter! In spite of Papa's prohibition that we read no papers, I didn't think I was disobeying when reading the passages pertaining to Pranzini. The day after his execution I found the newspaper "La Croix." I opened it quickly and what did I see? Ah! my tears betrayed my emotion and I was obliged to hide. Pranzini had not gone to confession. He had mounted the scaffold and was preparing to place his head in the formidable opening, when suddenly, seized by an inspiration, he turned, took hold of the crucifix the priest was holding out to him and kissed the sacred wounds three times! Then his soul went to receive the merciful sentence of Him who declares that in heaven there will be more joy over one sinner who does penance than over ninety-nine just who have no need of repentence!

I had obtained the "sign" I requested, and this sign was a perfect replica of the grace Jesus had given me when He attracted me to pray for sinners. Wasn't it before the wounds of Jesus, when seeing His diving blood flowing, that the thirst for souls had entered my heart? I wished to give them this immaculate blood to drink, this blood which was to purify them from their stains, and the lips of my "first child" were pressed to the sacred wounds!"

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 99. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul - The Grace of Christmas

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"It was December 25, 1886, that I received the grace of leaving my childhood, in a word, the grace of my complete conversion. We had come back from Midnight Mass where I had the happiness of receiving the strong and powerful God. Upon arriving at Les Buissonnets, I used to love to take my shoes from the chimney corner and examine the presents in them; this old custom had given us so much joy in our youth that Celine wanted to continue treating me as a baby since I was the youngest in the family. Papa had always loved to see my happiness and listen to my cries of delight as I drew each surprise from the magic shoes, and my dear King's gaiety increased my own happiness very much. However, Jesus desired to show me that I was to give up the defects of my childhood and so He withdrew its innocent pleasures. He permitted Papa, tired out after the Midnight Mass, to experience annoyance when seeing my shoes at the fireplace, and that he speak those words which pierced my heart: "Well, fortunately, this will be the last year!" I was going upstairs, at the time, to remove my hat, and Celine, knowing how sensitive I was and seeing the tears already glistening in my eyes, wanted to cry too, for she loved me very much and understood my grief. She said, "Oh, Therese, don't go downstairs; it would cause you too much grief to look at your slippers right now!" But Therese was no longer the same; Jesus had changed her heart! Forcing back my tears, I descended the stairs rapidly; controlling the poundings of my heart, I took my slippers and placed them in front of Papa, and withdrew all the objects joyfully. I had the happy appearance of a Queen. Having regained his cheerfulness, Papa was laughing; Celine believed it was all a dream! Fortunately, it was a sweet reality; Therese had discovered once again the strength of soul which she had lost at the age of four and a half and she was to preserve it forever!

On that night of light began the third period of my life, the most beautiful and the most filled with graces from heaven. The work I had been unable to do in ten years was done by Jesus in one instant, contenting himself with my good will which was never lacking. I could say to Him like His apostles: "Master, I fished all night and caught nothing." More merciful to me than He was to His disciples, Jesus took the net Himself, cast it, and drew it in filled with fish. He made me a fisher of souls. I experienced a great desire to work for the conversion of sinners, a desire I hadn't felt so intensely before.

I felt charity enter into my soul, and the need to forget myself and to please others; since then I've been happy! One Sunday, looking at a picture of Our Lord on the Cross, I was struck by the blood flowing from one of the divine hands. I felt a great pang of sorrow when thinking this blood was falling to the ground without anyone's hastening to gather it up. I was resolved to remain in spirit at the foot of the Cross and to receive the divine dew. I understood I was then to pour it out upon souls. The cry of Jesus on the Cross sounded continually in my heart: "I thirst!" These words ignited within me a unknown and very living fire. I wanted to give my Beloved to drink and I felt myself consumed with a thirst for souls. As yet, it was not the souls of priests that attracted me, but those of great sinners; I burned with the desire to snatch them from the eternal flames."

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 98.. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of A Soul - I Force Myself In Vain to Meditate on the Mysteries of the Rosary

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"However, I would not want you to believe, dear Mother, that I recite without devotion the prayers said in common in the choir or the hermitages. On the contrary, I love very much these prayers in common, for Jesus has promised to be in the midst of those who gather together in His name. I feel then that the fervor of my Sisters makes up for my lack of fervor; but when alone (I am ashamed to admit it) the recitation of the rosary is more difficult for me than the wearing of an instrument of penance. I feel I have said this so poorly! I force myself in vain to meditate on the mysteries of the rosary; I don't succeed in fixing my mind on them. For a long time I was so desolate about this lack of devotion that astonished me, for I love the Blessed Virgin so much that it should be easy for me to recite in her honor prayers which are so pleasing to her. Now I am less desolate; I think that the Queen of heaven, since she is my MOTHER, must see my good will and she is satisfied with it."

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 242. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of A Soul - To Profit From My Miseries

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"When I am preparing for Holy Communion, I picture my soul as a piece of land and I beg the Blessed Virgin to remove from it any rubbish that would prevent it from being free; then I ask her to set up a huge ten worthy of heaven, adorning it with her own jewelry; finally, I invite all the angels and saints to come and conduct a magnificent concert there. It seems to me that when Jesus descends into my heart He is content to find Himself so well received and I, too, am content. All this, however, does not prevent both distractions and sleepiness from visiting me, but at the end of the thanksgiving when I see that I've made it so badly I make a resolution to be thankful all through the rest of the day. You see, dear Mother, that I am far from being on the way of fear; I always find a way to be happy and to profit from my miseries; no doubt this does not displease Jesus since He seems to encourage me on this road. Contrary to my usual state of mind, one day I was a little disturbed when going to Communion; it seemed to me that God was not satisfied with me and I said to myself: Ah! if I receive only half a host today, this will cause me great sorrow, and I shall believe that Jesus comes regretfully into my heart. I approached, and oh, what joy! For the first time in my life I saw the priest take two hosts which were well separated from each other and place them on my tongue! You can understand my joy and the sweet tears of consolation I shed when beholding a mercy so great!"

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 172. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of A Soul - I Threw Myself Into His Arms

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"I have recalled to you, dear Mother, the first work Jesus and you saw fit to accomplish through me. This was the prelude of those which were to be confided to me. When I was given the office of entering into the sanctuary of souls, I saw immediately that the task was beyond my strength. I threw myself into the arms of God as a little child and, hiding my face in His hair, I said: 'Lord, I am too little to nourish Your children; if You wish to give through me what is suitable for each, fill my little hand and without leaving Your arms or turning my head, I shall give Your treasures to the soul who will come and ask for nourishment. If she finds it according to her taste, I shall know it is not to me but to You she owes it; on the contrary, if she complains and finds bitter what I present, my peace will not be disturbed, and I shall try to convince her this nourishment comes from You and be very careful not to seek any other for her.' "

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 239. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul - Little Acts of Penance

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"With a nature such as my own, had I been reared by Parents without virtue or even if I had been spoiled by the maid, Louise, as Celine was, I would have become very bad and perhaps have even been lost. But Jesus was watching over His little fiancee; He had willed that all turn out for her good, even her faults that, corrected very early, stood her in good stead to make her grow in perfection. As I began to think seriously (which I did when still very little), it was enough for one to tell me a thing wasn't good and I had no desire to repeat it twice.

I see with pleasure that in Mama's letters I gave her great consolation when growing up. Having nothing but good example around me, I naturally wanted to follow it. This is what she wrote in 1876: 'Even Therese wants to do little acts of penance at times. She's a charming child, very alert, very lively, but she is very sensitive. Celine and she are very fond of each other, and are sufficient unto themselves for passing the time. Every day as soon as they've eaten dinner Celine takes her little rooster; she catches Therese's little hen with one swoop of her hand, something I can never do, but she is so lively she gets it in one bound. Then they come with their little pets and sit before the fireplace and amuse themselves for long hours at a time. (It was little Rose who gave me the hen and the rooser, and I gave the rooster to Celine).' "

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 24. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul - Spiritual Direction

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"It was Pauline, too, who received all my intimate confidences and cleared up all my doubts. I was surprised that God didn't give equal glory to all the Elect in heaven, and I was afraid all would not be perfectly happy. Then Pauline told me to fetch Papa's large tumbler and set it alongside my thimble and filled both to the brim with water. She asked me which one was fuller. I told her each was as full as the other and that it was impossible to put in more water than they could contain. My dear Mother helped me understand that in heaven God will grant His Elect as much glory as they can take, the last having nothing to envy in the first. And it was in this way that you brought the most sublime mysteries down to my level of understanding and were able to give my soul the nourishment it needed. "

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 44. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul - A Very Little Soul

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"Another time, I was in the laundry doing the washing in front of a Sister who was throwing dirty water into my face every time she lifted the handkerchiefs to her bench; my first reaction was to draw back and wipe my face to show the Sister who was sprinkling me that she would do me a favor to be more careful. But I immediately thought I would be very foolish to refuse these treasures which were being given to me so generously, and I took care not to show my struggle. I put forth all my efforts to desire receiving very much of this dirty water, and was so successful that in the end I had really taken a liking to this kind of aspersion, and I promised myself to return another time to this nice place where one received so many treasures.

My dear Mother, you can see that I am a very little soul and that I can offer God only very little things. It often happens that I allow these little sacrifices which give such peace to the soul to slip by; this does not discourage me, for I put up with having a little less peace and I try to be more vigilant on another occasion."

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 250. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul - Virtue

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"Here is a pasage from one of Mama's letters showing how good Celine was and how I was just the opposite. "My little Celine is drawn to the practice of virtue; it's part of her nature; she is candid and has a horror of evil. As for the little imp, one doesn't know how things will go, she is so small, so thoughtless! Her intelligence is superior to Celine's, but she's less gentle and has a stubborn streak in her that is almost invincible; when she says 'no' nothing can make her give in, and one could put her in the cellar a whole day and she's sleep there rather than say 'yes'.

But still she has a heart of gold; she is very lovable and frank; it's curious to see her running after me making her confession: 'Mama, I pushed Celine once, I hit her once, but I won't do it again.' (It's like this for everything she does.) Thursday evening we took a walk in the direction of the train station, and she wanted absolutely to go into the waiting room to go and see Pauline; she was running on ahead with a joy that was pleasant to see, but when she saw we had to return without getting on the train to go to visit Pauline, she cried all the way home."

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 22. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of A Soul - Jesus' Call

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"Oh! no, I do not have any fears of a long life and I do not refuse the fight, for the Lord is the Rock to which I am raised. "He teaches my hands to fight, and my fingers to make war. He is my protector, and I have hoped in him!" I never did ask God for the favor of dying young, but I have always hoped this would be His will for me. Frequently God is satisfied with the desire of working for His glory, and you know my desires have been great, dear Mother. You are aware, too, that Jesus has offered me more than one bitter chalice which He removed from my lips before I drank it, but not before making me taste its bitterness. The holy King David was right, dear Mother, when he sang: "How sweet and pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity." It is true, I felt this very often, but on this earth this unity must take place in the midst of sacrifices. I didn't come to Carmel to live with my sisters but to answer Jesus' call. Ah! I really felt in advance that this living with one's own sisters had to be the cause of continual suffering when one wishes to grant nothing to one's natural inclinations."

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 215. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul - Detachment

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"Ah! what peace floods the soul when she rises above natural feelings. No, there is no joy comparable to that which the truly poor in spirit experience. If such a one asks for something with detachment, and if this thing is not only refused but one tries to take away what one already has, the poor in spirit follow Jesus' counsel: "If anyone take away your coat, let go your cloak also."

To give up one's cloak is, it seems to me, renouncing one's ultimate rights; it is considering oneself as the servant and the slave of others. When one has left his cloak, it is much easier to walk, to run, and Jesus adds: "And whoever forces you to go one mile, go two more with him." Thus, it is not enough to give to everyone who asks; I must even anticipate their desires, appear to be very much obliged and honored to render service, and if anyone takes something which is for my use, I must not appear to be sorry about this but happy at being relieved of it. Dear Mother, I am very far from practicing what I understand, and still the desire alone I have of doing it gives me peace."

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 226. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul - Virtue

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"God has no need for anyone to carry out His work. I know, but just as He allows a clever gardener to raise rare and delicate plants, giving him the necessary knowledge for this while reserving to Himself the care of making them fruitful, so Jesus wills to be helped in His divine cultivation of souls.

What would happen were a clumsy gardener not to graft his bushes properly? If he was ignorant of the nature of each and wished to make roses bloom on peach trees? He'd cause the tree to die, which nevertheless had been good and capable of producing fruit. It's in this way one would know from childhood what God asks of souls and second the action of His graces, without either advancing or holding it back. As little birds learn to sing by listening to their parents, so children learn the science of the virtues, the sublime song of Divine Love from souls responsible for forming them.

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 113. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul - Grace

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"O my dear Mother! after so many graces can I not sing with the Psalmist: "How GOOD is the Lord, His MERCY endures forever!" It seems to me that if all creatures had received the same graces I received, God would be feared by none but would be loved to the point of folly; and through love, not through fear, no one would ever consent to cause Him any pain. I understand, however, that all souls cannot be the same, that it is necessary there be different types in order to honor each of God's perfections in a particular way. To me He has granted His infinite Mercy, and through it I contemplate and adore the other divine perfections! All of these perfections appear to be resplendent with love, even His Justice (and perhaps this even more so than the others) seems to me clothed in love. What a sweet joy it is to think that God is Just, i.e. that He takes into account our weakness, that He is perfectly aware of our fragile nature. What should I fear then? Ah! must not the infinitely just God, who deigns to pardon the faults of the prodigal son with so much kindness, be just also toward me who "am with Him always"?

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 180. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul - Humility

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"Really; I am far from being a saint, and what I have just said is proof of this; instead of rejoicing, for example, at my aridity, I should attribute it to my little fervor and lack of fidelity; I should be desolate for having slept (for seven years) during my hours of prayer and my thanksgivings after Holy Communion; well, I am not desolate. I remember that little children are as pleasing to their parents when they are asleep as well as when they are wide awake; I remember, too, that when they perform operations, doctors put their patients to sleep. Finally, I remember that: "The Lord knows our weakness, that he is mindful that we are but dust and ashes."

Excerpted from Story of a Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 165. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese imported from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul

Welcome to my series featuring excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"Alas! when I think of the time of my novitiate I see how imperfect I was. I made so much fuss over such little things that it makes me laugh now. Ah! how good the Lord is in having matured my soul, and in having given it wings. All the nets of the hunters would not be able to frighten me, for "...the net is spread in vain before the eyes of them that have wings." Later on, no doubt, the time in which I am now will appear filled with imperfections, but now I am astonished at nothing. I am not disturbed at seeing myself weakness itself. On the contrary, it is in my weakness that I glory, and I expect each day to discover new imperfections in myself. Remembering that "charity covers a multitude of sins," I draw from this rich mine that Jesus has open up before me."

Excerpted from Story of A Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 224. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul

Today I am starting a new blog series which will feature excerpts from the book that started it all - Story of a Soul. I'm calling the series Spiritual Roses from Story of a Soul and I hope that you will visit here every day for an inspirational message from our dear little saint.

"O Mother (Mother Marie de Gonzague), how different are the ways through which the Lord leads souls! In the life of the saints, we find many of them who didn't want to leave anything of themselves behind after their death, not the smallest souvenir, not the least bit of writing. On the contrary, there are others, like our holy Mother St. Teresa, who have enriched the Church with their lofty revelations, having no fears of revealing the secrets of the King in order that they make make Him more loved and known by souls. Which of these two types of saints is more pleasing to God? It seems to me, Mother, they are equally pleasing to Him, since all of them followed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and since the Lord has said: "Tell the just man ALL is well." Yes, all is well when one seeks only the will of Jesus, and it is because of this that I, a poor little flower, obey Jesus when trying to please my beloved Mother." Story of A Soul, ICS Publications, Third Edition, page 207. This book and many others along with a line of holy cards and photos of St. Therese from her monastery in Lisieux can be found at my webstore called The Little Way.

St. Therese, open our hearts to your little way. Teach us to throw ourselves into the arms of Our Lord, casting away all doubt and fear and accepting all that He sends us as graces for the salvation of our souls.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Self Abandonment

"My heart is entirely filled with the will of Jesus; therefore when anything over and above falls to its share, this does not penetrate to its depths; it is a mere nothing which easily glides by, as oil on the surface of limpid water. Ah! if my heart were not filled up beforehand, had it to be filled by the sentiments of joy or of sadness which so quickly succeed each other, bitter indeed would be this flood tide of pain, but these rapid alternations do no more than ruffle the surface of my soul, and I remain ever in a profound peace that nothing can disturb." Excepted from Story of A Soul

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to always seek to lose ourselves in your merciful heart.

This photo of St. Therese as a novice and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Love of God

"The love of God reveals itself in the very simplest souls who resists His grace in nothing, as well as in the most sublime. Indeed, the characteristic of love being to humble itself, if all souls resembled those of the holy Doctors who have enlightened the Church, the good God would not seem to descend low enough in coming to them. But He has created the infant who knows nothing and can only wail; He has created the poor savage who has but the natural law for guidance, and it is even unto their hearts that He designs to stoop. " Excerpted from Story of A Soul

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see that we are loved by You in spite of our faults and weaknesses.

This photo of St. Therese at age 3 and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Faith

"I have asked God to send me a beautiful dream to console me when you are gone," said a novice. 'Ah! that is a thing I should never do - ask for consolation! ... Since you wish to be like me you well know that I say: "Oh! fear not, Lord, that I shall waken Thee: I await in peace th' eternal shore..." 'It is so sweet to serve the good God in the dark night of trial; we have this life only in which to live by faith." Excerpted from Counsels and Reminiscences

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to accept sufferings without consolation for love of you.

This photo of St. Therese taken one month before her death and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Holy Communion

"The demon, traitor that he is, knows well, that he cannot make a soul who wills to belong wholly to the good God, commit sin; therefore he endeavours only to persuade her that she sins. That is a great deal gained, but it is not yet enough to satisfy his rage...he aims at something further, he wants to deprive Jesus of a loved tabernacle. Not being able himself to enter into this sanctuary he wishes that it may at least remain empty and without its Lord. Alas! what will become of this poor heart? ...When the devil has succeeded in driving away a soul from Holy Communion he has gained his ends, and Jesus weeps..." Excerpted from a letter to her cousin Marie Guerin

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to always seek to stay close to Jesus by receiving Holy Communion frequently.

This photograph of St. Therese at eight and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Confidence

"To a novice, who bitterly repented of a fault just committed, Soeur Therese said: 'Take your Crucifix and kiss it.' The novice kissed the feet. 'Is that how a child embraces her Father? Put your arms round His neck immediately and kiss His Face. ' She obeyed. 'That is not all, He must return your caresses.' And she had to hold the Crucifix to each cheek; then Therese said: 'That is well, now all is forgiven!" Excerpted from Counsels and Reminiscences

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see that we can always ask your forgiveness.

A copy of this painting of St. Therese done by her sister Celine and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Mortification

"To a novice who was bewailing her want of courage: "You complain of what should cause you the greatest happiness. Where would be your merit if you must fight only when you felt the courage? What matters it if you have none, provided that you act as if you had! If you feel too slothful to pick up a bit of thread, and that nevertheless you do it for the love of Jesus, you have more merit that if in a moment of fervour you were to accomplish something of far greater importance. So instead of being sorrowful, rejoice to see that in letting you feel your weakness the good Master provides you with an opportunity of gaining for Him a greater number of souls." Excerpted from Counsels and Reminiscences

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see that our failings and shortcomings can be a source of grace for us.

This photo of St. Therese and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Trust in God

"If I am misguiding you by my little way of Love, she said to a novice, do not fear that I shall let you follow it very long. I shall appear to you, and tell you to take another path; but if I do not return, believe in the truth of my words; never can we have too much confidence in the good God, so mighty and so merciful! As much as we hope for shall we obtain from Him!..." Excerpted from Story of a Soul

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to always have total confidence in your love for us and your intention to care for our lives.

This photo of St. Therese and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Gratitude

"Walking one day in the garden, leaning on one of her sisters, Therese paused to enjoy the fascinating sight of a little white hen sheltering its chickens beneath its wings. Very soon her eyes filled with tears, and turning to her dear companion she said; "I can stay no longer, let us go in again quickly..." And in her cell, her tears continued falling and she could not utter a word. At last, looking at her sister with an expression that was quite heavenly, she said:

"I was thinking of our Lord, and of the touching comparison He chose in order to make us believe in his tenderness. That is just what He has done for me all my life: He has wholly hidden me beneath His wings! I cannot express what passed within my heart. Ah! the good God does well to veil Himself from my sight, to show me the effects of His Mercy rarely, and as it were, "through the lattices;" such consolations would, I feel, be more than I could bear. " Excerpted from Story of a Soul

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see our littleness and nothingness as graces given to us by God. Help us to see and acknowledge the signs of gratitude in our lives.

This photo of St. Therese in death and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Love of God

"The love of God reveals itself in the very simplest soul who resists His grace in nothing as well as in the most sublime. Indeed, the characteristic of love being to humble itself, if all souls resembled those of the holy Doctors who have enlightened the Church, the good God would not seem to descend low enough in coming to them. But He has created the infant who knows nothing and can only wail; He has created the poor savage who has but the natural law for guidance, and it is even unto their hearts that He deigns to stoop." Excerpted from Story of a Soul.

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see our littleness and nothingness as graces given to us by God.

This photo of St. Therese and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Remain Little

"A novice under temptation which seemed to her insurmountable said: "This time I cannot rise above it - it is impossible." Therese replied: "Why do you try to rise above it? Pass beneath it quite simply. It is very well for great souls to soar high above the clouds when the storm is raging, but for us, we have merely to bear the showers with patience. If we do get rather wet - no matter! We shall dry ourselves afterwards in the sunshine of Love.

That brings to mind this little trait of my childhood; a horse one day standing at the garden gate barred our entrance; those with me endeavoured by force of talking, etc., to get him to move back, but while they talked I very quietly slipped in, through the horse's legs...See how one may gain by remaining little!" Excerpted from Counsels and Reminiscences.

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to remember to to see the value in remaining little.

This photo of St. Therese at age 3 and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Love of Neighbor

"A novice remarked to Soeur Therese: "I do not like to see others suffer, especially saintly souls." She replied instantly:
"Oh! I am not like you: to see saints suffer never moves me to pity! I know they have the strength to endure, and they thus give great glory to God; but those who are not holy, who know not how to profit by their sufferings, oh! how I pity them; they do indeed arouse my compassion, and I would do all I could to comfort and help them." Excerpted from Counsels and Reminiscences

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to remember to not be afraid of suffering and to see its redemptive value.

This photo of St. Therese and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Confidence

"Truly the Heart of Jesus is more grieved by the thousand little imperfections of His friends than by even grave faults of His enemies. But it seems to me that it is only when His own chosen ones make a habit of these infidelities, and do not ask His pardon, that He can say: "These wounds which you see in the midst of My Hands; with these was I wounded in the house of them that loved Me."

For those who love Him and who come after each little fault and throw themselves into His arms, begging His forgiveness, the Heart of Jesus thrills with joy. He says to His Angels what the father of the prodigal son said to His servants: "Put a ring on his finger and let us rejoice." Oh! the goodness and the merciful love of the Heart of Jesus, how little is it known! True it is, that to share in these treasures we must humble ourselves, must acknowledge our nothingness, and that is what many souls are unwilling to do." Excerpted from VII Letter to Her Missionary "Brothers"

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to remember to remain as little children and always flee into Your arms.

This holy card of St. Therese and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Simplicity

"You are wrong to find fault with one thing and another, and to seek that all should yield to your way of viewing things. We want to be like little children, and little children know not what is best, to them all seems well; let us imitate them. Besides there would be no merit (in obedience) were we only to do what would appear reasonable to us."
Excerpted from Counsels and Reminiscences

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to remember to always remain as little children.

This reproduction of a painting of St. Therese done by her sister Celine and other inspirational items about St. Therese can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Self Abandonment

"I had offered myself to the Child Jesus to be His little plaything. I had told Him not to use me like a costly toy which children are pleased to look at without daring to touch; but as He would a little ball of no value, that He might throw to the ground, toss about, pierce, leave in a corner, or else press to His Heart if so it pleased Him. In a word I wanted to amuse the little Jesus, and to give myself up to all his childlike fancies. Excerpted from Story of A Soul

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to remember to always approach Jesus as a little child.

This photo of St. Therese age 8 and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Hope

"In Heaven the good God will do all I wish, because I have never done my own will upon earth." Excerpted from Counsels and Reminiscences

"Even now I know it; yes, all my hopes will be fulfilled...yes...the Lord will work wonders for me which will surpass my immeasurable desires." Excerpted from VIII Letter to Mere Agnes de Jesus (her sister Pauline)

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to remember to ask for your help from Heaven.

This photo of St. Therese in death and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Suffering

"Suffering has held out its arms to me from my very entrance into Carmel and lovingly have I embraced it. My intention in coming here, I declared in the solemn examination which preceded my profession: I am come in order to save souls, and especially to pray for Priests. When we want to attain an end we must employ the means, and Jesus having made me understand that He would give me souls by means of the cross, the more crosses I met with the more my attraction to suffering increased. During five years this way was mine; but I alone knew it. Here was just the hidden flower that I wanted to offer to Jesus, this flower which exhaled its fragrance for Heaven alone." Excerpted from Story of A Soul.

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see that our sufferings can be redemptive.

This last photo of St. Therese and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Prayer

A novice was grieving about her numerous distractions during prayer: "I too, have many," replied Soeur Therese de l'Enfant Jesus, "but I accept all for the love of the good God, even the most extravagant thoughts that come into my head." Excerpted from Counsels and Reminiscences

"I do not well see what more I shall have in Heaven than now, she once said. "I shall see the good God, it is true; but as to being with Him, I am wholly with Him already upon earth. " Excerpted from Story of A Soul.

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to always seek you in prayer during our day.

This photograph of St. Therese and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Confidence

"Truly I am far from being a saint. I ought not to rejoice at the aridity of my soul but attribute it to the scantiness of my fervour and fidelity. I ought to grieve because I fall asleep very often during my prayer and my thanksgiving. Well, I do not grieve! I reflect that little children when they sleep are as pleasing to their parents as when they are awake; that in order to perform operations, doctors put their patients to sleep; in fine, that the Lord knoweth our frame, He remembereth that we are but dust." Excerpted from Story of A Soul.

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to remember our nothingness and to ever ask for your help in accepting our humanness.

This photograph of St. Therese's toys and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Prayer

"One day after Holy Communion the good God made me understand those words of the Canticles: "Draw me: we will run after Thee to the odour of Thy ointments." O Jesus, it is not then necessary to say: In drawing me, draw the souls whom I love. These simple words: "Draw me" suffice! Yes, when a soul has allowed herself to be captivated by the inebriating fragrance of Thy perfumes, she could not run alone, all the souls whom she loves are drawn after her; this is a natural consequence of her attraction towards Thee." Excerpted from Story of a Soul.

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to ever keep your image in our sights ...guiding us always.

Story of A Soul and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Humility

"I am a very little soul who can offer only very little things to the good God; yet, it often happens that these little sacrifices which give such peace to the heart, escape me; but that does not discourage me, I bear with having a little less peace and I try to be more watchful another time. " Excerpted from Story of A Soul

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see the wisdom in our remaining little before the Lord.

This photo of St. Therese at age 8 and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Detachment

"One Sunday, Therese tells us, I went right joyously on my way towards the alley of chestnut trees; it was the spring-time, and I meant to enjoy the beauties of nature. O cruel disappointment! My dear chestnut trees had been pruned, and the branches, already loaded with verdant buds, lay strewn upon the ground! It was heartrending to view this destruction, and to think that three years must pass ere I could see it repaired...My distress however did not last. 'If I were in another monastery,' thought I, 'what difference would it make to me if the chestnut trees in the Carmel of Lisieux were cut down altogether? I will fret no more about transitory things; my Well-Beloved shall take the place of all else for me...I will wander ever in the groves of His love, which none may touch." Excerpted from Counsels and Reminiscenses

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to feel your love for us in every action we take.

This last photograph of St. Therese and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St.Therese Speaks to Us - Lack of Zeal

"When in the morning we feel no courage, no energy for the practice of virtue, this is a grace, this is the moment to "lay the axe to the root of the tree." depending solely on Jesus. If we fall all is retrieved by an act of love, and Jesus smiles. He helps us without appearing to do so, and tears which the wicked cause Him to shed are dried by our poor feeble love." Excerpted from a Letter to her sister Celine.

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see all the opportunities for your graces in our lives.

This holy card of St. Therese as a novice and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks To Us - Love of God

"One evening, at a loss for words to tell Jesus how I loved Him and how much I wished that He might be everywhere served and glorified, I reflected with pain that not one act of love would ever mount upwards from out of the depths of hell. Then I cried out that willingly would I consent to see myself plunged into that place of torment and blasphemy, in order that He might be loved there eternally. That could not really glorify Him since He desires only our happiness, but love makes one want to say a thousand foolish things. If I spoke thus, it was not that I did not long for heaven; but then, my heaven was none other than Love, and in my fervour I felt that nothing could separate me from the Divine object of my love..." Excerpted from Story of a Soul

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to love Jesus with the abandon of your childlike heart.

A print of this painting of St. Therese by her sister Celine and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Simplicity

"Be not afraid to tell Jesus that you love Him; even though it be without feeling, this is the way to oblige Him to help you, and carry you like a little child too feeble to walk." Excerpted from Counsels and Reminiscences

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to stay always 'little' before the Lord.

This holy card of St. Therese and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Humility

"Oh! when I think of all I have to acquire!" exclaimed a novice. "Say, rather, to lose. Jesus, it is, who charges Himself with the care of filling your soul according as you free it from its imperfections. I plainly see that you are taking the wrong road, you will never arrive at the end of your journey. You wish to scale a mountain and the good God wants to make you descend; He is waiting for you low down in the fertile valley of humility." Excerpted from Counsels and Reminiscences.

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see the graces that come to us when we humble ourselves before the Lord.

This bookmark of St. Therese doing laundry and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Communion of Saints

"When we are grieved at our powerlessness to do good, out only resource is to offer to God the works of others. In this you see the benefit of the communion of Saints." Excerpted from Counsels and Reminiscences

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to remain close to you through our communion with the Saints.

This picture of St. Therese and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks To Us - Prayer

"Prayer is, for me, an outburst from the heart; it is a simple glance darted upwards to Heaven; it is a cry of gratitude and of love in the midst of trial as in the midst of joy! In a word, it is something exalted, supernatural, which dilates the soul and unites it to God. Sometimes when I find myself spiritually, in dryness so great that I cannot produce a single good thought, I recite very slowly a Pater or an Ave Maria; these prayers alone console me, they suffice, they nourish my soul. " Excerpted from Story of A Soul.

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to pray.

This picture of St. Therese as a novice and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Humility

"I am no longer surprised at anything, nor do I grieve at seeing that I am frailty itself; on the contrary I glory in it, and expect to discover new imperfections in myself each day. These lights concerning my nothingness do me more good, I affirm, than lights regarding faith." Excerpted from Story of A Soul.

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to run into the arms of our merciful Lord each and every day. Teach us not to be discouraged with our human-ness.

This collection of quotations by St. Therese and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Love of God

"In times of aridity when I am incapable of praying, of practising virtue, I seek little opportunities, mere trifles, to give pleasure to Jesus; for instance a smile, a pleasant word when inclined to be silent and to show weariness. If I find no opportunities, I at least tell Him again and again that I love Him; that is not difficult and it keeps alive the fire in my heart. Even though this fire of love might seem to me extinct I would still throw little straws upon the embers and I am certain it would rekindle." Excerpted from a letter to her sister Celine.

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see the graces that come to us when we give of ourselves to others out of love for You.

This photograph of St. Therese's hair and other inspirational items about her can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Self Abandonment

"I am always faithful, but I am never discouraged; I leave myself wholly in the arms of our Divine Lord; He teaches me to draw profit from all - both good and ill that He finds in me. He teaches me to speculate in the Bank of Love, or rather it is He who acts for me without telling me how He goes to work, that is His affair and not mine; my part is complete surrender, reserving nothing to myself, not even the gratitude of knowing how my credit stands with the Bank." Excerpted from a letter to her sister Celine

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see the graces that come with complete surrender to the Good Lord's love and mercy.

This photograph of St. Therese as a novice and other inspirational items about her can be purchased at our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us - Lift Up Your Little Foot

"To a young Sister discouraged at seeing her imperfections, Soeur Therese said: 'You make me think of a very little child who is just able to stand upright but does not yet know how to walk. Intent upon reaching the top of the stairs so as to get back to his mother he lifts his foot to climb the first step. Fruitless endeavour! At each attempt he falls without advancing in the least. Well, be like that little child; by the practice of evry virtue keep on ever lifting your little foot to climb the steps of sanctity, and do not imagine that you will be able to mount even the first! No; but good will is all God requires of you. From the top of those steps He is watching you with love; and won by your unavailing efforts He will Himself soon come down, and taking you in His arms will bear you away to His Kingdom, never more to quit Him. But if you cease to lift your little foot He will leave you a long time on earth.' " Excerpted from Councels and Reminiscences

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see the graces that come with complete trust and confidence in your providential care.

This photograph of St. Therese at age 3 and other inspirational items about St. Therese can be purchased from our web store The Little Way.

St. Therese Speaks to Us -Little Mortifications

"Another time I was in the laundry opposite a Sister who while washing handkerchiefs splashed me every minute with dirty water. My first impulse was to draw back and wipe my face, so as to show her who besprinkled me in that fashion, that she would oblige me by working more quietly; but I reflected immediately that it was very foolish to refuse treasures so generously offered me, and I took good care not to show my annoyance. On the contrary, I made such successful efforts to wish for a plentiful splashing of dirty water, that at the end of half an hour I had really acquired a taste for this new sort of aspersion, and I determined to come again as often as possible to a place where happily such riches could be had gratuitously. " Excerpted from Story of A Soul.

Oh little St. Therese, instill in our hearts a love of your little way. Help us to see the graces that can come to us from all of those little mortifications that we can offer to Our Good Lord.

This bookmark and other inspirational items about St. Therese can be purchased from our webstore The Little Way.

St. Therese's Feast Day - October 1

St. Therese, our dear little saint, please fix in our hearts your little way of total confidence and love in Our Savior. Help us to always remember that Jesus asked us to be as little children when we approach Him.

The world today is in need of your intercession little Therese. Please come down today and visit the hearts of your faithful. Let fall on us your 'shower of roses'. Give us the graces we need to follow in the footsteps of spiritual childhood you gave us. Stay with us throughout this day and affix in our hearts your love. +JMJT

September with St. Therese - September 30 - The Day of Her Death

Welcome to our series tracing the last month of St. Therese's life on this earth which was September 1897. It's called September with St. Therese and I hope you will visit every day for an inspirational message about our dear little saint.

We will bring you excerpts from Her Last Conversations and Novissima Verba which follow her struggle the last few months of her life. On days for which there are no specific quotes, I will select a passage from one of her writings.

"In the morning I watched beside her during Mass. She did not utter a word; she was exhausted, and breathing with great difficulty. Her sufferings, so I divined, were altogether inexpressible. At one moment she joined her hands and, regarding the statue of the Blessed Virgin placed so as to face her bed, said:"
'Oh! how fervently I have prayed to her! But it is all pure agony, without any admixture of consolation'.

"Throughout the day she lay there in torment without one moment's respite. All her strength seemed spent, and yet to our great surprise, she was able to move, to sit up in her bed. She said:"
'See, mother, what strength I have today. No, I am not going to die yet. Perhaps months await me yet. I do not believe it is death, but more suffering for me. And tomorrow it will be worse! Ah, well so much the better!'

'Oh, my God...I love him, the good God!...'
'Oh, my good Holy Virgin, come to my aid...'
'If this is the agony, what then will death be like?'

'Oh, my mother, I assure you that the chalice is full to overflowing today...But God is not going to abandon me...He has never abandoned me!'

'Yes, my God do all you will, but have mercy upon me!'
'My little sisters, my little sisters, pray for me!'
'My God, my God, you are so good! Oh, yes, you are so good! I know it.'

"Towards three o'clock in the afternoon she crossed her hands, and the Mother Prioress placed upon her knees a picture of our Lady of Mount Carmel. She regarded it for an instant, and said to Mother Prioress:"
'Oh, my mother, present me very soon to the Blessed Virgin. Prepare me to die well.'
"The Mother Prioress, answering, told her she had always understood and practised humility, and therefore her preparation had been made already. She reflected for a moment, and then humbly pronounced these words:"
'Yes, it seems to me that I have never sought anything but the truth...Yes, I have understood humility of heart.'
"She repeated once more:"
'All that I have written about my desire for suffering, oh! yes, it is quite true!'
"And with firm assurance:"
'I do not repent of having delivered myself up to Love.'

"From that moment it seemed to be no longer herself that suffered. Many a time, as I watched beside her, I thought of martyrs delivered into the hands of the executioners, yet animated by a power divine. She repeated again with a fervor:"
'Oh! no, I do not repent of having delivered myself up to Love; quite the contrary!'

"A little later on she said:"
'I would never have believed it possible to suffer so much! Never! never! I can only explain it by the ardent desire I have to save souls.'

"Then, with anguish:"
'I cannot breathe, I cannot die...'
"But with resignation:"
'I am very willing to suffer more!'

"Later:"
'All my smallest desires have been realized...Then the greatest of all, to die of Love, must be realized also...'

"Toward five o'clock in the evening I was watching alone, when suddenly her face changed; her agony had begun. The Community came in haste to the Infirmary. She greeted all the Sisters with a sweet smile. She held her crucifix firmly in her hands, and kept her eyes fixed upon it. For more than two hours the terrible death rattle tore her chest. Her features were congested, her hands purple, her feet were icy cold, and she trembled in every limb. She death sweat stood out in great drops on her forehead and coursed down her face. The ever-increasing oppression made her utter feeble involuntary cries in her efforts to breathe. Thinking to moisten her parched lips, Sister Genevieve of the Holy Facel placed a small particle of ice upon them. No one could ever forget the look of heavenly sweetness with which our little saint regarded "Celine" at that moment. It was like a sublime encouragement, a supreme adieu."

"At six o'clock the Angelus sounded, and she raised her eyes pleadingly towards the statue of the Blessed Virgin. At a few moments after seven o'clock, thinking that the end was yet some way off, Mother Prioress dismissed the assembled Community. She signed and said:"
'My mother, is it not yet the agony? Am I not yet going to die?'
"Yes, my child, it is the agony; but perhaps the good God wills to prolong it for some hours. She answered courageously:"
'Ah, well!...So be it; so be it!...Oh, I do not wish to suffer less.'
"Then, looking at her crucifix:"
'Oh!...I love him!...My God!...I love thee!'

"Scarcely had she uttered these words when she gently fell back, her head inclined a little to the right. We thought that all was over, and our mother had the Infirmary bell sounded in haste to call the Community. 'Open all the doors,' she exclaimed (there were three doors in the apartment). Those words seemed to have a singularly solemn significance at such a moment, and I thought that in heaven our Lord was repeating the same words to his angels. The sisters came and knelt around the bed, and were witnesses of that last ecstacy. The face of our saint assumed again the lily-like tint which it had possessed when she was in full health; her eyes remained fixed on high, irradiated and expressing such happiness as surpassed all her desires.
She made certain movements with her head, as if at intervals she was divinely wounded by the shafts of love. After that ecstacy, which lasted for the space of a Credo, she closed her eyes and breathed her last sigh. That was twenty minutes past seven o'clock. Our holy little sister preserved in death an ineffable smile and a ravishing beauty. She held her crucifix so firmly that it was by no means easy to detach it from her hands, to prepare her for her burial. Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart and myself fulfilled that office, together with Sister Aimee of Jesus, the venerable Infirmarian, and we remarked then how very young she appeared, so that we should not have thought her more than twelve or thirteen years old. Later, on the contrary, when her body was exposed in the choir, her countenance assumed a very imposing expression. Her members remained quite supple until her entombment on October 4, 1897...Moreover, throughout the course of her sickness our little saint had affirmed that an unclouded sky should mark the moment of her going forth to God. And so it befell, for the day of September 30 had been overcast and rainy, but towards seven o'clock the clouds all dispersed with surprising rapidity, and soon from a perfectly clear sky the stars appeared, scintillating with that brillancy that always follows rain." Excerpted from Novissima Verba and Her Last Conversations.

St. Therese, open our hearts to accept the sufferings that Jesus sends us. Teach us your little way and help us to see the graces that can come from joining our sufferings to the passion of Jesus.