The Life of St Teresa of Lisieux
- Her Family:
St Teresa was born into a loving Catholic family in France. Her parents, Louis and Zélie Martin, were both very religious and were later made saints themselves. She had four sisters and was the youngest child. - Feeling God’s Call:
From a young age, Teresa felt a strong love for God. At the age of 9, she had a deep spiritual experience and later felt called to become a nun and give her life to Jesus. - Her Vocation (Calling):
Teresa believed her purpose in life was to love God and serve others, even in small ways. She called this her “Little Way,” which meant doing ordinary things with great love and kindness. - Joining the Convent:
She wanted to join a Carmelite convent (a type of religious community) at just 15 years old. This was unusual, and at first, she wasn’t allowed because she was too young. - Meeting the Pope:
Teresa even travelled to Rome with her father to ask Pope Leo XIII for special permission to enter the convent early. Although he didn’t say yes straight away, she showed great bravery and determination. - Entering the Convent:
Eventually, she was allowed to join the Carmelite convent in Lisieux when she was 15. Life there was simple and full of prayer, silence, and service. - The “Little Way”:
Teresa believed that even the smallest actions, like smiling or helping someone quietly, could be acts of love for God. She taught that you don’t have to do big things to be holy. - Praying for Missionaries:
Teresa never left the convent, but she had a strong desire to support missionaries who spread the Gospel around the world. She prayed for them every day. - Her Final Days:
Teresa became very ill with tuberculosis. She accepted her suffering with faith and love. She died at just 24 years old in 1897. - Legacy and Sainthood:
Teresa became one of the most loved saints in the Catholic Church. She was declared a saint in 1925 and later named a Doctor of the Church. She is the patron saint of missions, even though she never travelled far.
