Thérèse Martin was born on January 2, 1873 in a simple house in the rue de Saint Blaise, Alençon, France. She entered a Carmelite convent at the age of fifteen. As Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus, she lived a hidden life. She was just twenty-four when she died.
The world came to know her through her autobiography, "The Story of A Soul." She described her life as "a little way of spiritual childhood." She lived each day with unshakable confidence in God’s love. What matters in life is "not great deeds, but great love."
"My mission - to make God loved - will begin after my death," she said. "I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses." Countless lives have been touched by her intercession, and thousands have imitated her "little way." She has been acclaimed the "greatest saint of modern times." Everywhere in the world the roses continue to fall.
The portrait of St. Thérèse (above) by her sister, Celine, is considered the most authentic representation of the Saint ever done. The original is in Darien, Ill.
O glorious Saint Thérèse, whom Almighty God has raised up to aid and counsel mankind, I implore your Miraculous Intercession. So powerful are you in obtaining every need of body and soul our Holy Mother Church proclaims you a "Prodigy of Miracles ... the Greatest Saint of Modern Times." Now I fervently beseech you to answer my petition (mention here) and to carry out your promises of spending Heaven doing good upon earth ... of letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses. Henceforth, dear Little Flower, I will fulfil your plea "to be made known everywhere" and I will never cease to lead others to Jesus through you.
Amen.
