Marie Francoise Therese Martin was born on January 2, 1873, in Alencon, France.
The youngest of five girls, she was the ninth child of Louis and Zelie Martin.
Four of her siblings had died before her birth.
At only two-weeks of age, she fell ill, and with her mother in poor health, too,
she was taken care of by a farmer's wife. Gradually, she strengthened,
and was able to return home at fifteen-months of age.
When Therese was four, her mother passed away. Her father moved the family
to Lisieux for his brother-in-law's aid in raising the children.
Therese's older sister Pauline took the place of mother, and the two became
extremely close. Therese was deeply saddened when Pauline announced that
she would be leaving for the Carmelite monastery. This sadness was followed
by another illness which included seizures.
At one point, when the illness grew worse, Therese's sister, Marie, prayed
to the Blessed Virgin Mary. During her prayer, the Virgin appeared to
Therese, and she was instantly healed.
From this point on, Therese grew closer and closer to God. Watching her sister,
Pauline make her vows as a Carmelite, Therese began to desire to enter the
monastery.
She so desired to enter the Carmelite order, but she was not permitted to do so,
because she was only fifteen at the time. She persevered, and even took her
request to the Pope. She was finally allowed to enter the monastery despite her age.
She made her final vows at the age of seventeen, and prayed relentlessly
for sinners, went on numerous missions, and helped those who had just entered
the monastery. Therese also became dedicated to exalting the Holy Face of Christ
and to honoring the Child Jesus.
While in the Carmelite monastery, Therese became more and more ill from her
tuberculosis. She was left with chronic, excruciating pain, but nonetheless,
she continued to pray despite her worsening condition.
On September 30, 1897, at the age of twenty-four, Therese died, and was united
to her beloved Lord and Savior Jesus in Heaven.
Almost eighteen years later, the cause for her sainthood was opened.
Pope Pius XI canonized her on May 17, 1925, only twenty-eight years after her death.
In 1927, she was declared patroness of aviators by Pope Pius XI. That same
year, he also declared her co-patroness (with St. Francis Xavier) of foreign
missions due to her desire to serve the Carmelites at Hanoi in Indo-China.
Her tuberculosis prevented it, however. In 1944, she was named co-patroness
(with St. Joan of Arc) of France by Pope Pius XII. Therese is also called
the patron saint of florists due to her love of roses.
St. Therese promised to spend her Heaven doing good upon earth, and to shower
the earth with roses. She said that she would leave no request unanswered,
and if what is asked is opposed to the Will of God, she would come back,
and tell the person making the request.
Please do not expect every prayer to be answered quickly. God always grants
prayers through her and all the saints at the proper time... when He feels that
we are ready to have it. Sometimes there better things planned which we can only
see after trials and tribulations. God does hear every prayer!
