St. Thérèse of Lisieux (2^nd January 1873 – 30^th September 1897) was a French Catholic Discalced Carmelite nun who is widely venerated in modern times. She is popularly known as “The Little Flower of Jesus” or simply “The Little Flower”.

Thérèse has been a highly influential model of sanctity for Catholics and for others because of the simplicity and practicality of her approach to the spiritual life. Together with Francis of Assisi, she is one of the most popular saints in the history of the church. Pope Pius X called her "the greatest saint of modern times".

Thérèse felt an early call to religious life, and overcoming various obstacles, in 1888 at the early age of 15, she became a nun and joined two of her older sisters in the cloistered Carmelite community of Lisieux, (yet another sister, Céline, also later joined the order). After nine years as a Carmelite religious, having fulfilled various offices such as sacristan and assistant to the novice mistress, Thérèse died at the age of 24, from tuberculosis.

Her feast day was 3 October from 1927 until it was moved in 1969 to 1 October. Thérèse is well known throughout the world, with the Basilica of Lisieux being the second most popular place of pilgrimage in France after Lourdes.

To learn more about our Patron Saint Therese on the Official page "Society of the Little Flower" -
click this link

Famous Quotes from St. Thérèse:

Charity

"True charity consists in bearing all our neighbour’s defects – not being surprised at their weakness, but edified at their smallest virtues."

"Our Lord poured in the light of truth, which shines far brighter than the shadowy light of earthly pleasures. I would not exchange the ten minutes spent upon my act of charity for a thousand years of such worldly delights"

"The good God does not need years to accomplish His work of love in a soul; one ray from His Heart can, in an instant make His flower bloom for eternity"

Life & Happiness

"If I did not simply live from one moment to another, it would be impossible for me to be patient; but I only look at the present, I forget the past, and I take good care not to forestall the future."

"True happiness on earth consists in being forgotten and in remaining completely ignorant of created things. I understood that all we accomplish, however brilliant, is worth nothing without love." 

"I learned from experience that joy does not reside in the things about us, but in the very depths of the soul, that one can have it in the gloom of a dungeon as well as in the palace of a king."

"We have only this life to live by faith. It is true I am not always faithful, but I never lose courage."

"The world is one's ship and not one's home"

Roses

"When I die, I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens, I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth."

"The splendour of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of its scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness"

"If every flower wanted to be a rose, nature would lose her springtime beauty."

Love

"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love." 

"Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love" 

"A word or a smile is often enough to put fresh life in a despondent soul."

"True love feeds on sacrifice and becomes more pure and strong the more our natural satisfaction is denied."

Truth

"Only God can see what is in the bottom of our hearts; we are half-blind."

"I can nourish myself on nothing but truth"

"My whole strength lies in prayer and sacrifice, these are my invincible arms; they can move hearts far better than words"

"In trial or difficulty I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear"

"Holiness consists simply in doing God's will and being what God wants us to be"

"The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother"

"Sufferings gladly borne for other convert more people than sermons"

  

Common Questions about St.Thérèse:

What did St.Thérèse do?

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as St. Therese of the Child Jesus or the Little Flower of Jesus was a French Carmelite nun who lived a short but remarkable life. Despite her brief time on Earth, she made significant contributions through her spirituality, writings, and approach to faith. St. Thérèse is best known for her "Little Way," a path of spiritual simplicity and trust in God's love and mercy.

St. Thérèse embraced the ordinary and mundane aspects of daily life, finding holiness in the smallest acts of love and kindness. Throughout her life, St. Thérèse focused on prayer, self-sacrifice, and offering everything she did as an expression of love for God.

Her example of faith, simplicity, and trust in God continues to inspire and guide people seeking a deeper relationship with God and a life of love and service.

When was St. Thérèse of Lisieux born?

St. Thérèse of Lisieux was born on January 2, 1873. She was born as Marie Françoise-Thérèse Martin in Alençon, France, and went on to become one of the most beloved and influential saints in the Catholic Church.

When did St. Thérèse die?

St. Thérèse passed away on September 30, 1897, at the age of 24. She succumbed to tuberculosis, which she had been battling for several years. St. Thérèse's illness had weakened her body, but her faith and devotion remained strong until her final moments. 

What is St. Therese of Lisieux the patron saint of?

Recognised as the patron saint of florists, missionaries, those who have lost parents, and the sick (especially those with tuberculosis), St. Thérèse of Lisieux's life and teachings continue to inspire and bring comfort to countless individuals.

When is the feast day of St. Thérèse of Lisieux?

The feast day of the Little Flower is celebrated on October 1st every year. This date commemorates her life and legacy as a Carmelite nun and her significant contributions to the spiritual life of many believers.

Where is St. Thérèse buried?

Saint Therese is buried in Lisieux, France. Her final resting place is located in the Carmelite monastery where she lived and died. The monastery, officially known as the Basilica of St. Thérèse, has become a popular pilgrimage site for those seeking spiritual solace and inspiration from St. Thérèse's life and teachings.

When was St.Thérèse canonised?

St. Thérèse was canonised 28 years after her death. She was canonised by Pope Pius XI on May 17, 1925. Her canonisation solidified her status as a saint in the Catholic Church and further elevated her spiritual influence worldwide.

St.Thérèse's Parents were canonised. 

St. Thérèse's parents were the first married couple to be canonised. In 2008, Louis Martin and Marie Azêlie Guerin (St.Thérèse's parents) were declared as "blessed" (beatified) and in October 2015 her parents were canonised - over 120 years after their deaths (Louis in 1894 and Marie in 1877).

Their Feast Day is on the 12th of July. You can find out more about their story here: St. Thérèse's Parents

Pictured here is the Carmel of Lisieux - Basilica of St. Thérèse. (Lisieux, France)