In this insightful discussion, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a beloved Catholic saint known for her "Little Way" spirituality, shares her transformative pilgrimage to Rome. She reflects on the beauty of nature, prayers for priests, and her deepening faith during this journey. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph illuminate the historical ties between cloistered nuns and priests, emphasizing the significance of humility and divine fulfillment. The episode beautifully captures the spiritual growth sparked by her experiences and encounters in Italy.
St. Thérèse's pilgrimage highlighted the contrast between worldly attractions and spiritual riches, deepening her understanding of her vocation.
Her encounters with nature's beauty enhanced her spirituality, reinforcing her connection with God and appreciation for His creations.
Deep dives
The Pilgrimage to Rome
The pilgrimage to Rome marked a significant spiritual journey for St. Therese, as it introduced her to various aspects of society and deepened her understanding of her own vocation. Traveling through cities like Paris, Milan, and Venice, she reflected on the contrast between the material attractions of the world and the spiritual riches she sought. Therese discovered that true greatness lies in the soul, not in worldly status, and this realization helped shape her perspective on life. The pilgrimage taught her invaluable lessons about humility, the fleeting nature of worldly glory, and the importance of focusing on eternal truths.
The Need for Prayer for Priests
During her journey, St. Therese recognized the fragility of priests, who, despite their noble calling, are also weak and in need of prayer. This realization transformed her understanding of her vocation, shifting from seeing priests as infallible figures to recognizing their humanity and need for support. Her experience on pilgrimage allowed her to engage deeply with various priests and understand the importance of praying for their integrity and strength. This epiphany emphasized the role of prayer within Carmel, as her mission evolved to encompass intercession for both sinners and priests.
Experiencing God's Beauty in Creation
St. Therese's journey was not merely a physical pilgrimage; it was enriched by her profound encounters with the beauty of nature, especially in Switzerland. Standing amidst majestic mountains and serene landscapes, she felt a deep connection to God and His creations, reflecting on the grandeur and artistry of the world. These experiences enhanced her spirituality, reminding her of the divine presence in all things and strengthening her resolve to pursue a religious life. The awe she felt in the natural world served as a reminder that even in her contemplative vocation, she could appreciate the beauty and goodness of God's creation.
The Significance of Our Lady of Victories
A pivotal moment in St. Therese's pilgrimage was her visit to Our Lady of Victories, which had a profound impact on her spiritual journey. The church had played a significant role in her family's life, especially during her healing, making this visit feel like a reunion with her protector. In prayer, she felt reassured by the Blessed Virgin, reinforcing her sense of identity and purpose as a nun. This encounter exemplified the importance of Marian devotion in her life, symbolizing her reliance on Mary's intercession throughout her journey toward her vocation.
The world holds so much beauty and wonder. In today’s reading, we go with St. Thérèse as she begins her pilgrimage to Rome. She outlines what it is like for her to be out in the world and seeing some of nature’s beauties for the first time. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph explain the significance of what St. Thérèse shares in these pages, especially, praying for priests, Our Lady of Victory, and the impact of nature’s beauty.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode