St. Therese's Relationship with Authority

St. Therese reflects on her relationship with her new prioress, Mother Marie de Gonzague, emphasizing the lessons learned through difficult interactions. Despite the often strict demeanor of her prioress, Therese acknowledges how these encounters shaped her spiritual formation, noting that the challenges she faced served as instruments of God's grace in her life. Therese attributes her spiritual development to the strong yet nurturing guidance of Mother Marie, appreciating the balance of tough love with affectionate support she received. This relationship highlights the importance of recognizing authority figures in life as potential conduits of divine growth, even when their methods seem harsh or challenging.