Catholic Classics
Day 18: Experiences of Death (Story of a Soul)
Oct 18, 2024
In this captivating discussion, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a Carmelite nun known for her "Little Way" to holiness, shares her harrowing experiences during an influenza outbreak that claimed the lives of fellow nuns. She reflects on her increased responsibilities and the emotional toll of grief amidst her community. The conversation also touches on the challenges of spiritual dryness in prayer, exploring how we can navigate these struggles with resilience and faith. Insights on embracing vocation and deepening one’s connection with Jesus add to the richness of her story.
37:10
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Quick takeaways
- St. Thérèse faced profound spiritual dryness and doubts before her vows, yet her faith deepened through sharing her struggles with her novice mistress.
- During a devastating influenza outbreak, St. Thérèse matured in her religious life by caring for the sick, embodying resilience amid sorrow and death.
Deep dives
St. Therese's Vows and Spiritual Trials
St. Therese of Lisieux's journey to her religious profession included a significant period of spiritual dryness, where she experienced a lack of consolation in prayer. During her retreat before making her vows, instead of joy, she felt a great moment of aridity and temptation, doubting her vocation and fearing she had misled her superiors. However, after confiding in her novice mistress about her struggles, she received reassurance and peace, enabling her to follow through with her vows. This experience highlighted the deep inner battles that can accompany moments of profound commitment, with Therese ultimately emerging more resolute in her faith.
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