An Overview of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and Story of a Soul
Sep 16, 2024
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Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk, an expert in St. Thérèse's life, and Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, who offers insights on 'Story of a Soul,' delve into the profound legacy of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. They explore her 'little way' of spirituality, emphasizing love and humility. The discussion also highlights the autobiographical nature of her writings, providing advice on engaging deeply with her text. Listeners learn about her significant milestones, the importance of her manuscripts, and the impactful nature of her story on both readers and the Catholic Church.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux is celebrated for her 'Little Way,' emphasizing love and humility in pursuing holiness over rigid rules.
Her autobiography 'Story of a Soul' illustrates deeply spiritual insights through simple language, inspiring many to embrace their faith authentically.
Deep dives
Introduction to Saint Therese of Lisieux
Saint Therese of Lisieux, born on January 2, 1873, is recognized as one of the most well-known saints in the Catholic Church. She was the youngest of nine children, with only five surviving past childhood, and her early life was marked by the loss of her mother, which deeply influenced her spiritual journey. Therese entered the Carmelite convent at the tender age of 15, driven by a lifelong desire to serve God. Despite living just nine years as a nun before her death in 1897, her dedication to a humble religious life has since been celebrated, leading to her canonization and recognition as a doctor of the Church, affirming her significant contribution to Catholic spirituality.
The Impact of 'Story of a Soul'
The book 'Story of a Soul' is an autobiography that has garnered widespread acclaim and is considered a Catholic classic, illustrating Therese's deep spirituality and profound teachings. The text is divided into three manuscripts, showcasing different aspects of her life: her childhood, her spiritual insights, and her experiences as a Carmelite nun. Written initially at the request of her sister, the memoir has touched countless lives and inspired many, including prominent saints like St. Teresa of Calcutta. Therese's ability to express her spirituality through simple yet powerful language emphasizes her belief that holiness can be achieved through love and humble acts, rather than grand gestures.
The Little Way: A Path to Holiness
Therese is celebrated for her 'Little Way,' a spiritual approach emphasizing childlike trust in God and the importance of love in pursuing holiness. This method acknowledges human limitations and expresses a deep reliance on divine grace, invoking the idea that even the smallest acts of love can have significant spiritual value. By shifting the focus from rigorous adherence to rules to living out love daily, Therese has reshaped Catholic spirituality over the past century. Her simple yet profound insights continue to inspire individuals seeking to deepen their relationship with God, making her teachings relevant for people across different cultures and times.
Who is St. Thérèse? Why did she write Story of a Soul? The answers to these questions will help you as you prepare to begin Season 3 of Catholic Classics: Story of a Soul. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris offer a broad overview of St. Thérèse’s life and what Story of a Soul covers. Drawing from their own experiences, they also offer advice on how best to approach the text.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.
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