St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known for her "Little Way" to holiness, shares her passionate journey towards joining the Carmelite order at just 15. She reveals the vulnerable moment of confessing her desires to her father and uncle, facing initial denials with remarkable perseverance. The priests delve into her family's influence and the significance of receiving permission for her vocation. Themes of humility, emotional support, and spiritual growth resonate throughout, inviting listeners to reflect on their own faith journeys.
St. Thérèse's journey to enter Carmel illustrates the importance of familial support and overcoming initial resistance to one's spiritual vocation.
Her perseverance amidst institutional barriers and age restrictions highlights the balance between humility and unwavering determination in pursuing one's calling.
Deep dives
St. Therese's Vocational Journey
St. Therese of Lisieux's realization of her desire to enter Carmel at the young age of 15 highlights her deep longing for a spiritual vocation. Despite the enthusiasm she felt post her Christmas conversion, she faced significant hurdles, particularly from her family, who were concerned about her youth and maturity. Her father eventually supports her decision after an emotional conversation, indicating a blend of joy and sorrow as he recognizes this calling as a divine honor. This foundational support is crucial for Therese as she navigates the complexities of her calling amidst the mixed feelings of her family.
Family Challenges and Support
Therese's desire to enter the Carmelite convent encounters resistance from various family members, notably her uncle, who serves as her legal guardian. His initial refusal to allow her entry until she reaches 17 creates a profound emotional struggle for Therese, as she experiences what she refers to as the darkest days of her life. Ultimately, her uncle's change of heart after a period of reflection illustrates the importance of familial support and the dynamics of parental authority in spiritual decisions. Therese’s perseverance is a testament to her dedication and faith, as she continues to seek validation for her calling.
Institutional Barriers to Entry
In her quest for religious life, St. Therese confronts the institutional barriers posed by the Carmelite community's superior, who mandates that she wait until she is 21 to enter. This arbitrary age restriction amplifies her frustrations, as each delay seems to stretch her patience and determination. The superior's apprehension reflects the broader concerns within religious institutions regarding the maturity and readiness of young individuals for a life of commitment. Despite these obstacles, Therese's resilience shines as she continues to advocate for her vocation, hoping for a favorable decision that could come from the bishop.
Lessons in Humility and Persistence
Throughout her journey, St. Therese exemplifies the balance between humility and persistence—a lesson grounded in her unwavering faith and tenacity. While her path is filled with trials and setbacks, her desire for spiritual growth propels her forward, demonstrating a depth of character often overlooked in discussions about humility. This humbleness does not equate to passivity, as Therese actively pursues her calling amidst societal and institutional norms that challenge her. Ultimately, her story serves as an inspiration to others on how to navigate their spiritual pursuits with both gentle humility and steadfast determination.
Revealing our greatest desires can be a very vulnerable experience. St. Thérèse describes the circumstances of sharing her desire for Carmel to both her father and uncle. As she faces the initial denial of her uncle and the rector of Carmel, we begin to see the perseverance St. Thérèse possessed when it came to her vocation, and ultimately, her path towards holiness. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph explain why St. Thérèse needed her uncle’s permission to enter Carmel. They also describe the factors of granting permission for an individual to enter a religious community.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.
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