Today’s Feast
October 01
Theresa of the Child Jesus, virgin
Memorial
Memorial, 1969 Calendar, celebration October 1
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus or St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the patron saint of aviators, florists, illnesses, missions and, alongside St. Joan of Arc, the patron saint of France.
The Little Flower of Jesus or the greatest saint of modern time as she was called, St. Thérèse of Lisieux lived a short life dedicated intensely to God.
She was born on January 2, 1873 at Alençon France into a very religious family, and her vocation manifested itself early in her life when she was just a child.
At age fifteen, she became a Carmelite nun after a personal appeal to Pope Leon XIII for the permission to enter the Carmelite order.
She sought to develop an approach to the spiritual life that was understandable and imitable by all who chose to do so, regardless of their level of sophistication or education.
This is evident in her approach to prayer: “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward Heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy; in a word, something noble, supernatural, which enlarges my soul and unites it to God…. I have not the courage to look through books for beautiful prayers…. I do as a child who has not learned to read, I just tell our Lord all that I want and He understands.”
St. Thérèse is known today for her spiritual memoir, “Story of a Soul”. This document and her letters, poems, and prayers were made public after her death in 1897. Pope Pius XI beatified her in April 1923 and after two years, she was canonized, on May 17, 1925.
Holy Face For Sinners
by St. Therese of Lisieux
ETERNAL FATHER, since Thou hast given me for my inheritance the Adorable Face of Thy Divine Son, I offer that face to Thee and I beg Thee, in exchange for this coin of infinite value, to forget the ingratitude of souls dedicated to Thee and to pardon all poor sinners.
Prayer source:”The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux With Additional Writings and Sayings of St. Thérèse”, Publisher: Project Gutenberg, Rights: GNU General Public License
Prayer: Dear Little Flower of Lisieux, how wonderful was the short life you led. Though cloistered, you went far and wide through fervent prayers and great sufferings. You obtained from God untold helps and graces for his evangelists. Help all missionaries in their work and teach all of us to spread Christianity in our own neighborhoods and family circles. Amen.
O Little Flower of Jesus, ever consoling troubled souls with heavenly graces, in your unfailing intercession I place my trust. From the Heart of Our Blessed Savior petition these blessing of which I stand in greatest need (mention here). Shower upon me your promised roses of virtue and grace, dear Saint Therese, so that swiftly advancing in sanctity and in perfect love of neighbor, I may someday receive the crown of eternal life. Amen.
O Lord, Who has said: Unless you become as little children you shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven: grant unto us, we beseech Thee, so to follow in humility and simplicity of heart the footsteps of Saint Teresa, the Virgin, that we may obtain everlasting rewards: Who livest and reignest.
Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal.
