Our pastor began his homily this Sunday by saying, “This Tuesday, we’ll celebrate the feast of the fourth person of the Trinity,” pausing to let us appreciate his affectionate, tongue-in-cheek reference to St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Known for his devotion to Thérèse, the remark carried no sarcasm.
FOCUS, which has chosen St. Thérèse as a patron saint, even models its evangelization after her “Little Way.”
As someone devoted to St. Thérèse, I realize my admiration may seem uncommon since her following is often more female. However, as a Doctor of the Church, Thérèse’s teachings resonate with everyone seeking deep truths about the Catholic faith, including popes and countless souls alike.
What is it about Thérèse, the “Little Flower”, whom Pope Pius XI called “the greatest saint of modern times,” that drives her immense popularity?
The truth is, there are many reasons to love and admire her, but in this post, we’ll ponder three key factors:
1. St. Therese’s Confidence in God’s Merciful Love
Thérèse’s confidence in God’s love and mercy inspires saints and sinners alike, showing that even in moments of deep weakness, God’s arms are always open, and His love is always greater than our sins. She once said:
“Even if I had on my conscience all the sins that can be committed, I would go, my heart broken with sorrow, and throw myself into Jesus’ arms, for I know how much He loves the prodigal child who returns to Him.”
2. The Universality of Therese’s Message
Similar to St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who was deeply influenced by Thérèse, she has captivated people around the globe. Known as the patron saint of missionaries, St. Thérèse inspires us through her ‘Little Way,’ a path of spiritual simplicity and love for anyone. St. John Paul II said of her:
“Thérèse possesses an exceptional universality. Her person and the Gospel message of the ‘little way’ of trust and spiritual childhood, have received and continue to receive a remarkable welcome, which has transcended every border.”
She showed us that it doesn’t matter who we are – whether we are crossing oceans like St. Francis Xavier or living in a small community, we all are called to evangelize. Her deep wisdom and revolutionary ideas made her a Doctor of the Church.
Why not enhance your life practically by using wisdom from St. Therese herself in our blog post, “4 Ways to Grow in Holiness with St. Therese?”
3. St. Therese’s Miraculous Engagement With Us Since Her Death
Anyone familiar with Thérèse will have experienced or at least heard of her miraculous intervention, often involving roses or other flowers. Interestingly, she knew of her role as a mediatrix of grace during her earthly life. Before her death, she made a bold promise:
“I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses.”
Thérèse believed her “littleness” allowed her to approach God boldly, asking for graces for others. Since her canonization, countless testimonies of receiving roses—literal and symbolic—have reinforced her reputation as a powerful intercessor. Her promise of a “shower of roses” reflects her enduring desire to draw people closer to God and remind them of His abundant grace.
Thérèse teaches us that holiness is not about perfection but about offering all we are—our joys, sorrows, and even our sins—into the hands of a loving Father.
FAQ: St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Q: Why is St. Thérèse called the Little Flower?
A: Therese saw herself as a small, humble flower in God’s garden. It serves as a symbol of her simple, childlike trust and love for God.
Q: What does St. Thérèse’s “shower of roses” mean?
A: Before her death, Thérèse promised to spend her heaven doing good on earth. She would also let fall a “shower of roses” as a sign of her intercession. Many attribute answered prayers to this promise.
Q: How can I pray to St. Thérèse?
A: A popular way is through the Novena of the Little Flower. You can also ask for her intercession and seeing a “rose” as a sign of her prayerful help.
Q: What is St. Thérèse’s Little Way?
A: The Little Way is St. Thérèse’s spiritual approach of seeking holiness through small, ordinary acts of love and trust in God, emphasizing simplicity and humility.
St. Thérèse, pray for us!
Additional Resources
Learn more about St. Therese of The Child Jesus and praying for others in our post on our resource site, FOCUS Equip.
Learn more about the saints on our blog! From exploring St. Bakhita’s life, to consecrating yourself to St. Joseph, to learning about the quirkiest patron saints, we love to help everyone learn more about these holy men and women.
For more great (and free) Catholic resources, check out the FOCUS blog. We offer numerous videos, PDF resources, and more to help aid your faith life.
Additionally, try out our podcast, which features talks from our SEEK conference and our YouTube channel for videos and more!
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