Happy Feast Day, St Thérèse! There are a ton of guys here at the seminary and, I imagine, all over the world who have strong devotions to this little saint. It amazes everyone how this obscure cloistered nun from France has captivated the world in so short a time. Many will argue that she is not deserving of so much attention (especially her dignity as Dottoressa della Chiesa) because, compared to the likes of St Thomas and St Augustine, she is much more associated with pietistic affectivity, a.k.a., she's too squooshy. But any serious reading of her life and her spiritual doctrine will reveal the enormous depth of her little way and confirm the judgment rendered by Pope Pius XII.
St Therese said that she joined Carmel to pray for souls, especially for priests. She also said that she would create a whole army dedicated to the Merciful Love of Jesus, and I like to think of myself as some small part of that group. Her example of childlike confidence in the goodness of God, her insistence that we remain small and trusting of our Father in heaven, and reach out always after we fall is an inspiration for me and millions of others throughout the world.
I would like to say a special word of greeting to my niece Alexandria Janine Powell who, like me, carries a loving devotion to this little saint of Carmel; also to my sister, Andrea Teresa Murray, who bears the name of the Little Flower. May you both be blessed today, through the intercession of St Therese.
2 comments:
Toto, I like that you wrote a little about Therese. Thank you, Alex.
Tony, After battling a period where i was falling asleep during mental prayer, I went to an evening of rec. and Father Jay mentioned how she had fallen asleep a few times during her prayer. She said she should feel bad about that but that she didn't because parents love their children when they are asleep just as much as when they are awake. I knew that was meant for me, who had been feeling soooo bad about that, Thank you Little Flower!!! Debbie
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