In Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad), he enjoins us to embark on our Christian journey of holiness by embracing the ordinariness of everyday. Throughout his exhortation, Pope Francis calls out more than 40 saints who can assist us on our mission of Christian faith, and to teach us how to rejoice and be glad in all of life’s challenges, mysteries, and joys.
During the 34 weeks of Ordinary Time, we will introduce you to some of the saints mentioned in Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation. #OrdinarySaints for #OrdinaryTime #HolyOrdinary
St. Thérèse of Lisieux – #12, #54, #145
Feast Day – October 1
St. Therese of Lisieux, pray for us.
#12 Within these various forms, I would stress too that the “genius of woman” is seen in feminine styles of holiness, which are an essential means of reflecting God’s holiness in this world. Indeed, in times when women tended to be most ignored or overlooked, the Holy Spirit raised up saints whose attractiveness produced new spiritual vigour and important reforms in the Church.
#54 The Catechism of the Catholic Church also reminds us that the gift of grace “surpasses the power of human intellect and will” and that “with regard to God, there is no strict right to any merit on the part of man. Between God and us there is an immeasurable inequality.” His friendship infinitely transcends us; we cannot buy it with our works, it can only be born of his loving initiative… The saints avoided putting trust in their own words: “In the evening of this life, I shall appear before you empty-handed, for I do not ask you, Lord, to count on my words. All our justices have strains in your sight.”
On October 1st we celebrate St. Thérèse of Lisieux, born around 1873.
St. Therese is a patron saint of mission and missionaries. She is one of the most beloved saints and goes by many names, such as Sister Therese, Sister Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower or Little Therese.
She was truly a faithful follower of Christ; she became a cloistered nun as a 15-year-old at the Carmelite Convent in France. Although she did die young – in her early 20s – she exulted in her desire to be a missionary.
St. Therese never left France, she did inspire thousands of people during her life and after her passing to spread God’s love through mission. Her incredible spirituality and commitment to her faith is astounding. We, as missionaries, should strive to live by her principle: “do the ordinary with extraordinary love.”
(taken from the message by US Catholic Mission Association)
Learn more about her incredible life https://www.littleflower.org/therese/
