St. Thérèse of Lisieux

1873 — 1897  THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX

1. Patron Saint of St. Thérèse Small Christian Community

Feast Day: 1st October
Canonized: 17th May 1925

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, lovingly known as “The Little Flower,” was born on 2nd January 1873 to Saints Louis and Zélie Martin. At the age of 11, she received her First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation, opening her heart more deeply to Jesus. Filled with a courageous and humble desire to serve God, she entered the Carmelite convent at the age of 15, dedicating her entire life to Christ.

Her earthly life was brief—she died of tuberculosis at only 24 years old—but her spiritual impact continues to inspire millions. St. Thérèse became the third woman to be declared a Doctor of the Church because of the depth and simplicity of her teachings. Inspired by Scripture passages such as Matthew 18:3 and Matthew 5:3, she developed what she called “the Little Way”—a path of holiness grounded in doing small, everyday actions with great love, trust, and gratitude.

She believed that every person, like every flower, has a unique beauty before God, and that Jesus does not ask us for extraordinary achievements, but for a heart filled with love and surrender. Her writings continue to teach the Church how to love God wholeheartedly in the ordinary routines of daily life.

As St. Thérèse Small Christian Community, we strive to imitate her spirituality—becoming little flowers of Jesus, spreading His love through our prayer, unity, and simple daily acts done with love.

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, pray for us.