ST. THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX

St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Feast Day: 1 October
Patronage: Missions, missionaries, florists, aviators, and those seeking to grow in holiness through simple acts of love.

Quick Facts

• Born: 2 January 1873 – Alençon, France

• Died: 30 September 1897 – Lisieux, France

• Birth Name: Thérèse Martin

• Title: The Little Flower of Jesus

• Known For: Her “Little Way” of spiritual childhood, humility, prayer, and love

Life Summary

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, born Thérèse Martin, was a French Carmelite nun who became one of the most beloved saints of modern times. From an early age, she had a deep desire to love and serve God. At just 15 years old, she received permission to enter the Carmelite convent at Lisieux, where she spent the rest of her short life.

Thérèse did not perform great public works or travel to distant lands. Instead, she discovered holiness in small, ordinary acts done with extraordinary love. She called this her “Little Way”—a path of trusting God like a child and offering Him even the smallest sacrifices with love.

She experienced both spiritual joy and periods of darkness and doubt, especially during her final illness. Despite her suffering, she continued to place her complete trust in God’s mercy.

Thérèse died of tuberculosis on 30 September 1897, at only 24 years of age. Her autobiography, Story of a Soul, later became widely read and inspired countless Christians.

She was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925 and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope St. John Paul II in 1997, recognizing the profound spiritual wisdom contained in her simple teaching.

St. Thérèse is affectionately called the “Little Flower” because she compared herself to a small flower that simply gives glory to God by being exactly what He created it to be. Her life teaches that great holiness can be found in ordinary things when they are done with extraordinary love.

Famous Quote

“I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.” — St. Thérèse of Lisieux