The Story of a Soul by Thérèse of Lisieux

These high-in-demand essays, compiled together created Story of a Soul - a quite unplanned autobiography of St.

“I would want to preach the Gospel on all the five continents simultaneously and even to the most remote isles. I would be a missionary, not for a few years only, but from the beginning of creation until the consummation of the ages” ( Story of a Soul, Manuscript B). Through these three manuscripts put together, Thérèse became a rather-accidental missionary who reached all corners of the Earth - just as she had so desired. After her death, these compositions ended up in print - and the result was astonishing! Initially considered somewhat of a souvenir for the family and as something to share with other Carmelite communities after her death, the essays found their way into the hands of friends and relatives - and requests were made for more copies, then more copies, and then more. Many of these special gifts of understanding were written down by Thérèse - two manuscripts by order of the prioress, another as requested by her sister Marie. During her nine years as a Carmelite, young Thérèse spent rich time in profound prayer and deep contemplation, where she absorbed many divine insights. Little did Thérèse know that she would become a missionary - just not in the traditional sense. She would remain at the convent until her death. At some point as a cloistered nun, she expressed an interest in becoming a missionary she deeply desired to join in the work of teaching souls about God, but her health was already too frail. So, besides the blessed roses, what is at the heart of the Little Flower’s sanctity?Īfter a somewhat sheltered childhood, Thérèse felt an overpowering tug to become a Carmelite nun as a teenager at the age of 15, with her beloved Papa, she walked the quarter of a mile from her home to be received into the Carmelite monastery in Lisieux. She lived a quiet and rather obscure life - and died at the young age of 24 in a cloistered convent. This Little Flower did not build a hospital, school or orphanage, nor did she start a new religious order.

As beloved as she is, she did not start a new order, she wasn’t a missionary, and she had no renowned visions. Thérèse is often remembered as a young Carmelite nun in France and as someone who sometimes sends roses to those who ask for her prayers.

The Story of a Soul by Thérèse of Lisieux