Saint Therese of Lisieux Relic

Saint Therese of Lisieux, also known as Therese of the Child Jesus; the Little Flower; the Little Flower of Jesus, was born in Alcon, Normandy, France on 2 January 1873. Born to a middle-class French family.

Her father, Louis, was a watchmaker, her mother died of cancer when Therese was 4, was a lace maker, and both have been declared Venerable by the Church. Cured from an illness at age eight when a statue of the Blessed Virgin smiled at her. She became a Carmelite nun at age 15. Defined her path to God and holiness as "The Little Way," which consisted of love and trust in God. At the direction of her spiritual director, and against her wishes, she dictated her famed autobiography Story of a Soul. Many miracles attributed to her.

Saint Therese of Lisieux died at 7pm Thursday on 30 September 1897 at Lisieux, France of tuberculois. She was canonized on 17 May 1925 by Pope Pius XI and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997 by Pope John Paul II.

Prayer to Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus

Dear Little Flower of Lisieux, how wonderful was the short life you led. Though cloistered, you went far and wide through fervent prayers and great sufferings. You obtained from God untold helps and graces for his evangelists. Help all missionaries in their work and teach all of us to spread Christianity in our own neighborhoods and family circles. Amen.

Invocation to Saint Theresa

O Little Flower of Jesus, ever consoling troubled souls with heavenly graces, in your unfailing intercession I place my trust. From the Heart of Our Blessed Savior petition these blessing of which I stand in greatest need (mention here). Shower upon me your promised roses of virtue and grace, dear Saint Therese, so that swiftly advancing in sanctity and in perfect love of neighbor, I may someday receive the crown of eternal life. Amen.