St. Thérèse of Lisieux's feast day is on October 1st! Let’s feast with her!
The Facts
St. Thérèse of Lisieux was born into a big, holy, French family in 1873. Her parents were Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, the patron saints of Catholic Family Crate! The youngest of nine children, Thérèse was smart, determined, and very emotional. She was known to have huge temper tantrums if things didn’t go her way! (Does that sound like any saints in training you know? You’re not alone!) At the age of 13, she experienced a powerful conversion that freed her from her selfish tendencies and filled her with the desire to serve others. Her greatest wish was to join her sisters at the Carmelite Convent, but it was an uphill battle because of her young age. When the prioress, local priest, and bishop all denied her entrance, the ever-determined Thérèse went to the pope! Finally, at the age of 15, she was accepted into the convent. As a cloistered Carmelite nun, she was unable to do missionary work or great acts of charity. Determined to become a saint, Thérèse focused on finding “little ways” to make small sacrifices in the name of love.
In 1896, St. Thérèse of Lisieux fell ill and began writing down her memories in a journal. These writings became her autobiography, The Story of a Soul. St. Thérèse of Lisieux died at the age of 24 and is the youngest saint to be declared a Doctor of the Church.
The Feast
St. Thérèse of Lisieux trusted that God calls everyone - even those living simple, ordinary lives - to sainthood. Through her life and teachings, St. Thérèse reminds us that holiness doesn’t require big acts or great deeds. It only requires a humble heart ordered towards God, seeking out every small opportunity for love, charity and sacrifice.
Time to Celebrate!
Good news! A festive feast doesn’t need to be fussy! Here are a few easy ways to celebrate the Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux:
🌹 Find a “little way” to be holy today. Say a prayer, do a good deed, or sacrifice something in the name of Christ. All of these good deeds help saints in training grow in holiness! (P.S. If you are feeling crafty, find instructions on how to make “Sacrifice Beads” online. As a child, this is how St. Thérèse kept track of her acts of kindness and sacrifices to keep her motivated on her path to sainthood!)
🌹 Stop and smell the roses. St. Thérèse of Lisieux is known as “The Little Flower.” She viewed herself as one of many unique flowers growing in God’s garden, bringing glory to him simply by blooming where she was planted! Today, take time to admire God at work in your life and the world around you.
🌹 Enjoy a French-inspired snack! Get in the spirit by feasting on a French treat like a croissant, macaroon, or French toast!
The life and teachings of St. Thérèse remind us that we are all called to be saints. Catholic Family Crate’s faith-filled subscription boxes make the journey to sainthood a little easier. Subscribe today!