Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, and lovingly called the Little Flower, was a French Discalced Carmelite nun whose simple yet profound spirituality has touched the hearts of people throughout the world. Born Marie-Françoise-Thérèse Martin in 1873, she entered the Carmelite convent at Lisieux at the age of fifteen, driven by a deep love for God and a desire to give her life completely to Him.
Although her life was outwardly quiet and hidden, Saint Thérèse developed what she called the “Little Way”—a path of holiness rooted in childlike trust, humility, and doing small, ordinary things with great love. She taught that sanctity is not reserved for extraordinary deeds but is accessible to everyone through sincere love and total confidence in God’s mercy. Saint Thérèse died of tuberculosis in 1897 at the age of twenty-four. After her death, her autobiography, Story of a Soul, revealed the depth of her spiritual insight and quickly gained worldwide recognition. She was canonized in 1925 and later proclaimed a Doctor of the Church, one of the youngest ever to receive this title. Despite never leaving her convent, she is honored as the patron saint of missionaries, and her feast day is celebrated on October 1.

The “Little Way”: Her spiritual path of simplicity and trust, offering small acts with great love as a means of growing in holiness.

Doctor of the Church: Recognized for the depth and universality of her spiritual teaching, which continues to guide souls of all ages and vocations

Missionary at Heart: Though cloistered, she offered her prayers and sufferings for missionaries and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world.

Legacy: Through Story of a Soul, Saint Thérèse has inspired countless people to seek holiness through love, humility, and confidence in God.

Symbols: She is often depicted holding roses and a crucifix, recalling her promise to “spend her heaven doing good on earth” and to let fall a “shower of roses” as signs of God’s love.