ST. THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX: THE LITTLE FLOWER AND THE FOUR MIRACLES

St. Thérèse of Lisieux: The Little Flower and the Four Miracles

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as the Little Flower, was a French Carmelite nun who lived from 1873 to 1897. She is one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church, and her story of love and devotion to God continues to inspire people around the world.

Thérèse was born in Alençon, France, on January 2, 1873. She was the youngest of nine children, and her parents were deeply religious. Thérèse lost her mother at the age of four, and she was raised by her older sister, Pauline.

At a young age, Thérèse felt a strong call to religious life. She entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux at the age of 15. Thérèse spent the rest of her life in the convent, where she lived a life of prayer and service.

Thérèse was diagnosed with tuberculosis at the age of 23, and she died from the disease on September 30, 1897. She was only 24 years old.

After her death, Thérèse’s writings became popular, and people began to report miracles attributed to her intercession. In 1923, Thérèse was beatified, and in 1925, she was canonized as a saint.

The four miracles that led to Thérèse’s canonization were:

• The cure of Sister Louise of St. Germain. Sister Louise suffered from stomach ulcers for three years. In 1923, she prayed to Thérèse for a cure, and her ulcers disappeared overnight.
• The cure of Charles Anne. Charles Anne was a 23-year-old seminarian who was dying from advanced pulmonary tuberculosis. In 1923, he prayed to Thérèse for a cure, and his tuberculosis disappeared overnight.
• The cure of Gabrielle Trimusi. Gabrielle Trimusi suffered from arthritis of the knee and tubercular lesions on the vertebrae. In 1925, she prayed to Thérèse for a cure, and her arthritis and tubercular lesions disappeared overnight.
• The cure of Maria Pellemans. Maria Pellemans suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis which had spread, as Thérèse’s illness had, to the intestines. In 1925, she prayed to Thérèse for a cure, and her tuberculosis disappeared overnight.

These four miracles were investigated and approved by the Catholic Church, and they are considered to be evidence of Thérèse’s holiness and her intercession.

Thérèse is known as the Little Flower because of her humility and simplicity. She believed that everyone, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem, can make a difference in the world. She also believed in the power of prayer, and she encouraged people to pray for her help, even for the smallest of things.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux is a beloved saint by people of all ages and backgrounds. Her story is one of love, devotion, and hope. She is a reminder that even the smallest of us can make a difference in the world, and that God always answers our prayers.