Therese of the Child Jesus

France in the nineteenth century was the first country in Europe in which the conviction began to spread that we could do without God, that we could live as if he did not exist. It was precisely in that country beyond the Alps, however, that some saints, such as Thérèse of Lisieux, recalled that the meaning of life is precisely that of knowing and loving God.

Teresa was born in 1873 in a deeply believing environment. In 2015, her parents were also declared saints. She received, therefore, a profoundly religious education that soon led her to choose the religious life in the Carmel of Lisieux. Here she progressively entrusted herself to God. At the suggestion of the superior, she kept a diary in which she noted the stages of her interior life.

She wrote in 1895: «On 9 June, the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, I received the grace to understand more than ever how much Jesus desires to be loved». Thérèse wanted to respond to God’s love with all her strength and youthful enthusiasm.

Little did she know, however, that love would lead her through the path of deprivation and darkness. The following year, 1896, the first signs of tuberculosis appeared, which led to her death. Even more painful was the experience of Godlessness. Accustomed to living in his presence, Therese found herself shrouded in darkness, in which it was impossible for her to see any supernatural sign. There was, however, one last stage accomplished by the saint. She learnt that to her, a little one, was entrusted knowledge of the little way, the way of abandonment to the will of God.

Life, then, became a carefree game for Therese because, even in moments of abandonment, God watches over and is ready to take into his arms those who entrust themselves to him.

The beatification ceremony was held on April 29, 1923. The solemn canonization ceremony on May 17, 1925. She was declared a Doctor of the Church on October 19, 1997.

 Video esumazione e traslazione dei resti mortali di Santa Teresina