Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: history, spirituality and prayers

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus is one of the most beloved saints of the Church, known for her profound spiritual simplicity. She died at age 24, but was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church and patroness of the missions.

The "Little Way of Spiritual Childhood"

Thérèse understood that she did not need to perform extraordinary feats to be a saint. Her spirituality is based on:

• Littleness and Trust: Abandoning oneself in the arms of God like a little child.
• The Little Way: Performing the ordinary tasks of daily life with extraordinary love, seeing it as a direct "elevator" to heaven.

The Promise of the Roses

Before dying, she promised: "After my death, I will let fall a shower of roses". Roses symbolize the graces and favors she would intercede for before God. It is common for the faithful to ask her for a rose as a sign of answered prayer.

Suggested Prayer

"Oh Saint Thérèse, model of humility and trust, let fall upon us the rose of your love. Help me in my need and grant me from the Lord what I ask, if it is for the glory of God. Amen."