Story of Saint Therese of Lisieux | Stories of Saints | English

Summary

In this engaging story, children discuss the achievements of a neighbor's son, John, whose parents are both doctors. The conversation shifts to saints with parents who were also saints, focusing on St. Therese of Lisieux. Born in France in 1873, she was pampered yet faced challenges, including illness and the loss of her mother. Despite struggles, she sought to join the convent and practiced humility through small acts of kindness. St. Therese's writings emphasized finding holiness in everyday life. She passed away at 24, and her parents were canonized in 2015, illustrating the impact of love and small sacrifices in faith.

Takeaways

• 😀 John, a neighbor's son, received recognition for his achievements, highlighting the importance of parental guidance and support.
• 👩‍⚕️ John's parents, both doctors, invested significant effort in preparing him for success, emphasizing the impact of parental expectations.
• 🕊️ Saint Augustine of Hippo is mentioned as a saint whose mother, Monica, was also canonized, showcasing the connection between familial faith and sainthood.
• 👩‍👧‍👧 Saint Therese of Lisieux, known as the Little Flower, was born to parents who were also declared saints, emphasizing a legacy of holiness in families.
• 🏠 The story narrates the challenges faced by Therese's family, including the loss of siblings to illness and the mother's battle with cancer.
• 💖 Therese developed a close bond with her sister Pauline, who became a maternal figure after their mother's death.
• 🙏 Therese's dedication to prayer, particularly to Mother Mary, played a crucial role in her healing from illness.
• 🌹 Despite her pampered upbringing, Therese sought to overcome her emotional outbursts and desired to join the convent.
• 📖 Therese's autobiography, 'Story of a Soul,' illustrates her spiritual journey and reflections on humility and love.
• 🌍 Though she lived a cloistered life, Therese became the patron saint of missions through her letters of encouragement to missionaries.

Q & A

Who is John, and what achievement did he recently accomplish?

John is the neighbor's son who recently received a first prize, and his achievement was published in the newspaper.

What career background do John’s parents have, and how did it influence his achievement?

Both of John's parents are doctors, and they trained him for a long time for the entrance exam, which contributed to his success.

What is the significance of parents wanting their children to follow in their footsteps?

Some parents wish for their children to pursue similar careers, but it can also create pressure; however, the conversation suggests gratitude for not having such expectations.

Which saint's story is shared in the transcript, and who were her parents?

The story of Saint Therese of Lisieux is shared, and her parents, Louis and Zelie Martin, were also canonized as saints.

What personal struggles did Teresa face during her childhood?

Teresa faced the loss of several siblings due to illness, her mother’s cancer, and her own emotional outbursts, which made her feel different from other children.

How did Teresa experience healing, and who was involved in that process?

Teresa experienced healing after praying to Mother Mary, who appeared to her in a vision, reassuring her and restoring her health.

What challenges did Teresa encounter in her quest to join the convent?

Initially, Teresa was refused entry into the convent because she was considered too young, but she persisted and eventually gained permission after traveling to the Vatican.

What approach did Teresa take towards attaining sainthood?

Teresa aimed for sainthood by performing small acts of kindness and sacrifices, rather than seeking out extraordinary deeds.

What was the cause of Teresa's early death, and how old was she when she passed away?

Teresa died from tuberculosis at the young age of 24 on September 30, 1897.

How is Teresa of Lisieux recognized as a patron saint despite not performing miracles or traveling?

Teresa is recognized as a patron saint of missions due to her spiritual support through letters and prayers for missionaries, emphasizing the impact of small acts in spreading faith.