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As Saint Therese lay dying in the Carmel of Lisieux, she overheard a conversation that amused her. Outside her window, two nuns were discussing what they could write in her obituary that could possibly be of any interest, since the twenty-four-year-old nun had never done anything worth noting. Therese was pleased, for she had always kept a low profile. With the posthumous publication of her spiritual autobiography in 1898, however, that low profile would vanish instantly. She became one of the most beloved saints of all time, and her influence will expand dramatically because of Pope John Paul II's declaration that she is a Doctor of the Church. Amid growing interest in her writings comes the collected correspondence between her and a humble young seminarian, Maurice Belliere. Though they never met in person, they exchanged twenty-one letters that opened a window on the heart of Saint Therese that would have remained forever closed had Maurice not written to the Mother Superior at the convent asking for a nun to pray for him. The Mother Superior chose Therese, and in these conversational letters the Little Flower reveals herself in a way that we would never have known from her autobiography. In his accompanying text, Bishop Patrick Ahern expertly leads the reader into the worlds of Maurice and Therese and reveals the full beauty of this saint's spirituality.
Anonymous
Posted January 3, 2003
Though the letters that are given to us in this book are between a young seminarian and a young Carmelite Nun, the reader is able to take away insights and ecouragment that are applicable to his or her own life. I myself am studying to be a religious brother and have found that, in some cases, I can relate very well to the struggles that the young seminarian encounters. There was a point in the book where I felt St. Therese was speaking directly to me, telling me things that I needed to hear, and in a way that I would understand what she is saying. If you are ever in a position of wanting to know St. Therese's spirituality, read this book. It gives the reader a clear picture of what that spirituality is. If you ever doubt that God loves you, read this book. You will not ever doubt it after you read this book by Bishop Ahern.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 25, 2013
A young seminarian, Maurice Belliere (age 21), requests that a nun from Carmel pray for him, and Therese is assigned the duty. What transpires is Therese (age 23), through their correspondence, finds a soul mate in Maurice and adopts him as the younger brother she never got to know. Her spiritual maturity and prayerful advice helps him through his doubts and fears. In addition to presenting these spiritual love letters, the author relates what actually was transpiring in their respective lives during this time -- as well as the final outcome.
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Posted November 9, 2010
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This is a great insight into the spirituality of "the greatest saint of modern times." There are at least two profits to reading this book, a great look into spiritual underpinning of the latest and youngest Doctor of the Church and receiving something tangible for our own spiritual life. This is a great read.
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Posted August 13, 2008
It is a very inspirational book about a priest trying to be able to overcome his guilt & shame to be able to do his calling to do God's work through him & young, sweet Therese helps ease his heart to get him back on the right path.
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Posted July 3, 2012
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Overview
As Saint Therese lay dying in the Carmel of Lisieux, she overheard a conversation that amused her. Outside her window, two nuns were discussing what they could write in her obituary that could possibly be of any interest, since the twenty-four-year-old nun had never done anything worth noting. Therese was pleased, for she had always kept a low profile. With the posthumous publication of her spiritual autobiography in 1898, however, that low profile would vanish instantly. She became one of the most beloved saints...