Thérèse of Lisieux

Date of Birth: January 2, 1873

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: September 30, 1897

Biography

Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, was a French Catholic Discalced Carmelite nun who is widely venerated in modern times. Born Marie Françoise-Thérèse Martin on January 2, 1873, in Alençon, France, she was the youngest of nine children. Her parents, Louis and Zélie Martin, are also canonized saints. Thérèse entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux at the age of 15 after receiving special permission from Pope Leo XIII. Despite her short life—she died at the age of 24—she left a profound legacy through her spiritual autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” which has inspired millions around the world. She is known for her “Little Way” theology, which emphasizes doing small things with great love and trust in God. She was canonized in 1925 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997 by Pope John Paul II.

5 Interesting Facts about Thérèse of Lisieux

1. Thérèse was one of nine children, but only five survived to adulthood.

2. Her autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” has been translated into numerous languages and remains a spiritual classic.

3. She was canonized as a saint less than 30 years after her death, in 1925.

4. Thérèse is one of the youngest individuals to be designated a Doctor of the Church.

5. Her parents, Louis and Zélie Martin, were canonized together in 2015, making them the first married couple to be canonized together.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thérèse of Lisieux

1. “I understood that all we accomplish, however brilliant, is worth nothing without love.”

2. “What matters in life is not great deeds, but great love.”

3. “I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.”

4. “Holiness consists simply in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be.”

5. “Our Lord has no need of our works but only of our love.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a nun and saint, Thérèse of Lisieux did not accumulate personal wealth. Her highest “net worth” can be considered her spiritual legacy and the impact of her writings.