St. Therese of Lisieux

Born to a pious middle-class French family of tradesmen; daughter of Blessed Louis Martin and Blessed Marie-Azelie Guérin Martin, and all four of her sisters became nuns. Her mother died when Francoise-Marie was only four, and the family moved to Lisieux, Normandy, France to be closer to family.

Cured from an illness at age eight when a statue of the Blessed Virgin smiled at her.

Educated by the Benedictine nuns of Notre-Dame-du-Pre. Confirmed there at age eleven. Just before her 14th birthday she received a vision of the Child Jesus; she immediately understood the great sacrifice that had been made for her, and developed an unshakeable faith.

Tried to join the Carmelites, but was turned down due to her age. Pilgrim to Rome at for the Jubilee of Pope Leo XIII whom she met and who knew of her desire to become a nun.

Joined the Carmelites at Lisieux on 9 April 1888 at age 15, taking her final vow on 8 September 1890 at age 17.

Saint Therese of Lisieux is a Doctor of the Church.

See Also, St. Therese Asks Her Father's Permission to Enter Carmel

See Also, St. Therese Asks Her Uncle's Permission to Enter Carmel

See Also, St. Therese Asks the Bishop's Permission to Enter Carmel

See Also, St. Therese Asks the Pope's Permission to Enter Carmel

See Also, A Simple Prayer to St. Therese