St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as the "Little Flower," is recognised for her "Little Way" of doing small things with great love. Born in France in 1873, she joined the Carmelite order at 15 and became a nun. She died at 24 from tuberculosis in 1897, she is a patron saint of the missions and florists, and is known for miracles associated with roses.
 

Key Aspects of Her Life and Spirituality

The Little Way

St. Thérèse is most famous for her "Little Way" spirituality, which emphasises performing ordinary, everyday tasks with extraordinary love for God. 

Devotion to God:

She lived a life of obedience, prayer, and sacrifice, desiring to serve God through small acts of kindness and charity. 

Carmelite Nun:

She joined the Carmelite convent in Lisieux and lived there as a nun. 

Writings:

Encouraged by her sisters, she wrote her autobiography, Story of a Soul, which detailed her life and spirituality and was published after her death. 

Miracles:

After her death, miracles were often associated with the appearance of roses or the scent of roses, leading to her nickname the "Little Flower". 

Her Legacy and Titles

Doctor of the Church:

St. Thérèse was declared a Doctor of the Church for her spiritually insightful writings. 

Patron of the Missions:

She is a co-patron of the missions, despite never physically leaving her convent, because of her powerful prayers for missionaries. 

Co-Patroness of France:

Pope St. John Paul II named her a co-patroness of France in 1994, alongside St Joan of Arc.

Other Patronages:

She is also the patroness of florists and Russia. 

Saints in Her Family:

Her parents, Louis and Zélie Martin, were canonised together as saints in 2015, and her sister is also on the path to sainthood.