Today the church celebrates The Feast of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, commonly known as “The Little Flower.” Thérèse died on the 30th of September, 1897, of tuberculosis, in her Convent of Lisieux, at the age of 24. One of her most famous works is The Story of a Soul, urging all people to follow the little way.

She was proclaimed a doctor of the church by Pope John Paul II. She is the patroness of the missions, although she never set foot outside the convent. She prayed for the missions each day. She’s the patron of florists, (makes sense — the little flower), and of France.

Let us pray. O God,who opened Your kingdom to those who are humble, and to little ones, lead us to follow trustingly in the little way of Saint Thérèse, so that through her intercession we may see Your eternal glory revealed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit. One God forever and ever. Amen