Therese Martin was baptized in the parish church of Alencon, France two days after she was born. Her sister, Pauline, was her sponsor. The altar boy holds the candle representing the Light of Christ. The Vessels containing holy oils are also in his hands. Like all of us, Therese was anointed - dedicated and consecrated to Christ at Baptism. This dedication and consecration became the hallmark of her life.

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Therese’s mother died when she was five. Pauline filled her place in Therese’s affections. The entrance of Pauline into the convent left the young child with a tremendous sense of loss for a second time. She became extremely depressed with all the concomitant physical and mental symptoms. Just as her illness seemed at its worst, her hope and her health were restored when Our Lady’s statue smiled at her as she knelt in prayer. This has been called, “ a direct answer to the faith of the child and the prayers of her sisters.”

 

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In the last century, children received First Holy Communion at a later age. Her writings are full of joy as she describes “ that greatest of all days of me.” As she knelt in thanksgiving, her determination to serve Christ was formed! “ I knew that I was loved and I, in my turn, told Him that I loved Him, and was giving myself to him for all eternity.

 

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Therese was the youngest of five daughters and the delight of her elderly father. She could be self-indulgent at times and often gave tearful release to her emotions. On this Christmas evening she had acted most selfishly. As she prayed before the crucifix, she tells us that “ Jesus transformed me.” With the help of God’s grace she rejoices because “ love and a spirit of self-forgetfulness henceforth took possession of my heart.”

 

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When she was only fifteen, Therese wished to enter the Carmelite Convent in Lisieux where two of her older sisters, Pauline and Marie, were already members of the community. Told that she must complete her sixteenth year before entry, she applied in person to the kindly Bishop of the diocese for a dispensation. Gently, he urged her to be patient. Therese was obedient but disappointed and undaunted in her determination.

 

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In the Fall of 1887, Therese made a diocesan pilgrimage to Rome with her father for the Jubilee Celebration of Pope Leo XIII. At an audience with the Pope she astonished everyone by going directly to the Pontiff, kneeling with her hands on his knees, requesting that he grant the much - desired dispensation. Sometimes Therese is called “a docile little saint” but this incident shows her determination in the love of Christ. Pope Leo wisely answered: “ If God wants you to enter Carmel, you will.”

 

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It was the will of God. In a short time Therese was permitted to enter Carmel. We see her bidding farewell to her father in whose home and through whose love her vocation was nurtured. Good parents always bring their children, in some way, closer to Christ.

 

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On this day Therese formally proclaimed her intention to enter Carmel. She is shown before the Bishop in bridal dress clasping the lighted candle, the symbol of Christ, Who gives brightness to her life. Characteristically, Therese called this “ Papa’s day of achievement.” He was proud to have another daughter accept Christ as her spouse.

 

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Therese professed her solemn vows in Carmel on September 8th, the feast of Our Lady’s Birth. Like Mary, she would bring Christ to the world. On the day Mary was born, Sister Therese of the Child Jesus was born for our edification. For Sr. Therese this was a day of great joy as she writes: ... I realized that I’d now come into the possession of a joy which time couldn't’t take away from me.”

 

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Although very young herself, Sr. Therese was given the responsibility of Mistress of Novices. In attempting to form the minds of these young candidates in the way of Christ, Sr. Therese began to express her unique way of sainthood known as her “Little Way.” “I tried to do my best on a small scale, having no opportunity to do it on a larger scale.”

 

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Pauline, sister of Therese, became Prioress of the convent and asked Therese to write the story of her life, her sufferings and her joy. We have quoted liberally from this inspired work for which we are eternally grateful. The dove in the window implies the direction of the Holy Spirit. The book is entitled, “ Story of A Soul.” If you love St. Therese, learn from her own writings the way to love and serve God.

 

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In 1896 it was evident that Therese was seriously ill. She died eighteen months later, after great physical suffering with Tuberculosis, then a dread disease. Bleeding, wasting of the body, severe internal infection - all these Therese endured. Our windows portray none of this harshness. Yet it does not distort facts. In the midst of all her pain, Therese died in serenity and peace. She is crowned with a wreath of glory, the candle of the Resurrection burns, the lilies of a martyr are nearby. She was firmly convinced that the final stage of her illness “ heralded the coming of my beloved” and she was glad.

 

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On the June 9th prior to her death, Therese answered her sisters who said they would be sad when she died in this manner: “ Oh no, you will see. I will let fall a shower of roses.” From that day roses have been associated with our saint as a symbol of the blessings gained through her intercession. We see her here kneeling before Our Lord and his Mother, pleading our cause.

 

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Saint Pope Pious X began the process of canonization for Therese and regarded her as “the greatest Saint of our Times.” Therese always prayed that the faithful be allowed to receive Holy Communion more frequently and vowed that in heaven she’d work to accomplish this. Pope Pious X, her friend and admirer, wrote a Papal Encyclical both permitting and urging frequent communion. There is no doubt that the influence of Therese inspired him.

 

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Here the figure of Therese stands above the world globe with a map of mission lands in the background. Does it seem strange that the Patroness of the Missions never ventured beyond the confines of her own convent? It is not strange when we realize that only Therese’s health prevented her an active apostolic life. She once wrote to her Superior: “Just let me tell you that it has always been my wish, and still is my wish, to go out into the wilderness, and leave this delightful oasis, where I live so happily under your Motherly care.” Her health was the only obstacle. In her heart she was a missionary.

 

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This last window is glorious, showing Christ in the splendor of his Resurrection. It is an Eucharistic window with wheat, grapes, chalice and host. These are the elements of sacrifice and we are reminded that through sacrifice we rise to glory. The Eucharistic Presence was the strength of Therese. He was truly the Bread of Life, sustaining her in every trail. If we love St. Therese, we must love the Holy Eucharist.

 

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