This Sunday, we attended a mass at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Antipolo, Rizal. This church is fairly recent, having been constructed in 2011. It is devoted to St. Therese of Lisieux, who is also recognized as St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. St. Therese, a French Carmelite nun who lived from 1873 to 1897, is celebrated for her “Little Way” spirituality, which highlights the significance of simple acts of love and devotion as a means to achieve holiness.

Originally named Marie Françoise-Thérèse Martin, she was born in Alençon, France, and was raised within a family that was both affectionate and deeply committed to the Catholic faith. Early on, she harbored a profound aspiration to join the Carmelite convent and consecrate her existence to God. Despite initial resistance stemming from her age, her unwavering resolve guided her to become a part of the Carmelite monastery in Lisieux at the age of 15.

Despite dying at the age of 24 and having a short life, the influence of St. Therese remained deeply significant. Explored in her autobiography, “The Story of a Soul,” her spiritual voyage and the notion of the “Little Way” were unveiled. This approach advocates for the execution of modest and sincere acts with profound love and purpose, in contrast to elaborate displays. Her philosophy struck a chord with numerous individuals, furnishing a pragmatic avenue for pursuing sanctity amid their everyday existence.

Following her passing, St. Therese’s writings, characterized by their humility and childlike faith, garnered extensive recognition. Pope Pius XI canonized her as a saint in 1925, and her feast day is observed on October 1st. Frequently hailed as the “Little Flower of Jesus,” she is acknowledged as a patron saint of missionaries and is revered for her profound spirituality and teachings centered around simplicity, humility, and steadfast dedication.

I was surprised that her parents, Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie “Zélie” Guérin were both canonized as saints by the Catholic Church as well.