SSF223 – Introduction to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

This course on St. Thérèse of Lisieux will give an overview of her life and the family in which she lived, introduce students to the principal themes of her spirituality, and look at her works, including her poems and drawings. Students will have an opportunity to reflect on why her “Little Way” is so important even now and how St. Thérèse attained the summit of love by facing the depths of her own powerlessness and by abandoning herself more and more to the incarnation of God’s mercy: Jesus Christ. She gave her life as a victim for souls so that they may know His merciful love.

“I beseech You to cast Your Divine glance upon a vast number of little souls. I beg You to choose in this world a multitude of little victims worthy of Your Love.” St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face

Vatican II states that all are called to holiness. By entering with Thérèse into her way of humility, suffering, beauty, and spiritual thoughtfulness, we too can grow in holiness and in awareness of being loved by an infinitely merciful Father.