The solemn Canonization of Thérèse of Lisieux at the Basilica of St. Peter, 100 years ago today, May 17, 1925. Pope Pius XI, in the presence of 23 cardinals, 250 bishops, and 50,000 faithful declared her “Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus”.
When you read The Story of a Soul, we may find yourself pulling for her to get into Carmel at her unusual young age. Because if she hadn't got in then, she may have been snatched by the cares and temptations of this world like so many of us. And we would have lost our flowery Heavenly advocate for so many souls.
Yes, she entered early with the permission of her parents. I agree that the temptations of the world, the devil, and the flesh would probably have snatched her if she had not.
Plenty of people follow the well-travelled, crowded road to hell as it is easy and without efforts; it is straight, well-paved, and well-lit. There is gaiety and laughter to be heard all around. It is never dull, as there are plenty of frivolous and distracting amusements, either side.
The ascending road to heaven is narrow, winding, and arduous. It is filled with thorns and brambles....few are those who follow it.
Ste. Therese de l'Enfant Jesus et de Lisieux, priez pour nous!
Seigneur Jesus, soyez misericordieux envers nous!
Mere de Dieu, notre Mere au Ciel, ayez pitie de nous!
Wow, that's Catholic! That was back when the Vatican was Catholic...and could afford the candles. Now...not so much. St. Peter's Basilica is a museum when all is said and done. Pope Leo XIV must bring back TLM private masses at all the side altars like before.
Thank you! It was a wonderful Grace filled day with Saint Therese! Everyone received a blessed rose!