The quotable Saint

St. Terese of Lisieux, d. 1897

Today is the feast day of St. Terese of Lisieux, the Little Flower. She died in 1897 at the age of 24, unknown outside of her tiny convent in France. But when her superiors published her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, shortly after her death, the world discovered her "Little Way;" a spiritual way of simple devotion and of seeing the best service to God as being in the small acts of humility and love that you give to your friends and family members each day. And the popularity of St. Therese exploded. In fact, in 1997, St. Terese was declared a Doctor of the Church.

In today's "140 characters or less" world, we clamor to great quotes. And Terese was anything if not quotable. So, in honor of her feast day, I present to you some of St. Terese's best quotes:

“Holiness consists simply in doing God's will, and being just what God wants us to be.”

“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”

“My whole strength lies in prayer and sacrifice, these are my invincible arms; they can move hearts far better than words, I know it by experience.”

“I know now that true charity consists in bearing all our neighbors'defects--not being surprised at their weakness, but edified at their smallest virtues.”

“Holiness consists simply in doing God's will, and being just what God wants us to be.”


“May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.”