Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as St. Teresa of the Child Jesus or the Little Flower, is one of the most beloved and revered figures in the Catholic Church. Born in 1873 in the city of Alençon, in Normandy, she became deeply admired for her humility and love for God. Although she lived a short life, passing away at just 24 years old, the impact of her spirituality is still felt worldwide today.
Normandy, a region in the northwest of France, is known for its bucolic landscapes and as the home of Saint Thérèse. The city of Lisieux, where she spent most of her life, is home to the imposing Basilica of Saint Thérèse, a pilgrimage site that attracts millions of devotees each year.
In this article, we will explore the spiritual journey of Saint Thérèse, her life story, and her connections to emblematic places in this charming region, such as Trouville, Deauville, and Honfleur, as well as her deep admiration for Jeanne d’Arc, another illustrious French heroine moved by faith.
The Life Story of Saint Thérèse
Alençon, a small town in Normandie. The church bells ring to announce the baptism of a newborn baby; a little girl, only two days old.
The priest makes the sign of the cross over the newborn and, pouring the baptismal water on her forehead, pronounces these words:
“Marie-Françoise-Thérèse, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
Marie-Françoise-Thérèse would be known simply as Thérèse throughout her life.
Marie Françoise Thérèse Martin was born on January 2, 1873, in Alençon, Normandy. The daughter of Louis and Zélie Martin, who were later canonized, Thérèse grew up in a deeply Christian home. After her mother’s death, when Thérèse was only four years old, the family moved to Lisieux, where she spent most of her life.
From a very young age, Thérèse expressed an intense desire to dedicate herself to religious life. At 15, she entered the Carmel de Lisieux, a cloistered convent. Her short life in the Carmel was marked by intense faith, humility, and a desire to serve God through the “little way,” a path to holiness based on simplicity and absolute trust in God. Her ideas, expressed in her autobiography Histoire d’une Âme, transformed into a spiritual doctrine that continues to attract people seeking comfort and guidance.
Saint Thérèse’s Devotion to Jeanne d’Arc
Another significant connection Saint Thérèse had with Normandie was her profound admiration for Jeanne d’Arc, also a native of France and canonized in 1920. The French heroine, born in the neighboring region of Domrémy, inspired Thérèse deeply.
During her time in the Carmel, she wrote plays about Jeanne d’Arc and admired the young warrior’s unwavering commitment to her spiritual mission, defending both France and the Catholic faith.
Saint Thérèse saw in Jeanne a model of dedication to God and an example of courage in the face of adversity.
This devotion was a source of inspiration that accompanied her throughout her short yet intense life of faith and surrender.
Family Roots: Les Buissonnets
The house of Les Buissonnets, in Lisieux, where Saint Thérèse spent her childhood, was a haven of peace. Surrounded by fields and nature, the house was described as “the sweet nest of her childhood.”
Here, Thérèse developed a deep love for nature, often drawing scenes of gardens and family walks with her father and sisters.
These joyful family moments, filled with music and laughter, shaped her early years. In her letters, she fondly recalled the daily walks she took with her father, during which they visited churches and prayed together. One of the most significant places was the chapel of the Carmel, where, unknowingly, she would later enter as a nun.
Bucolic Walks in Pont-l’Évêque and Clarbec
The young Thérèse also enjoyed the tranquility of Normandie in places like Pont-l’Évêque and Clarbec.
Drawings by a family friend, Abbé Lepelletier, depict Thérèse picking flowers with her sisters in these picturesque fields. The lush landscapes of Pays d’Auge, with its streams and fountains, provided a serene setting that inspired her moments of spiritual meditation.
Even in simple activities, like fishing with her father, Thérèse felt a profound connection with God, reflecting on her spiritual journey.
Deauville and Trouville: Seaside Retreats
Thérèse also spent happy moments in the coastal towns of Deauville and Trouville. While Deauville thrived, Trouville remained a picturesque fishing village. She visited the region with her aunts, enjoying donkey rides and fishing. These seaside getaways, especially in the company of her sister Céline, brought her joy despite the longing for her father when he was away.
In Manuscript A 22, she wrote:
“I was six or seven years old when Papa took us to Trouville. I will never forget the impression the sea made on me; I could not stop looking at it. Its majesty, the roar of its waves—everything spoke to my soul about the Greatness and Power of the Good God…”
Honfleur: A Place of Prayer
Another significant place in Saint Thérèse’s spiritual journey was the Chapelle de Notre-Dame de Grâce, in Honfleur.
Surrounded by centuries-old trees, this chapel, located above the town, was where, in June 1887, accompanied by her father and sisters Léonie and Céline, Thérèse prayed to the Virgin Mary to help her fulfill her wish to enter the Carmel at 15. Inside, marble ex-votos and model ships honor lost sailors, in a timeless atmosphere evoking the devotion of seafarers and their families. Honfleur, with its rich history and unique architecture, was a place where Thérèse sought spiritual solace before retreating to the convent.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux’s life is deeply intertwined with the history of Normandie. From her childhood in Lisieux to her travels to Trouville and her devotion to Jeanne d’Arc, she left a spiritual legacy that resonates to this day. If you seek to deepen your faith, learn more about Saint Thérèse’s spirituality, or explore the beauty of Normandie, visiting these iconic places will surely provide a transformative experience.
May the simple, faith-filled life of Saint Thérèse inspire us to walk our own path of love and devotion.
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