The greatest saint of modern times.” Ever since Pope Pius X coined this phrase about Saint Therese of the Child Jesus—before she was even canonized— people from literally all over the world have been interested in this French Carmelite nun who lived an obscure and simple life before dying in 1897 at the age of 24 from tuberculosis. Her autobiography, Story of a Soul, has been and continues to be a beloved favorite for countless people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. This distinct affection to the Little Flower that appeals to so many people from all walks of life was clearly evident on her Feast Day celebration, October 1, 2009, at the National Shrine of Saint Therese in Darien, Illinois. Several hundred people visited the Shrine that day, which included a standing-room-only Mass at the Shrine, a presentation on the life and spirituality of Saint Therese, Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, with time for private prayer and reflection. At 7:00 pm that evening, Mass was celebrated at neighboring Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church to climax the day’s celebration. In previous years, if this Feast Day fell on a weekday it was celebrated at the Shrine on the following weekend. This time, however, it was decided to celebrate it on the Feast Day itself. Father John Knoernschild, O.Carm, Director of the Shrine, was not sure what to expect. He was quite surprised to see so many people come in on a weekday. During the Mass in the Shrine Chapel, celebrated by Carmelite Father Bob Colaresi, Director of the Society of the Little Flower, people were standing even in the museum area. In his homily, Father Bob reminded us of an essential characteristic of Saint Therese’s spirituality. “The great message she has,” he said, “is [that… ] it’s not about us, it’s about God loving us and God dwelling in us, freely.” All we have to do is believe this and accept it. All those present at Mass that day, and the many others who visit the Shrine throughout the year, are drawn by the welcomed simplicity of this message. Father Bob encouraged everyone to “ask for the faith to believe with the heart of a child,” as Therese did. Later in the day, Brother Daryl Moresco, O.Carm., picked up on this same theme during his reflective talk on Saint Therese’s spirituality and its significance for us today. Taking his inspiration from the nearly wall-sized wooden sculpture of the life of Saint Therese adorning the Shrine Chapel, he pointed out her “little way,” a way of confidence and love that just about anyone can follow in order to know God; one that calls people to simply trust, not fear, a merciful and loving God. As Saint Therese says, “It is the way of childlike self-surrender,
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