Preparing for the feast of St. Therese... prayerful considerations.

"I am resigned to being always imperfect, and I even find happiness in it.  

I keep an eye on myself to see if I can discover any new imperfections." 

- Therese to Mother Agnes of Jesus

Therese - by those who didn't like her.

Not everyone liked Therese while she was alive, some of the sisters may have been jealous, others suspicious of her piety and little way.  I love those testimonies which questioned her sanctity.  My very first spiritual director wasn't a big fan of Therese.  When I told him that I was reading Story of A Soul, he said, "She was nuts you know!"  I laughed when he related the story of her 'mysterious illness' as a child, upon which he based his analysis.  I wasn't discouraged.  Recently another priest suggested St. Joseph Cupertino was nuts too.  If you believe these guys, the good news is that even nut cases can be saints.

+ prayer + 

O Lord, Who has said: Unless you become as little children you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven; 

grant us, we beseech Thee, so to follow in humility and simplicity of heart the footsteps of St. Therese, the virgin, that we may obtain everlasting rewards. Who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

Remember Little Therese, your promise to 'come down' ...

come down in our time now - when there is so much suffering!

You promised to spend your heaven on earth doing good...

you said "I shall come down".

We thank you for your constant companionship and help,

and the many favors and signs you have given us ...

but listen to our prayer now in these days of so much hatred,

'come down'

visit those suffering in war and terror - especially the 

people of Aleppo and greater Syria and 

throughout the Middle East.

'Come down' and help those most in need,

take what is ours, as it were,

and distribute these graces as a

shower of roses

upon those most in need.

Thank you little Therese,

wonder-worker of merciful love!

Thank you!