Fears and Tears

Today begins the Novena of St. Therese, the little flower. She has been an inspiration to me in her little way and her way of great love. Her feast day is October 1st, and this year it falls on a First Friday followed by the First Saturday; which are special devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I am preparing for these special days by prayer, silence and meditation on Holy Scripture.

Her family went on a pilgrimage to Rome in the jubilee year of 1887. Therese was 15 at the time and she desired to enter the Carmelite Order as her sisters has done. She was denied a year earlier from doing so. When it was her turn to approach Pope Leo XIII, she knelt and asked permission to enter the convent. Pope Leo said, “Well, my child, do what the superiors decide, you will enter if it is God’s Will”, and she received his blessing.

The Lord answered Therese’s prayer, and she entered the convent, became a Carmelite nun, and ultimately a Doctor of the Church. God in His abundance answered her prayers in a great way. Through her writings, I have learned so much about simplicity, humility and suffering.

“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.” St. Therese, the little flower.

St. Therese, pray for us.