Originally published at Churchpop
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is a powerhouse saint and beloved Doctor of the Church. Through her writings and holy example, she gifted us with her Little Way to holiness.
What if I told you that her path to sainthood might be more relatable than you think?
On Christmas in 1886, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux was changed forever in a way that may surprise you.
Thérèse Martin was a difficult child. The young future saint was strong-willed and any minor inconvenience or conflict resulted in her crying–a lot.
Her mother, Saint Zelie, wrote of her stubborn and childish nature. Her parents often felt helpless and discouraged. Even Saint Thérèse herself knew it to be true!
In her autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” Thérèse reflects on this period of her life:“I made myself almost unbearable by being far too sensitive, and nothing that was said to me seemed to help me overcome this tiresome fault.”
She tells of the life-changing event that occurred on Christmas when she was 13 years old.
She later referred to this as her “Christmas Miracle.”
Thérèse and her family had arrived home from Midnight Mass to see their shoes filled with gifts. In years past, Thérèse’s father’s attention spoiled her. This year was different. Instead,
