Word to the Wise
Monday, October 1, 2007 - St. Therese of the Child Jesus (of Lisieux)
[Zechariah 8:1-8 and Luke 9:46-50]For the one wo is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.
During my time as pastor at Tulane in New Orleans (1998-2003), I lived at St. Dominic Priory. The archdiocese scored a real coup in getting the relics of St. Therese of Lisieux to make a stop in the Crescent City. St. Dominic Church was chosen as the place for the relics to be exhibited because it is one of the largest churches in the area. Thousands of people lined up four abreast down the aisle and around the block for hours to see those relics. The relics were encased in a container that resembled a house (convent?) and that was inside a large glass case. Quite a showing for the saint whose "little way" has inspired so many. Quite a trip for a Carmelite nun who never left her convent and is yet the patroness of missionaries! I read her book, THE STORY OF A SOUL, when I was a novice and found it inspiring. I'd recommend it to anyone today. (One of my dearest friends is a great devotee of hers.) Those who claim to be shocked at the recent revelations of Mother Teresa's spiritual struggles might be surprised to learn that this Therese had her own share of spiritual darkness. The life of St. Therese is an introduction to the words of Jesus quoted above. She lived a brief life (24 years) but succeeded in becoming one of the greatest and most popular saints in the Church (a Doctor of the Church as well) by becoming one of the least in life. AMEN