St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Living on Love

Alexis Dallara-Marsh reviews a photo-filled book about the Little Flower, new from Ignatius Press.

Probably like many other cradle Catholics, growing up I didn't know as much about the saints as I should have. There was the one, however, who was exception to the general rule. I recall in high school going around enamored, carrying Story of a Soul, my gel pens highlighting the most lovely quotes and insights of the angelic Thérèse. Her little way carried with it such an allure -- it was so simple it was profound. And yet, to this day, I continue to wonder how she lived her life so perfectly in Christ's love. While I struggle with sin on a near-continuous basis, her philosophy to this day continues to challenge our 21st-century mindset: realizing we don't have to try to be the greatest or most perfect, but rather, recognize Christ through the smaller tasks.

The just published text by Father Didier-Marie Golay, Chaplain of Lisieux, and a member of the Carmelite order that our beloved St. Thérèse was herself a part of, allows one to be further enveloped by the life of “the greatest saint of modern times." Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: Living on Love contains more than 150 cherished photos and artwork in a large coffee-style book. There is so much detail in the background of St. Thérèse and her family that one could imagine themselves alive taking in Lisieux at the end of the 19th century.

From handwritten letters to inside the Carmelite chapel, we get a firsthand account of what daily life was for the Little Flower and her loved ones. I have always been intrigued by her family and how they all must have been so close to have together lived so saintly, directly influencing one another. At the same time, the livelihood of St. Thérèse's words jumps out like nothing can begin to compare. Her poetic nature and emotions are full of love like nothing else!

As noted by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, St. Thérèse "did ordinary things with extraordinary love." May her life be an example to us all, leading us spiritually to exactly what Christ asks of us, recognizing his merciful love and becoming like little children.

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: Living on Love is available in hardcover from Ignatius Press, and is on sale during October 2021 at a 25% discount.

Copyright 2021 Alexis Dallara-Marsh
Images courtesy of Ignatius Press, all rights reserved.