St Therese of the child Jesus

The Diocese of Darwin is celebrating the feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux today. A Discalced Carmelite nun who died of tuberculosis at age 24, she is recognized as a Doctor of the Church and the patroness of missions.

Thérèse practiced a spirituality called the Little Way, which involves performing small, daily tasks out of love for God. According to a reflection by Cruz Ignatius, she drew inspiration from saints such as St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. Despite facing poor health and depression, she maintained trust in God.

Her autobiography, which she wrote in obedience to her superior, details her faith in God's ability to cleanse human weakness. During her illness, she even requested that sisters remove painkillers from her room to prevent her from taking too many while unwell.