FAQ about Therese's writing-desks > FAQ about Therese's writing-desk and writing > Whose photograph did Therese keep in her writing-case?
The ecritoire was one of the few places a Carmelite might, with permission, keep any personal property or letters. The circulaire for Sr. Marie of the Trinity, Therese’s novice, remarks that the famous shell into which Therese directed her to cry and the little spinning-top Therese gave her for Christmas were found in her ecritoire after her death.
Fr. Adolphe Roulland, MEP. Photo: Foreign Missions of Paris
By an unusual exception, Therese was permitted to keep in her ecritoire a photograph of her spiritual brother, Father Adolphe Roulland. He had sent it to the prioress after she sent him one of Therese. On July 30, 1896, Therese wrote him:
Yesterday, we received your letters; our good Mother brought you joyfully into the cloister. She is allowing me to keep my brother's photograph; this is a very special privilege. A Carmelite does not even have the portraits of her closest relatives, but our Mother knows that your picture, far from reminding me of the world and earthly affections, will raise my soul to higher realms, and will make it forget itself for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Thus, Brother, while I shall cross the ocean in your company, you will remain close to me, well hidden in our poor cell....
Letters, Vol. II, p. 977.
No doubt anticipating that the photograph might be found after her death, Therese wrote a note explaining how she had received it:
“This photograph does not belong to me. Our Mother told me to keep it for her on our desk; she will take it when she needs it. Therese of the Child Jesus, rel. carm. ind.”
(Letters, Vol. II, p. 979, footnote 1). This note also safeguarded the secret of Therese’s correspondence with Father Roulland, who was known in the Carmel as “Our Mother’s missionary.”
Last updated on June 26, 2020 by Maureen O'Riordan