St. Therese of Lisieux - icon by Br. Robert Lentz, OFM. Available at Trinity Stores.

Therese of Lisieux,

universal figure and ambassador of France

Thérèse of Lisieux, known throughout the world, was born Thérèse Martin on 2 January 1873 in Alençon and died on 30 September 1897 in the Carmelite convent in Lisieux, where she was a nun for nine years. In only 24 years of existence, this young woman will understand what is essential to her life and her relationship with the world, a particular itinerary that opens up to the universal.

Thérèse of Lisieux contributes to France’s influence in the world. Through her work, she looks at society and our humanity from a woman's perspective. A French woman of culture, in the audacity of her youth, she carries like a standard the torch of universal love and peace offered to all people.

Her intellectual approach can be seen as a bold spiritual revolution in favour of the primacy of universal love for all people. During her long journey through France, Switzerland and Italy, she broadened her horizons to other cultures. She supports young missionaries and looks towards Africa and Asia. She herself wants to go to Vietnam.

France and communities abroad keep the spirit of Thérèse of Lisieux alive. The bells of the Basilica of Lisieux ring out their melodies in accordance with their mottos, such as the bumblebee with the name "Therese, Protector of Peoples" and the motto "I ring the call of people to unity in Love". The Sanctuary of Lisieux is visited by more than one million people from all over the world every year. The bell tower is like a beacon to the world.

On the 5 continents, many establishments in the field of education and health bear her name, such as in India, the great hospital "Lisie" in Kerala for Lisieux! There are countless religious buildings dedicated to her. Many people around the world are named after her as well. The millions of statues of Thérèse of Lisieux scattered around the world make one look to France.The thought of Thérèse of Lisieux continues to inspire researchers and scholars around the world. It is the subject of colloquia, dissertations, and doctoral theses. Thérèse of Lisieux was made Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Cuenca in Ecuador. She was granted permanent residence in the Galapagos Islands! She has been made an honorary citizen of many cities around the world and has been given the keys to each one.

This article is excerpted from a press release published on the Web site of the Shrine at Lisieux (https://www.therese-de-lisieux.catholique.fr).   I reproduce it here with fervent thanks to the Shrine at Lisieux, the Shrine at Alencon, UNESCO, and all their partners in celebrating this worldwide honor done to Therese].  Look for more information about the universal significance of this award in the days to come.