In a recent web exclusive column published in First Things magazine's online edition, scholar and author George Weigel recounted a conversation with Pope Benedict XVI in September 1997. At that moment, then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger served as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Weigel recalls that he asked Ratzinger this point-blank question: "Why is Thérèse of Lisieux a Doctor of the Church?" We are grateful to First Things for their permission to publish excerpts of Benedict's magisterial reply.
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14 December: SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS OUR FATHER
John was born at Fontiveros in Spain about 1542. He entered the Carmelites and with the permission of his superiors began to live a stricter life. Afterward, he was persuaded by Saint Teresa to begin, together with some others, the Discalced reform within the Order; this cost him much hard work and many trials. He died in Ubeda in 1591, outstanding in holiness and wisdom, to which his many spiritual writings give eloquent witness.
Quote of the day, 29 October: St. John Paul II
The Synod for Consecrated Life closed on this date in 1994; St John Paul II wrote in ‘Vita Consecrata’ that “the history of spirituality owes much to Saints like Teresa of Jesus and Catherine of Siena.”
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Quote of the day, 19 October: St. John Paul II
"From careful study of the writings of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and from the resonance they have had in the Church," St. John Paul II indicates, "salient aspects can be noted of her "eminent doctrine", which is the fundamental element for conferring the title of Doctor of the Church."
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Quote of the day, 15 October: St. Paul VI
In the Apostolic Letter "Multiformis Sapientia Dei", Saint Paul VI writes: "... as our predecessor Gregory XV’s decree bestowed upon her the honours of the saints so that all the faithful of Christ might understand with what abundance God had filled his servant with the Holy Spirit, so should we proclaim her — we do not doubt — a Doctor of the Church, first among women, especially for her knowledge and doctrine of divine things." Read here an excerpt from this Apostolic Letter.
15 October: SAINT TERESA OF JESUS OUR MOTHER
Teresa was born at Avila in Spain in 1515. She entered the Carmelites and made great progress in the way of perfection and was granted mystical revelations. Wishing to share in the spiritual renewal of the Church of her time, she began to live her religious life more ardently and soon attracted many companions, to whom she was like a mother. She also helped in the reform of the friars, and in this had to endure great trials. She wrote books that are renowned for their depth of doctrine and which showed her own spiritual experiences. She died at Alba in 1582.
St. Teresa of Avila Novena 2022 — Day 2
When St. Paul VI proclaimed Saint Teresa a Doctor of the Church he celebrated her gift of spiritual doctrine. Learning from Teresa, let us make ample space for prayer, which is that “intimate sharing between friends.”
St. Teresa of Avila Novena 2022 — Day 1
For St. Teresa, it was essential to her spiritual growth and to that of her sisters to be educated by knowledgeable people in the realm of the interior life. One way of preparing for her feast day is to prayerfully read and reflect on her writings.
1 October: SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS
Thérèse Martin was born at Alencon in 1873. At the age of fifteen, she entered the Carmel at Lisieux. She practiced heroic humility, evangelical simplicity, and trust in God, and taught the novices these virtues by word and example. She offered her life for the salvation of souls and the growth of the Church. She died on September 30, 1897. Canonized in 1925, she was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1997.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena 2022: Introduction
In this, the 125th anniversary year of the death of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, each day we will share excerpts from her poetry that reveal her eminent doctrine and passionate desire "to love Jesus and to make him loved" as a Discalced Carmelite nun.
14 December: SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS OUR FATHER
John was born at Fontiveros in Spain about 1542. He entered the Carmelites and with the permission of his superiors began to live a stricter life. Afterward, he was persuaded by Saint Teresa to begin, together with some others, the Discalced reform within the Order; this cost him much hard work and many trials. He died in Ubeda in 1591.
God’s Mercy is Greater: St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus on Purgatory
"You do a great injury to God in believing you're going to Purgatory. When we love, we can't go there."
Quote of the day, 4 November: St. John Paul II
In a cosmic embrace that in Christ unites heaven and earth, John of the Cross was able to express the fullness of Christian life
1 October: SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS
Born in 1873, Thérèse Martin died in the Carmel of Lisieux 30 September 1897. She was canonized in 1925; in 1997 she was declared a Doctor of the Church by St. John Paul II.
Quote of the day, 30 May, Trinity Sunday: St. Thérèse
This year, on the 9th of June, feast of the Holy Trinity, I received the grace to understand more than ever how much Jesus desires to be loved
Quote of the day, 11 April: St. John Paul II
At the summit, as the source and goal, is the merciful love of the three Divine Persons, as she expresses it, especially in her Act of Oblation to Merciful Love
Quote of the day: 24 October
It is my heartfelt wish that the commemorative year, recently inaugurated, may arouse a renewed interest in the figure of this great Saint
Multiformis Sapientia Dei — Excerpts
The manifold Wisdom of God sometimes reveals itself more manifestly to certain beloved disciples of Christ
1 October: SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS
Help us to follow the way of Saint Thérèse with confidence
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