Lecture Notes: The Little Way of Saint Therese

Introduction

• Speaker: Father Chris Aylar
• Series: Teachings from the Seminary
• Focus: The Saints, particularly Saint Therese of Lisieux
• Importance: Saints are a significant part of the Catholic faith but often under-taught in seminaries

Overview of Saint Therese of Lisieux

• Known as the Little Flower
• Born: Marie-Francoise-Therese Martin in 1873, France
• Died: 1897 at age 24 of tuberculosis
• Known as Saint Therese of the Child Jesus or Therese of Lisieux
• Her parents were canonized as saints in 2015

The Little Way

• Therese's approach to sanctity and holiness is called "The Little Way"
• Focus on doing small acts with great love rather than heroic deeds
• Found holiness through childlike trust and simplicity
• Inspired by childlike actions, such as picking up a pen out of love for God

Spiritual Teachings

• Therese focused on love over the magnitude of actions
• Believed great love was the essence of sanctity
• Offered herself as a sacrificial victim to merciful love

Interaction with Saint Faustina

• Saint Therese appeared to Saint Faustina in a dream
• Encouraged Faustina to trust in God and offered insights about heavenly visions

Key Quotes from Saint Therese

• "Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions or even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them."
• Her simple acts and sacrifices are seen as powerful acts of love

Impact

• Therese became a Doctor of the Church in 1997
• Known as one of the most beloved saints alongside Saint Francis of Assisi
• Her writings, particularly "Story of a Soul," offer profound spiritual insights

Her Role and Influence

• Patron of missions and aviators
• Seen as a symbol of simplicity and trust in God’s merciful love
• Her life and teachings encourage Catholics to trust and love deeply

Conclusion

• Saint Therese's "Little Way" provides a practical and accessible path to sanctity for all believers
• Encourages looking for love in small actions as a means to achieve holiness

Additional Resources

• Series of talks available on YouTube and Facebook
• Books and DVDs on Saint Therese's life and teachings available for further study
• Encouraged to join the Marian Helpers and engage with related spiritual materials