Real St Therese Best Pictures Taken By Her Sister Selena

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Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (French: Sainte-Thérèse de Lisieux), born Marie Françoise-Thérèse Martin (2 January 1873 – 30 September 1897), also known as Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, O.C.D., was a French Catholic Discalced Carmelite nun who is widely venerated in modern times. She is popularly known as “The Little Flower of Jesus” or simply “The Little Flower”.

St Therese

She has been a highly influential model of sanctity for Catholics and for others because of the “simplicity and practicality of her approach to spiritual life”. Together with Saint Francis of Assisi, she is one of the most popular saints in the history of the church. Pope Saint Pius X called her “the greatest saint of modern times”.

Thérèse felt an early call to religious life, and overcoming various obstacles, in 1888, at the early age of 15, she became a nun and joined two of her elder sisters in the cloistered Carmelite community of Lisieux, Normandy.

After nine years as a Carmelite religion, having fulfilled various offices such as sacristan and assistant to the novice mistress. And having spent her last eighteen months in Carmel on a night of faith, she died at age 24, following a slow and painful fight against tuberculosis.

Her feast day is 1 October (3 October in extraordinary form). Thérèse is well known worldwide, with the Basilica of Lisieux being the second-largest place of pilgrimage in France after Lourdes. (Wikipedia)

Unveiling the Treasured Images

The pictures of Real St. Therese are more than mere snapshots; they are windows to the past, offering a tangible connection to the saint’s earthly existence. Through Selena’s lens, we witness moments of quiet contemplation, joyful camaraderie, and unwavering faith, immortalized in black and white.

A Sister’s Perspective

Selena, as both sibling and photographer, possessed a unique vantage point from which to capture St. Therese’s essence. Her intimate familiarity with the saint allowed her to encapsulate moments of vulnerability, resilience, and profound spirituality with remarkable clarity and depth.

The Power of Visual Documentation

In an era long before the advent of smartphones and social media, Selena’s photographs served as invaluable documentation of her sister’s life and journey towards sainthood. Each image is a testament to St. Therese’s humanity, her joys, sorrows, and unwavering devotion to her faith.

Contextualizing the Images

To truly appreciate the significance of these photographs, one must understand the historical context in which they were taken. In an age marked by rapid societal change and upheaval, St. Therese’s unwavering commitment to her religious vocation stood as a beacon of hope and inspiration to countless individuals around the world.

Reflections on St. Therese’s Legacy

As we gaze upon these images, we are reminded of her timeless teachings and the enduring relevance of her message. Through her “Little Way,” St. Therese emphasized the importance of small acts of love and kindness, affirming that even the most seemingly insignificant actions can have profound spiritual significance.

Embracing the Mysteries of Faith

In the midst of life’s uncertainties and challenges, the pictures taken by his sister Selena serve as a reminder of the enduring power of faith. They invite us to embrace the mysteries of the divine and find solace in the knowledge that we are never truly alone on our spiritual journey.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Sacred

The pictures of Real St. Therese offer a rare and precious glimpse into the sacred life of one of the Catholic Church’s most beloved saints. Through these images, we are invited to deepen our understanding of the legacy and draw inspiration from her unwavering faith and profound spirituality.

As we reflect on the significance of these photographs, we may be reminded of the transformative power of love, compassion, and devotion in our own lives.

Images courtesy of Selena’s archives.