One of the most beloved saints of modern times, Thérèse of Lisieux, believed, since childhood, that she would live a short life and would be gathered quickly into a loving union with God. Many have come to know and admire the little flower through the biography of her life, but until The Passion of Thérèse of Lisieux, the end of the saint’s earthly journey has been obscured. Ponder this Doctor of the Church’s thoughts and hear the observations of those close to her as she succumbs to the ravages of pulmonary tuberculosis. Sense the atmosphere of the convent and feel the support of the community that loved the young noviate so dearly. This intimate encounter brings us close to the humble yet influential person who in confronting death faces destiny, the fulfillment of her most ardent prayers, and her true calling. “Reading and re-reading this work has proven to be a powerful spiritual experience for me and for many with whom I have spoken . . . [Thérèse] will teach you the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ponder her life, her words, her deeds and her death and you will see that she has changed you.”—Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R. (from the Introduction)
One of the most beloved saints of modern times, Thérèse of Lisieux, believed, since childhood, that she would live a short life and would be gathered quickly into a loving union with God. Many have…
“Bishop Gaucher’s haunting account of Thérèse’s final eighteen months, when tuberculosis was consuming her young body and ‘the night of nothingness’ tortured her soul, reveals her at the summit of her journey, when she became a unique masterpiece of God’s amazing grace, and the saint for the next millennium.”—Bishop Patrick V. Ahern, D.D.
“Bishop Gaucher’s haunting account of Thérèse’s final eighteen months, when tuberculosis was consuming her young body and ‘the night of nothingness’ tortured her soul, reveals her at the summit of her journey, when she became…
Guy Gaucher, OCD, is a Carmelite friar and auxilary bishop emeritus of the dioces of Bayeux and Lisieux. He is the general editor of the critical edition of St. Therese's work and the foremost Theresian scholar in France.