St Therese of Lisieux by Those Who Knew Her: Testimonies from the Process of Beatification, ed. and trans. by Christopher O’Mahony O.C.D.(Hungington, IN: Our Sunday Vistor, 1975.)
This is the second book I have read on St Therese of Lisieux. I found her life appealing. Her simplicity and humility are my example. Having read her story told by herself, it would be good to read how others see her. We all know that our own perception is not necessarily what others perceive us to be.
I just highlighted several observations on the Life of St Therese of Lisieux by others.
“…she never permitted them [the novices] to criticise sermons or conferences. It was not that she thought all priests spoke equally well, but she could not bear for people to dwell on the shortcomings of their preaching.” (p. 38)
“It was in the ordinary details of community living that she sought, and found, these opportunities for acts of charity.” (p. 44)
“Though naturally very sensitive and affectionate, she was very reserved in external signs of affection and her manner imposed a certain respect.” (p. 51)
“Generally speaking, the Servant of God did not attract any attention during her lifetime. Her virtue consisted principally in doing the ordinary things extraordinarily well.” (p. 103)
“To become introverted is to sterilise the soul; one must turn hastily to works of charity.” (p. 129)
“She had great respect for God’s word, and would not allow herself even the slightest criticism of a mediocre sermon.” (p. 192)
“I don’t believe in eternal life; I think that after this life there is nothing. Everything has disappeared on me, and I am left with love alone.” She spoke of this state of soul as a temptation; yet she seemed always so calm and serene.” (p. 195)
“Be very careful; our ‘little way’ could be mistaken for quietism or illuminism if it is badly explained.” “People must not think that our ‘little way’ is a restful one, full of sweetness and consolation. It’s quite the opposite. To offer oneself as a victim to love is to offer oneself to suffering, because love lives only on sacrifice…” (p. 236)
“It is not Mother Prioress that you love; it is yourself. When one really loves, one rejoices to see the beloved person happy. If you loved Mother Prioress for her own sake, you would be glad to see her finding some pleasure at your expense. Since you think she found you less pleasant to talk to than someone else, then you should not be hurt when you appear to have been passed over.” (p. 239)
While in this predicament I was troubled one day about something to do with purity, and I decided to broach the matter to Sister Therese. “I’m afraid you won’t understand anything about my problems,” I said. She smiled and replied: “Do you think purity is a matter of being ignorant of evil? You needn’t be afraid to tell me anything you want to; nothing will surprise me.” After she had comforted me and restored my peace of soul, she made this admission: “There is only one thing that I have not experienced, and that is what is called pleasure in this matter.” And another time this person who was so pure said to me: “When I am alone, whether it is getting up or going to bed, I am always very careful to be as modest as if I were in the presence of others. After all, am I not always in the presence of God and of his angels? This modesty has become such a habit with me by now that I would be incapable of behaving otherwise.” (p. 247-48)