Monday 3 October 2011

Feast Of St Therese of Liseux or the Little Flower


She is the Saint of the little ways. I have learnt through parenting and particularly its the little ways that we see grace and Gods love.

We had grand plans for this feast day. Brid had been given a St Therese statue by her Grandma last Christmas- they share the same Patron Saint. This all came unstuck once we realised that a retreat for teen girls was on this weekend.
So before we left for our journey to join this retreat, we hurriedly place St Therese on the family dining table were flowers were waiting for her.

As St Therese is also celebrated in the old calendar on 3rd October, we will be enjoying her feast day then. .....
I first heard of her through a friend many years ago. I read her book ‘The story of a Soul’, and the story really didn’t capture my attention.  Some time later, Brid chose her as her confirmation Saint. She had many saints chosen so she prayed and asked the Saint wanting to be her Confirmation Saint to make it known to her. Brid decided to do a novena to St Therese, and nearly everyday she received a flower or a rose. On the last day, a person in a shop handed her a bunch of roses. Brid knew St Therese was the Saint for her.
So happily she added this name to her given names on her confirmation day.
Recently I read a lovely inspiring book. A little way of homeschooling – Suzie Andres. St Therese again.
Is she trying to tell me something, is this a message for me. Everywhere I go, she is there, present, waiting for me. I feel totally surrounded by her.
So today on her feast day, I took myself to Mass and I found myself attending Adoration and Benediction afterward. It was a very peaceful and calming experience. 

All day I was thinking,  “I wonder how Brid is celebrating this feast day? What is Mum doing? How are the girls and the Sisters getting on? Are they enjoying each others company.

Brid dressed up as St Therese at a Saints Party, aged 9
How did you celebrate St Therese of Liseux’ feast day.?




2 comments:

Anthony Andres said...

Leanne,
Happy happy feastday!
I had forgotten today was Therese's feast in the old calendar - Thank you for reminding me! I am on my way to bring roses to a dear friend (and lover of Therese). How great that I can say to her too, "Happy feast day again!"

And yes, Therese is telling you something. Jesus loves you so much more than you imagine. He will keep loving you and keep telling you (often through her), because He is very persistent!

with love from California, where it is still Therese's feast :),
Suzie

Leanne said...

Thank you Suzie, Yes I believe Jesus is letting me know this.
we enjoyed a lovely Feast day celebration dinner last night. Very special, We even began reciting some Latin hymns.
God Bless you,
Leanne