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Maurice and Therese
As Saint Thérèse lay dying in the Carmel of Lisieux, she overheard a conversation that amused her. Outside her window, two nuns were discussing what they could write in her obituary that could possibly be of any interest, since the twenty-four-year-old nun had never done anything worth noting. Thérèse was pleased, for she had always kept a low profile. With the posthumous publication of her spiritual autobiography in 1898, however, that low profile would vanish instantly. She became one of the most beloved saints of all time, and her influence will expand dramatically because of Pope John Paul II's declaration that she is a Doctor of the Church. Amid growing interest in her writings comes the collected correspondence between herself and a humble young seminarian, Maurice Bellière. Though they never met in person, they exchanged twenty-one letters that open a window on the heart of Saint Thérèse that would have remained forever closed had Maurice not written to the Mother Superior at the convent asking for a nun to pray for him. The Mother Superior chose Thérèse, and in these conversational letters the Little Flower reveals herself in a way that we would never have known from her autobiography. In his accompanying text, Bishop Patrick Ahern expertly leads the reader into the worlds of Maurice and Thérèse and reveals the full beauty of this saint's spirituality.
284 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 18, 2025
Could she have possibly packed anything more in her 24 years of life? Even to the last weeks of suffering, St. Thérèse was more concerned with encouraging a young seminarian, Maurice Bellière, in his vocation to become a priest and missionary to Africa. Thérèse called them, ‘Souls Made to understand Each Other’ and in 21 letters—all of which they didn’t even get to read for various reasons—written from October 21, 1896, to October 2, 1897, not quite a year, they went from strangers to intimate brother- and sister-in-Christ. He was the brother she always wanted but never had and she was the sister he had also always wanted but never had. When Thérèse died, her sisters honored that relationship, that he was now part of the Martin family and he received the relics Thérèse promised him.
It is a poignant and heart-breaking read. Maurice Bellière was an ordinary young man, not especially bright or holy, the perfect ‘little soul’ Thérèse had in mind. She poured her message of the Little Way into his receptive and loving heart during that brief time of their friendship and correspondence, both in what she wrote and little things she did. He stepped foot on the African shores as she died, but she had helped him go from doubtful young army man, back to the seminary with its rigors, disappointing setbacks, discernment of God’s will, discouragement from his mother about leaving and most of all his own self-doubt that she could love him if she were to ever know all that he had done.
Thérèse undertook to teach him—and anyone who wants to read these beautiful letters—about the merciful Love of God. Several parts of her letters would make wonderful meditations. All of her writing together—considering she was doing it while she was undergoing the blackness of desolation, as well as dying an excruciating death from tuberculous—is a testament to her exclamatory claim,
St. Thérèse and Fr. Louis, pray for us!
In our community we are studying the letters of St. Thérèse. Yesterday we read a letter she had written to one of the two young priests she was assigned to pray for and write to. It reminded me that I had this book on my shelf. A devout man in my former parish died and since none of his family practiced their Catholic faith anymore, they donated all his books, statues and other religious items to the parish for anyone who wanted them. This book was among the treasures I discovered and now enjoy in memory of my friend, Lloyd. The other gift I prize the most highly is a little statue of my patron, St. Teresa of Ávila, or Teresa of Jesus, her religious name*.
*Lloyd knew of my Carmelite propensity, so I am sure he is happy Maurice, Thérèse and Madre Teresa are with me now. May Lloyd's soul rest in peace.
It is a poignant and heart-breaking read. Maurice Bellière was an ordinary young man, not especially bright or holy, the perfect ‘little soul’ Thérèse had in mind. She poured her message of the Little Way into his receptive and loving heart during that brief time of their friendship and correspondence, both in what she wrote and little things she did. He stepped foot on the African shores as she died, but she had helped him go from doubtful young army man, back to the seminary with its rigors, disappointing setbacks, discernment of God’s will, discouragement from his mother about leaving and most of all his own self-doubt that she could love him if she were to ever know all that he had done.
Thérèse undertook to teach him—and anyone who wants to read these beautiful letters—about the merciful Love of God. Several parts of her letters would make wonderful meditations. All of her writing together—considering she was doing it while she was undergoing the blackness of desolation, as well as dying an excruciating death from tuberculous—is a testament to her exclamatory claim,
‘Then in the excess of my delirious joy, I cried out: “O Jesus, my Love, at last I have found my vocation, my vocation is Love!... Yes, I have found my place in the Church, and it is you, O my God, who have given me this place... in the heart of the Church, my Mother, I will be Love!.... Thus I shall be all things: thus my dream shall be realized!!!”’ Story of a Soul, p. 213After Thérèse died, Maurice, who became Fr. Louis, a name he chose in honor of her father, only lived another 10 years himself, the African missions being a grueling experience for the European priests who served there. He contracted a number of diseases all of which wore down his health and anyone of which could have affected his mind. He died in the same sanitorium Thérèse’s father had been in for three years. Maurice was considered insane at his death, but we know what Thérèse thought about that diagnosis for her father. Before she had died, the Little Flower had promised to never leave her brother priest’s side during all of his travels. He was her way to become the missionary she had always wanted to be, so we know that Maurice Bellière did not die alone. He had a very special patron waiting at his bedside for him to come Home to Jesus. May he rest in peace.
St. Thérèse and Fr. Louis, pray for us!
In our community we are studying the letters of St. Thérèse. Yesterday we read a letter she had written to one of the two young priests she was assigned to pray for and write to. It reminded me that I had this book on my shelf. A devout man in my former parish died and since none of his family practiced their Catholic faith anymore, they donated all his books, statues and other religious items to the parish for anyone who wanted them. This book was among the treasures I discovered and now enjoy in memory of my friend, Lloyd. The other gift I prize the most highly is a little statue of my patron, St. Teresa of Ávila, or Teresa of Jesus, her religious name*.
*Lloyd knew of my Carmelite propensity, so I am sure he is happy Maurice, Thérèse and Madre Teresa are with me now. May Lloyd's soul rest in peace.
January 19, 2025
The correspondence between St. Therese and one of her adopted seminarians, Maurice, offers a unique unveiling of her heart. Maurice has a clear and deep admiration for his older sister and spiritual guide amidst the struggles of his life in seminary and as a missionary in Africa. There is an incredible parallel between how he spoke of Therese and how people speak of her today. Her love and encouragement are simple, however, it is richer than the many words of others. Relationships with Saints can be difficult because we are not able to correspond in such a direct way as this, but I think it offers insight into the reality of their care and intercession for us. Additionally, Ahern writes some great reflections in between each letter. He draws out the depths of their love for each other as well as the depths of Therese's holiness. I will definitely be coming back to this book.
September 13, 2019
I am always inspired by anything I read about St. Therese, and it was very touching to read the letters between her and Maurice Belliere, whom she loved as a brother. The commentary on the letters was sometimes a bit dry, and often included reiteration of what had been said in the letters, which seemed unnecessary. All in all, though, I appreciated this book.
October 9, 2019
I think this is the 5th book I’ve read on St. Therese. Each time I start reading a book about her I think “Maybe this book will finally help me get to know her in such a way that I’ll be as devoted to her as everyone else seems to be.” Previous books would convert my heart a little more each time, but I don’t think any of them have had the impact on me that this one had. I especially appreciated the commentary between letters in this book.
February 11, 2021
such a unique a simple way to get to know Therese - through the eyes of her spiritual brother! it was so fun to read their correspondence. it felt like they were writing letters to me. and each of Therese's letters so beautifully articulate God's love and her littler way. i am absolutely enchanted by the way she writes (just like the Story of a Soul)!
August 27, 2025
“There is no doubt that Jesus is the Treasure but I found Him in you.” Maurice to Thérèse
Tears
A book of depth. Deep love of the Father, deep love of friendship, and deep love for each other.
So beautiful to see a man needing love and encouragement find it in Thérèse who leads him straight to Jesus. She encompasses the suffering of the crucifixion and promise of the resurrection in all that she is. A reminder of The Church’s reliance on the meaning of the crucifix. You read this and all you can do is look at Jesus.
Three things: courage, love, and mercy
& we need them
Tears
A book of depth. Deep love of the Father, deep love of friendship, and deep love for each other.
So beautiful to see a man needing love and encouragement find it in Thérèse who leads him straight to Jesus. She encompasses the suffering of the crucifixion and promise of the resurrection in all that she is. A reminder of The Church’s reliance on the meaning of the crucifix. You read this and all you can do is look at Jesus.
Three things: courage, love, and mercy
& we need them
June 25, 2025
A wonderful look into the heart of St. Therese and of one who loved her.
February 7, 2011
I started this book off a bit too fast, and perhaps should've taken my time with it from the beginning. This book contains the short, but deep in love and faith, correspondence between St. Therese of Liseux and her spiritual brother Maurice (who would end up being a missionary priest to Africa). Just a few things about the book. The author provides some commentary after each letter, and I didn't find them all that insightful until towards the end of the book where we get much more information on Maurice (but I have also read St. Therese's autobiography, so perhaps that's why). One thing that I really loved about their correspondence was that Maurice was a very average person. I think a lot of times people elevate priests/pastors, and while I know that they are as human as anyone else, it was refreshing to see just how much and how Maurice struggled with his vocation, with his past, with everything in a very normal, and sometimes resistant, way. It was nice to see this side of St. Therese and her teaching the Little Way to a normal person, and in that way it became more accessible to me. However, one of my favorite parts from her letters was not specifically on her Little Way, but rather on some insight (and encouragement to Maurice) on the saints in heaven, how, instead of being horrified by our lack of holiness, they have "great compassion for our miseries. They remember that they were weak and mortal like us, they committed the same faults themselves and went through the same struggles, and their fraternal tenderness becomes still greater than it ever was on earth. It's on account of this that they never stop watching over us and praying for us."
December 29, 2009
It started out strong. It was very interesting to learn about this connection between a nun and a priest who is yearning to become a missionary and a martyr. But at the end, it was a book of correspondence between a nun and a priest. I don't know what I was expecting, but I thought it would be more.... Maybe I don't understand the significance of this book, this saint (Therese) because I'm not a Catholic and I have no idea who these people are.
Would I read it again? Probably not.
Would I recommend it? Only to my religious friends.
Did I think it was a waste of time? Definitely not. I'm glad that I read it.
Would I read it again? Probably not.
Would I recommend it? Only to my religious friends.
Did I think it was a waste of time? Definitely not. I'm glad that I read it.
February 3, 2017
In case you thought St. Thérèse was a pushover, her letters will prove you wrong. It's refreshing to see the real-life application of her Little Way in her spiritual sisterhood/mentorship of a troubled young seminarian. It would be easy to think her naïve because of her sheltered life, but she shows a patience and wisdom beyond her years. In the face of her brother's failings and doubts, she responds with tremendous empathy and trust in the mercy of God.
July 8, 2016
I would give this book 10 stars if I could. The relationship that developed through letters between St Therese and Fr Maurice was amazing. He struggled like all of us do in the spiritual life and so did she.
Yet they encouraged one another. Gives great insight too into Therese and helps us to see Mother Marie de Gonzagne in a different light as she encouraged the relationship despite the usual restrictions on cloistered nuns contact with outsiders. THIS BOOK IS A TREASURE!
Yet they encouraged one another. Gives great insight too into Therese and helps us to see Mother Marie de Gonzagne in a different light as she encouraged the relationship despite the usual restrictions on cloistered nuns contact with outsiders. THIS BOOK IS A TREASURE!
February 24, 2011
I got this book after the bishop who wrote it preached a great homily at the seminary where I was teaching. It is a good read, particularly for devotees of Therese of Lisieux and for seminarians.
May 13, 2023
This is the first book I have read about Therese, and honestly I have never known of her until I picked it up. I got the book at a used bookstore for free (in exchange for some books I brought in), and it caught my eye for 3 reasons.
1) I had recently become Christian at that point, and so I was very interested in books that could help me grow in Christ (spoiler alert, this book definitely helped)
2) I am in lover with letters. I find them to be so enchanting, beautiful and raw
3) I find the cover to be very beautiful
When I got the book, I had very little expectations. I didn't even expect that I will finish it. But as it turns out, Therese's beautiful letters gripped my soul. The way she write is incredibly beautiful and every letter I read from her quenched something deep within my soul. Every encouraging line she wrote to Maurice fueled my love for God and gave me much encouragement also.
In one of her letters, Therese wrote "it is clear to me that our souls were made to understand each other". What a touching friendship they had! The kind that we are all looking for, whether in people or in books. I happened to find Therese's soul so dear to my own.
I know some people have not been entirely happy with the commentary, however I am really happy with it. The author gave so much valuable context to accompany the letters that was very useful for someone like myself who knew nothing of these people. It allowed for a deeper understanding of the letters which I very much appreciate.
In the end, I have been left so blessed to have learned of her, and a new desire to read her work has been born.This certainly isn't the last book I read about Therese, and I can see myself re-reading this one many times throughout my life! I highly recommend this book!
1) I had recently become Christian at that point, and so I was very interested in books that could help me grow in Christ (spoiler alert, this book definitely helped)
2) I am in lover with letters. I find them to be so enchanting, beautiful and raw
3) I find the cover to be very beautiful
When I got the book, I had very little expectations. I didn't even expect that I will finish it. But as it turns out, Therese's beautiful letters gripped my soul. The way she write is incredibly beautiful and every letter I read from her quenched something deep within my soul. Every encouraging line she wrote to Maurice fueled my love for God and gave me much encouragement also.
In one of her letters, Therese wrote "it is clear to me that our souls were made to understand each other". What a touching friendship they had! The kind that we are all looking for, whether in people or in books. I happened to find Therese's soul so dear to my own.
I know some people have not been entirely happy with the commentary, however I am really happy with it. The author gave so much valuable context to accompany the letters that was very useful for someone like myself who knew nothing of these people. It allowed for a deeper understanding of the letters which I very much appreciate.
In the end, I have been left so blessed to have learned of her, and a new desire to read her work has been born.This certainly isn't the last book I read about Therese, and I can see myself re-reading this one many times throughout my life! I highly recommend this book!
December 31, 2021
This is so far the only book that I have read about St. Therese (I know I need to read Story of a Soul!) What attracted me to this book is the relationship between St. Therese and Fr. Maurice. They have such a close bond because of their Iove of Christ. I have a dear friend who is a Franciscan priest who lives far away from me and our friendship is similar to that of St. Therese and Fr. Maurice (except I am a lay women who is married.with a family). When I haven't heard back from him in sometime I will turn to this book. I think it is so lovely to have a record of this holy friendship. It is such a good example of what a friendship build on Christ can look like.
December 29, 2021
The letters are certainly more interesting than the commentary. The editor seems excessively critical of Maurice who, though certainly imperfect, endured far more hardship in his trials an Africa than I imagine an auxiliary bishop in New York would have endured.
The letters can seem overly sentimental at times, but that’s probably just how French people are. St. Elizabeth of the Trinity speaks in a similarly ecstatic manner in many of her letters.
Certainly not so insightful as the Story of a Soul, but still worth reading.
The letters can seem overly sentimental at times, but that’s probably just how French people are. St. Elizabeth of the Trinity speaks in a similarly ecstatic manner in many of her letters.
Certainly not so insightful as the Story of a Soul, but still worth reading.
November 14, 2024
I expected to read this and understand Therese better, and I did, but I was surprised that I really came to know Maurice. It was a grace for me, I believe. I see myself in him in many ways. And through their relationship how Therese loves me and how I can live the little way.
A very sweet and encouraging book. It really provided some good material for prayer and good connections with my life as it is right now. I’m grateful.
A very sweet and encouraging book. It really provided some good material for prayer and good connections with my life as it is right now. I’m grateful.
February 12, 2025
This book provides further insight into Thérèse’s spirituality and I found it to be inspiring as she encourages a seminarian on his journey. It is very candid with the seminarian’s struggles but also his appreciation for an intercesor leading him closer to Christ. The author provides helpful historical info and commentary between letters. I recommend readers to have read “Story of a Soul” or another work of the Saint prior to this one.
December 21, 2020
If it is possible, this book will help you love St. Therese even more. These letters are a window into her heart through her correspondence with young, insecure priest Maurice Belliere. Their relationship grows to be like that of brother and sister. St. Therese's words will amaze and inspire you as you can apply the advice and follow her "little way" in your own life. Little Therese, pray for us!
February 16, 2022
This was recommended to me when I made the daring claim that St. Therese was an overrated saint by the mass Catholic population. It's regarding the touching relationship between the dear saint and a seminarian that she spiritually adopted as a brother. It certainly boosted my appreciation, admiration, and devotion to St. Therese. Would recommend to any seminarian or priest.
July 10, 2023
Their holy friendship is worth reading. I admired her encouragement in his vocation, her gentleness, and the incredible selflessness she demonstrated in her last few months. They truly delighted in one another and found a home in each other’s hearts.
“I feel our souls are made to understand each other.”
“I feel our souls are made to understand each other.”
October 6, 2019
After reading this book, I definitely feel Therese as a companion of mine in Heaven; although, the most striking letters to me were the ones that demonstrated the maturity of the love Maurice held for Therese.
November 17, 2019
Beautiful and inspiring read. Great look into the deep conviction yet simplicity of the love in St Therese's faith especially in her final years as she battled illness. Through the letters shared in the book and stories of her life, also a great look into who she was as a person
April 22, 2022
Interesting correspondence between St. Therese and Maurice. The commentary isn't always very helpful or enlightening (most of it is just quoting the letters and rephrasing them). However, some of the commentary was great and having the letters all in one volume made for a wonderful resource.
July 3, 2024
Sigo en mi travesía de conocer el camino del amor y la confianza. Es chistoso que es un libro sobre las cartas entre Teresita y un seminarista, pero ella describe su espiritualidad con claridad.
Lectura rápida y concreta. Buenos insights del autor.
Lectura rápida y concreta. Buenos insights del autor.
September 17, 2017
An amazing little book, overflowing with piety and love for God and one another. The ending will move you to tears. It's not something you could expect.
February 22, 2019
A lovely book.
October 13, 2019
Good read, especially for fans of St. Therese. Cool to see her relationship with Maurice, someone who is more like ourselves :)
September 16, 2022
It was such a lovely, light spiritual read. Just what I needed at this time!
October 31, 2024
I found the commentary between the chapters to be a little bit too much for me. But I thoroughly enjoyed reading more about this beautiful Saint!
March 30, 2023
This is a collections of letters between Thérèse and a missionary seminarian named Maurice Bellière, along with a few of Maurice’s letters sent to Thérèse’s superiors and priest friends closer to the end of his life. Every letter is followed by a relatively lengthy commentary by the editor, which felt quite disruptive. In some instances Ahern has important contextual information to provide, but more often he is just repeating what has already been shown in the letters or worse, making personal speculations about the motives and character of the interlocutors (many of which don’t even seem very plausible). It is for his commentary that I cannot give this book five stars (and even four seems generous). The collection would be much improved if the commentary was removed and the small percentage of helpful information that Ahern provides were preserved as footnotes placed in the relevant parts of the letters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews