Three Gifts of Therese of Lisieux: A Saint for Our Times

by Patrick Ahern

“Thérèse has been such a presence in my adult life—it is as if I have known her personally; she is as real and alive to me as my lifelong friends... I’ve identified three gifts that Thérèse has given me, which I would like to offer in this book to everyone seeking to find more meaning in their faith and their journey to find God.” --Patrick Ahern

Transformation in our lives happens when we live with the confidence that "God is nothing but mercy and love.” In this inspiring book, beloved author Patrick Ahern looks at the teachings of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, through the lens of his own personal experiences in which this  "saint for our times" played such an important role for more than seventy years.  With honesty and humility, he delves into the transformational love that infused her faith, led her to be named one of only four female Doctors of the Catholic Church, and gave Ahern’s own journey direction and meaning. 

Ahern focuses on what he calls the three gifts of Thérè  her universal appeal, her conviction, and her little way. Echoing Therese’s recognition that bureaucracy, penances, rules and commandments miss the message of love that she knew to be true, he says, "She convinced me that someone as ordinary as I could aspire to the love of God, which filled her heart to overflowing." He hopes the same for his readers.

Genres: Religion, Christian, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Catholic, Faith

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Camille Maio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amazing thing about St. Therese is that her simplicity is her very depth and there is always a new layer to uncover. Thank you, Fr. Patrick, for revealing even more!

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Father Ahern writes on how Saint Therese affected his life inspiring him to the priesthood. His personal gifts from her were here widespread appeal, conviction, and doing good works in small ways. He was also involved in the efforts to designate Saint Therese as just the third woman to become a Doctor of the Church based on her writings. This was an inspiring read.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Gifts of Thérèse Lisieux is a brief book written by Bishop Patrick Ahern in which he shares the impact St. Thérèse had on his life and the lives of others through her "three gifts." These gifts are her universal appeal; her conviction; and most importantly, her Little Way. At the beginning of each of his three sections, Bishop Ahern gives a brief description of his life and how each of St. Thérèse's gifts shaped him and his vocation. Using St. Thérèse's personal correspondence and quotations from her Little Way, Bishop Ahern then uses the subsequent chapters in each section to describe the impact of her gifts on the people in her life, mainly family members and members of her religious community.

The most meaningful section for me was "The Gift of Thérèse's Little Way." I know only the very basics of the Little Way, and this section helped to shed a little more light on the discipline for me. I, like many, will never be able to live a strict life of asceticism. However, reading about the Little Way, I now know that such asceticism is not necessary in order to obtain holiness and closer union with God. Reading this book has made me want to adopt her Little Way, as well as read other books about her life, such as Maurice and Thérèse (also by Bishop Ahern) and her autobiography The Story of a Soul. If you are looking for a good introduction to St. Thérèse and her spirituality, pick up this 5 star book!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars are not enough for this little gem of a book. Of course, when your subject matter is the Little Flower, it's difficult to go wrong. I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway, but would gladly have paid for it. It is definitely one of those books I will treasure for the rest of my life and will read again and again.

I could type pages of awesome quotes, but will limit it to these two, both regarding the "present moment":

"Therese knew that the past cen never be retrieved, and it is a waste of time to grieve over it. If we believe as she did that God is 'nothing but mercy and love,' we can put our sins behind us once we have sought His forgiveness, and forge past them. The deeds are part of history, but the guilt is gone even as history is gone. As for the future, only God knows what it will hold, and we may safely leave it in His hands." (p. 115)

"Whoever possesses the present moment possesses God

"Therefore whoever possesses the present moment possesses everything

"The present moment is enough

"Don't let anything trouble you"
(attributed to St. Teresa of Avila; pp. 117-118

Needless to say, I heartily recommend this book to everyone!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started out trying to read this book like a normal book, and I kept not being able to find the time to read. Then, in what must have been a Holy Spirit-inspired move, I started reading a bit in the mornings after my scripture reading time.

This book was a great complement to the scriptures and a look at Therese's life in a way that was neither too sentimental nor too factual. Ahern's love for Therese comes through and, as a reader, you can't help but appreciate how the Little Flower really became a part of his love of Jesus.

I caught myself highlighting and underlining and I know this is a book I'll come back to. It made me want to reread Story of a Soul (and maybe I will...someday...).
All in all, a great book, and one you should make time to read. It will lead you closer to Christ and help you love St. Therese more or maybe learn to like her a little, if you're not such a fan of hers.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Therese of Lisieux is perhaps one of the most well loved saints even to this day. Mostly known for her little way. But what is the little way?

In this simple work of Bishop Patrick Ahern he shares the impact St. Thérèse had on his life and the lives of others through her "three gifts."

Universal appeal
Bishop Ahern shares about Thérèse's early sensitive childhood and how it shaped her.

Conviction
The most telling example of her conviction is the now infamous story of how she personally asked Pope Leo XIII to allow her to join the Carmelite convent early.

Little Way
"Her spirituality is within the reach of everyone..."

This is a wonderful introduction book to Thérèse and her spirituality. Though simple it certaintly gives a clear message and makes you want to re. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to develop a personal relationship with Thérèse.

[Rose Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book about Saint Therese's Little Way and how everyone can use it to reach sanctity. Patrick Ahern was a priest and bishop in NYC (died in 2011) who was devoted to Therese throughout his life. He was part of the initiative to name her a Doctor of the Church. He relates some personal stories in which Therese guided him as he comments on aspects of her life and philosophy of love. He divides the book into three sections corresponding to three gifts of Therese and how she can affect our lives: 1) her Universal Appeal (her humanity and problems she faced); 2) her Conviction of God's love; 3) her Little Way.

[Kirstenszantor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part biography of Therese and part autobiography of Father Ahern, this little volume explains her “Little Way.”

I did not know what Therese meant by her “Little Way” but I feel kinship with her because I often think to myself, “miracles all around, you just have to recognize them for what they are” and the last passage of the book, in the afterward described it so perfectly, “If we stop for a moment, I think we will realize that each of us, more often than not, has been the beneficiary of divine gifts.” Whereupon, the author describes small acts of kindness that are indeed the “Little Way.”

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting way to frame the spirituality of Therese of Lisieux, by relating it to the experiences of the priest who wrote this. Perhaps that made it more relatable to people today, who live in such different times and circumstances. I would have liked more on the "little way" however, which is primarily what I was looking for. I can't remember where I read about it before, and this didn't seem to cover as well how that worked out in practical ways. In other ways it told me more about Therese and her beliefs, however, so I'm glad I read it.

[Katharine Mcloughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, succinct, and sweet distillation of Therese’ Little Way Theology.

This is an enlightening and enjoyable read. These attributes do not indicate superficiality or ‘theology for dummies’. The author, a priest, includes anecdotes that demonstrate the usefulness of Therese of Lisieux’s insights for daily living.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming ..lovely book

A perfect book to read during these hard times. It is a great get to know St Therese book. You get caught up in the authors enthusiasm and love for St Therese. I now love her more than ever..

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Gifts of Therese of Lisieux: A Saint for Our Times by Patrick Ahern. Reading this book about how the author's life was affected by St. Therese of Lisieux gives us the author's view of how one person can affect the lives of those around them and even those whom they have never met. It's hard to image how St. Therese even through her pain and suffering could think about and pray that others can feel the love of God in their ordinary daily lives. After reading this book I will try to think less of my daily struggles and pray for the sick, the homeless and those who live alone.

[Maura Zagrans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book, the very "littleness" of which mirrors the Little Way of St. Therese. Make no mistake: though small, the gifts waiting for us between the covers are plentiful.

Bishop Ahern gets to the heart of the little saint's worldwide influence when he identifies her as a "spiritual genius." Life attains a sweet simplicity when we listen to the lessons she imparts.

Beautiful book that will inspire you to read more about St. Therese.

[Aldene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very thankful to have won my copy. I am not christian but you don't need to be to hear words of wisdom in this book. Saint Therese of Lisieux is a very captivating and inspiring person. She loves with her whole heart and treats everyone with compassion. Anyone who celebrates any faith can always use more love, kindness and compassion. A great little book.

[Monica Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy read peppered with a few factual errors.

[Jeremy Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, small but powerful like Terese herself!