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Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
- GenresCatholic
377 pages, Hardcover
Published August 21, 2024
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37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 4, 2025
Such an incredible joy to finally revisit these writings of St. Thérèse, this time around with the Catholic Classics podcast. Too many moving and encouraging quotes to include here… Her revelation of God’s incredible love and grace for us, as described in her “little way,” is the epitome of the paradox of the very essence of Christianity: infinitely simple yet infinitely profound.
October 29, 2024
Reading this volume was a bit of a different process. It is the third in a series from Ascension press called Catholic Classics, and there is a podcast version by Gregory Pine and Father Michael-Joseph Parish. Father Parish is new this season and Father Gregory Pine is not part of this year’s series. Also this year the test by Saint Theresa was read by a woman with a French accent. I listened to the podcast in the morning and then read the associated sections in the evening. In essence I worked through the book twice. It was great to listen to their commentary each day, and read their commentary before the different sections of the book. The description of this edition of this book is:
“Story of a Soul, the third book of the Catholic Classics series, is created in collaboration with the Carmelites and uses the only full authorized English translation of this classic work.
Often considered one of the most influential and inspiring works of the Church, this classic yet relevant text was written by Doctor of the Church St. Thérèse of Lisieux and details her life and love for the Lord in spite of trial and illness. Through the years, it has remained a key reflection on the spiritual life for believers who seek to love God with all their hearts.
Exploring topics that St. Thérèse learned throughout her life, Story of a Soul teaches Catholics how to embrace their spiritual “littleness” as a quick path to heaven, how to live their call to love, and how to choose God in the midst of great suffering.
This text draws readers ever closer to God as St. Thérèse details the events of her life and her prayer, both of which were focused solely on deep intimacy with God and honoring him.
Featuring the only full authorized English translation, this special version renews Catholics' understanding and appreciation of this spiritual classic. It also includes:
Expert commentary to make the text more approachable to readers by Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P., and Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
A foreword by Cardinal Anders Arborelius, O.C.D.
An insert of sacred art of St. Thérèse from Ascension’s Sacred Art Collection of Holy Men and Women by Tianna Williams
25 images from the life of St. Thérèse throughout the book from the Carmelites.”
The podcast was preceded by a novena to Saint Theresa before beginning on the text. The sections and chapters in this edition are:
About the Catholic Classics
Foreword by Cardinal Anders Arborelius, OCD
Introduction to the Catholic Classics Edition by Fr Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP
Introduction to the First Edition
Prologue
Thérèse’s Family and Cousins
MANUSCRIPT A
Commentary on Chapter 1 by Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
Chapter 1 Alençon (1873–1877)
Commentary on Chapter 2 by Fr Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP
Chapter 2 Les Buissonnets (1877–1881)
Commentary on Chapter 3 by Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
Chapter 3 The Distressing Years (1881–1883)
Commentary on Chapter 4 by Fr Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP
Chapter 4 First Communion, Boarding School (1883–1886)
Commentary on Chapter 5 by Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
Chapter 5 After the Grace of Christmas (1886–1887)
Commentary on Chapter 6 by Fr Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP
Chapter 6 The Trip to Rome (1887)
Commentary on Chapter 7 by Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
Chapter 7 The First Years in Carmel (1888–1890)
Commentary on Chapter 8 by Fr Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP
Chapter 8 Profession and Offering to Merciful Love (1890–1895)
MANUSCRIPT B
Commentary on Chapter 9 by Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
Chapter 9 My Vocation Is Love (1896)
MANUSCRIPT C
Commentary on Chapter 10 by Fr Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP
Chapter 10 The Trial of Faith (1896–1897)
Commentary on Chapter 11 by Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
Chapter 11 Those Whom You Have Given Me (1896–1897)
Epilogue
APPENDICES
Letter Thérèse Carried on Her Heart
Act of Oblation of Merciful Love
Thérèse’s Explanation of Her Coat of Arms
Chronology
About ICS
This translation or edition has it’s:
Imprimi potest: Terence J. Flynn, Provincialis Washingtonensis, O.C.D.
We are informed about Catholic Classics from Ascension Press that:
“There are texts by great saints that many devout Catholics are convinced they should read, but perhaps they feel overwhelmed by the thought. Most of these texts were originally written in a foreign language centuries ago. The available English translations often use terminology that has fallen out of use, making them more challenging to the modern reader. One can leave such texts with more questions than answers. They can seem unapproachable to all but scholars.
But these writings were intended as gifts to all of God’s faithful so that we can know more about God and, more importantly, so that we can know God. Each saint, each Doctor of the Church, each mystic reflects some aspect of the beauty and goodness of our creator.
To help renew Catholics’ appreciation of these works, Ascension has created this series, Catholic Classics. With updated translations, the works are more readable to modern eyes. Added introductions and commentary help unlock the text and give context to the original author’s references.
The peacock is the symbol for the Catholic Classics. It is an ancient Christian symbol of eternal life and the resurrection that reflects the perennial nature of these classics and the new life they will breathe into your spiritual life as you read them. The Scriptures tell us that King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, kept peacocks, which were a mark of his grandeur (1 Kings 10:22). The peacock evokes the great wisdom contained in these classic works.
As you read, remember to use this opportunity as a moment of encounter with the living God. Pray as you read. See Christ in the words of his servants—of his friends—and know that he waits there for you.”
I highlighted numerous passages while reading and listening to this book. Some of them are:
“To help renew Catholics’ appreciation of these works, Ascension has created this series, Catholic Classics. With updated translations, the works are more readable to modern eyes. Added introductions and commentary help unlock the text and give context to the original author’s references.”
“As you read, remember to use this opportunity as a moment of encounter with the living God. Pray as you read. See Christ in the words of his servants—of his friends—and know that he waits there for you.”
“If you read her Story of a Soul, you will discover her message of God’s universal love. You will rediscover what the Gospel has to say to us today in our digital and technological age. We all need her freshness and smile.”
“Trinity. And Thérèse of Lisieux is more adequately called Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Later she wanted to add “of the Holy Face” to her name. She wanted to enter into the entire mystery of Jesus, from his childhood up to his death on the Cross, and have it included in her name.”
“When Thérèse was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church, many were quite surprised. What could a young nun without any theological studies add to the wisdom of the Fathers of the Church? At first, her Little Way seems too simple and humble for a Doctor of the Church.”
“Through her writing, St. Thérèse has captured the minds and hearts of countless people over the past 125 years. Without a doubt, her short life transformed the world.”
“Throughout her childhood and her life in the convent, Thérèse realized more and more that a life of holiness is not made up of great moments of difficult actions but of little moments of love; of seeing each moment and interaction, however pleasant or unpleasant, easy or difficult, as an opportunity to offer oneself in love. At the heart of the Gospel is the call to love God and to love neighbor.”
“I had often heard it [10] said that surely Pauline would become a religious, and without knowing too much about what it meant I thought: “I too will be a religious.” This is one of my first memories and I haven’t changed my resolution since then! It was through you, dear Mother, that Jesus chose to espouse me to Himself.”
“She explained the way of becoming holy through fidelity in little things; furthermore, she gave me a little leaflet called “Renunciation” and I meditated on this with delight.”
“I listened with great attention to the instructions Father Domin was giving us, even writing up a summary of them.”
“Really, I am far from being a saint, and what I have just said is proof of this; instead of rejoicing, for example, at my aridity, I should attribute it to my little fervor and lack of fidelity; I should be desolate for having slept (for seven years) during my hours of prayer and my thanksgivings after Holy Communion; well, I am not desolate. I remember that little children are as pleasing to their parents when they are asleep as well as when they are wide awake; I remember, too, that when they perform operations, doctors [76r °] put their patients to sleep. Finally, I remember that: “The Lord knows our weakness, that he is mindful that we are but dust and ashes.””
“His infinite Mercy, and through it I contemplate and adore the other divine perfections! All of these perfections appear to be resplendent with love; even His Justice (and perhaps this even more so than the others) seems to me clothed in love. What a sweet joy it is to think that God is Just, i.e., that He takes into account our weakness, that He is perfectly aware of our fragile nature. What should I fear then?”
“Oh! how sweet is the way of Love! How I want to apply myself to doing the will of God always with the greatest self-surrender!”
I hope those samples give you a feel for this version. This is an excellent volume, and was great working through it with the podcast. Note these is a bonus episode of the podcast that covers the appendices. My only regret is that the podcast worksheet the page numbers match the physical book but the eBook has different pagination, and you soft of need to guess for splitting up chapters.. This book is an excellent read. It challenged me personally and I know it will do the same for you. I am thankful for having read and to be slowly applying the lessons from this Saint. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next Catholic Classics from Ascension Press.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
“Story of a Soul, the third book of the Catholic Classics series, is created in collaboration with the Carmelites and uses the only full authorized English translation of this classic work.
Often considered one of the most influential and inspiring works of the Church, this classic yet relevant text was written by Doctor of the Church St. Thérèse of Lisieux and details her life and love for the Lord in spite of trial and illness. Through the years, it has remained a key reflection on the spiritual life for believers who seek to love God with all their hearts.
Exploring topics that St. Thérèse learned throughout her life, Story of a Soul teaches Catholics how to embrace their spiritual “littleness” as a quick path to heaven, how to live their call to love, and how to choose God in the midst of great suffering.
This text draws readers ever closer to God as St. Thérèse details the events of her life and her prayer, both of which were focused solely on deep intimacy with God and honoring him.
Featuring the only full authorized English translation, this special version renews Catholics' understanding and appreciation of this spiritual classic. It also includes:
Expert commentary to make the text more approachable to readers by Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P., and Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
A foreword by Cardinal Anders Arborelius, O.C.D.
An insert of sacred art of St. Thérèse from Ascension’s Sacred Art Collection of Holy Men and Women by Tianna Williams
25 images from the life of St. Thérèse throughout the book from the Carmelites.”
The podcast was preceded by a novena to Saint Theresa before beginning on the text. The sections and chapters in this edition are:
About the Catholic Classics
Foreword by Cardinal Anders Arborelius, OCD
Introduction to the Catholic Classics Edition by Fr Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP
Introduction to the First Edition
Prologue
Thérèse’s Family and Cousins
MANUSCRIPT A
Commentary on Chapter 1 by Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
Chapter 1 Alençon (1873–1877)
Commentary on Chapter 2 by Fr Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP
Chapter 2 Les Buissonnets (1877–1881)
Commentary on Chapter 3 by Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
Chapter 3 The Distressing Years (1881–1883)
Commentary on Chapter 4 by Fr Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP
Chapter 4 First Communion, Boarding School (1883–1886)
Commentary on Chapter 5 by Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
Chapter 5 After the Grace of Christmas (1886–1887)
Commentary on Chapter 6 by Fr Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP
Chapter 6 The Trip to Rome (1887)
Commentary on Chapter 7 by Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
Chapter 7 The First Years in Carmel (1888–1890)
Commentary on Chapter 8 by Fr Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP
Chapter 8 Profession and Offering to Merciful Love (1890–1895)
MANUSCRIPT B
Commentary on Chapter 9 by Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
Chapter 9 My Vocation Is Love (1896)
MANUSCRIPT C
Commentary on Chapter 10 by Fr Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, OP
Chapter 10 The Trial of Faith (1896–1897)
Commentary on Chapter 11 by Anne-Elisabeth Giuliani
Chapter 11 Those Whom You Have Given Me (1896–1897)
Epilogue
APPENDICES
Letter Thérèse Carried on Her Heart
Act of Oblation of Merciful Love
Thérèse’s Explanation of Her Coat of Arms
Chronology
About ICS
This translation or edition has it’s:
Imprimi potest: Terence J. Flynn, Provincialis Washingtonensis, O.C.D.
We are informed about Catholic Classics from Ascension Press that:
“There are texts by great saints that many devout Catholics are convinced they should read, but perhaps they feel overwhelmed by the thought. Most of these texts were originally written in a foreign language centuries ago. The available English translations often use terminology that has fallen out of use, making them more challenging to the modern reader. One can leave such texts with more questions than answers. They can seem unapproachable to all but scholars.
But these writings were intended as gifts to all of God’s faithful so that we can know more about God and, more importantly, so that we can know God. Each saint, each Doctor of the Church, each mystic reflects some aspect of the beauty and goodness of our creator.
To help renew Catholics’ appreciation of these works, Ascension has created this series, Catholic Classics. With updated translations, the works are more readable to modern eyes. Added introductions and commentary help unlock the text and give context to the original author’s references.
The peacock is the symbol for the Catholic Classics. It is an ancient Christian symbol of eternal life and the resurrection that reflects the perennial nature of these classics and the new life they will breathe into your spiritual life as you read them. The Scriptures tell us that King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, kept peacocks, which were a mark of his grandeur (1 Kings 10:22). The peacock evokes the great wisdom contained in these classic works.
As you read, remember to use this opportunity as a moment of encounter with the living God. Pray as you read. See Christ in the words of his servants—of his friends—and know that he waits there for you.”
I highlighted numerous passages while reading and listening to this book. Some of them are:
“To help renew Catholics’ appreciation of these works, Ascension has created this series, Catholic Classics. With updated translations, the works are more readable to modern eyes. Added introductions and commentary help unlock the text and give context to the original author’s references.”
“As you read, remember to use this opportunity as a moment of encounter with the living God. Pray as you read. See Christ in the words of his servants—of his friends—and know that he waits there for you.”
“If you read her Story of a Soul, you will discover her message of God’s universal love. You will rediscover what the Gospel has to say to us today in our digital and technological age. We all need her freshness and smile.”
“Trinity. And Thérèse of Lisieux is more adequately called Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Later she wanted to add “of the Holy Face” to her name. She wanted to enter into the entire mystery of Jesus, from his childhood up to his death on the Cross, and have it included in her name.”
“When Thérèse was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church, many were quite surprised. What could a young nun without any theological studies add to the wisdom of the Fathers of the Church? At first, her Little Way seems too simple and humble for a Doctor of the Church.”
“Through her writing, St. Thérèse has captured the minds and hearts of countless people over the past 125 years. Without a doubt, her short life transformed the world.”
“Throughout her childhood and her life in the convent, Thérèse realized more and more that a life of holiness is not made up of great moments of difficult actions but of little moments of love; of seeing each moment and interaction, however pleasant or unpleasant, easy or difficult, as an opportunity to offer oneself in love. At the heart of the Gospel is the call to love God and to love neighbor.”
“I had often heard it [10] said that surely Pauline would become a religious, and without knowing too much about what it meant I thought: “I too will be a religious.” This is one of my first memories and I haven’t changed my resolution since then! It was through you, dear Mother, that Jesus chose to espouse me to Himself.”
“She explained the way of becoming holy through fidelity in little things; furthermore, she gave me a little leaflet called “Renunciation” and I meditated on this with delight.”
“I listened with great attention to the instructions Father Domin was giving us, even writing up a summary of them.”
“Really, I am far from being a saint, and what I have just said is proof of this; instead of rejoicing, for example, at my aridity, I should attribute it to my little fervor and lack of fidelity; I should be desolate for having slept (for seven years) during my hours of prayer and my thanksgivings after Holy Communion; well, I am not desolate. I remember that little children are as pleasing to their parents when they are asleep as well as when they are wide awake; I remember, too, that when they perform operations, doctors [76r °] put their patients to sleep. Finally, I remember that: “The Lord knows our weakness, that he is mindful that we are but dust and ashes.””
“His infinite Mercy, and through it I contemplate and adore the other divine perfections! All of these perfections appear to be resplendent with love; even His Justice (and perhaps this even more so than the others) seems to me clothed in love. What a sweet joy it is to think that God is Just, i.e., that He takes into account our weakness, that He is perfectly aware of our fragile nature. What should I fear then?”
“Oh! how sweet is the way of Love! How I want to apply myself to doing the will of God always with the greatest self-surrender!”
I hope those samples give you a feel for this version. This is an excellent volume, and was great working through it with the podcast. Note these is a bonus episode of the podcast that covers the appendices. My only regret is that the podcast worksheet the page numbers match the physical book but the eBook has different pagination, and you soft of need to guess for splitting up chapters.. This book is an excellent read. It challenged me personally and I know it will do the same for you. I am thankful for having read and to be slowly applying the lessons from this Saint. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next Catholic Classics from Ascension Press.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
November 30, 2024
At times amusing, at times a little tiresome (due to the immaturity displayed), but usually astonishing as the reader recognizes the depth of spiritual understanding from one so young.
December 29, 2024
Glad I finally read this classic by a Doctor of the Church. I understand why so many people can relate to Therese - she had a simple, everyday life, and her writings are fairly straightforward too. But I am still not sure why she is considered a Doctor of the Church, as compared to people like Thomas Aquinas or Hildegard of Bingen.
Her home life as a child was very loving and supportive, although there were also lots of trials, such as her mother dying young. This gives insight into how she was able to focus so much on doing and thinking good.
I very much appreciated the list of members of Therese's family at the beginning of this edition. I flipped back to it often to figure out who she was talking about. There are many members, and several went by different names when they entered religious life. It also helped me sort out when Therese was referring to her biological sisters or her religious sisters.
Her home life as a child was very loving and supportive, although there were also lots of trials, such as her mother dying young. This gives insight into how she was able to focus so much on doing and thinking good.
I very much appreciated the list of members of Therese's family at the beginning of this edition. I flipped back to it often to figure out who she was talking about. There are many members, and several went by different names when they entered religious life. It also helped me sort out when Therese was referring to her biological sisters or her religious sisters.
June 3, 2025
I came into this work with little expectations. I had heard this can be a difficult read, not because it is hard but because it’s difficult to relate to St. Térèse.
But boy was I in for a treat!
St. Térèse absolutely blew me away and far exceeded my expectations. Her Little Way seems perfect for me and exactly what I need to begin practicing in my own life. Yet, going through the book this last month I have tried to practice the Little Way and find myself saying with St. Paul “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate!”
I now believe you are the greatest saint of modern times. St. Térèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, ora pro nobis!
But boy was I in for a treat!
St. Térèse absolutely blew me away and far exceeded my expectations. Her Little Way seems perfect for me and exactly what I need to begin practicing in my own life. Yet, going through the book this last month I have tried to practice the Little Way and find myself saying with St. Paul “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate!”
I now believe you are the greatest saint of modern times. St. Térèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, ora pro nobis!
Read
October 18, 2025What a beautiful book! What a beautiful saint to read and learn about! St. Therese was my confirmation saint, and I'm so glad I read this book by her. I want to reread it at some point and let it soak in even more. So many things about faith and the love of Jesus and so many things to learn about her little ways. I just really loved this slow read for me!
October 30, 2024
Much has been already written about this autobiography, and I don't have anything unique to add. I listened to Ascensions Catholic Classics or the book and particularly enjoyed the commentary by Fr. Jacob Bertrand, O.P. and Fr. Michael-Joseph, O.C.D.
December 21, 2024
A MUST READ! (Or listen)
I listened to the podcast by Accession Press & I cannot recommend it enough.
I listened to the podcast by Accession Press & I cannot recommend it enough.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews