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Therese: The Saint Who Loved Us: A Personal View
A featured selection of Spiritual Book Associates In The Saint Who Loved Us, Arthur Cavanaugh combines fascinating historical accounts with his own personal stories to show the enduring significance and influence that Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897) has today. Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997 by Pope John Paul II, Therese's journey toward love versus self-love, hope rather than despair, forgiveness instead of vengeance is beautifully conveyed here. This biography will help readers grasp the thought and culture, through which she produced one of the consummate treatises on the love of God. Cavanaugh sets the stage for an encounter with what is acknowledged by theologians as two of the most profound and stirring passages from her book The Story of a Soul. Combining probing historical analysis with stories of tremendous personal insight, this is a work of heartfelt intimacy and an inspiring portrait of the life of an extraordinary woman who continues to touch us today.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 1, 2025
For reasons I will never understand, saints are controversial. Protestants seem to be offended by them and think that Catholics think too much of them. The truth is Saints are meant to be our friends. Protestants only protest them when Catholics refer to them, but yet they still have Foxe's Book of Martyrs.
Many, many times I have been excoriated by Protestant friends who seek to remind me that we don't need to pray to saints, because we can go directly to Jesus. They are at once right and wrong. You can always go to your parents or your spouse or your best friend. But aren't there also times in your life when you are afraid or embarassed or just don't know what to say to them. You want a practice or a level of anonymity or objectivity without a too close emotional tie. In that case you talk to a friend.
It is not unusual to hear someone say that they are not worthy of talking directly to God, so they talk to one of his underlings, our friends, the saints.
The saints have been in our situations, which helps us to relate to them, and them to us. The Little Flower is a friend to many. Her life was inspirational and her heavenly life is a comfort and a joy when we need a friend. She pledged to spend her heavenly life doing good on earth.
She has kept that promise. She looks for us, and looks out for us.
She is always willing to reach out and to hold our hands. She listens to us. She cares for us.
This book is a wonderful example of all the things a saint should be. Even more than this, it shows us how accessible sants can be. We should all have such friends to guide us and listen to us.
Many, many times I have been excoriated by Protestant friends who seek to remind me that we don't need to pray to saints, because we can go directly to Jesus. They are at once right and wrong. You can always go to your parents or your spouse or your best friend. But aren't there also times in your life when you are afraid or embarassed or just don't know what to say to them. You want a practice or a level of anonymity or objectivity without a too close emotional tie. In that case you talk to a friend.
It is not unusual to hear someone say that they are not worthy of talking directly to God, so they talk to one of his underlings, our friends, the saints.
The saints have been in our situations, which helps us to relate to them, and them to us. The Little Flower is a friend to many. Her life was inspirational and her heavenly life is a comfort and a joy when we need a friend. She pledged to spend her heavenly life doing good on earth.
She has kept that promise. She looks for us, and looks out for us.
She is always willing to reach out and to hold our hands. She listens to us. She cares for us.
This book is a wonderful example of all the things a saint should be. Even more than this, it shows us how accessible sants can be. We should all have such friends to guide us and listen to us.
January 19, 2022
A beautiful telling of the life of this saint from the research of Arthur Cavanaugh. This book is a worthwhile read for someone looking to know more about Thérèse, draw closer in relationship to her, or read about a saint.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews