Stronger than Steel: Soldiers of the Great War Write to Thérèse of Lisieux

by Les Poilus, Dwight Longenecker (Foreword), Sr. Marie of the Child Jesus (Translator)

In the seventeen years between her death in 1897 and the outbreak of World War I, the fame of Thérèse of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face had spread widely, especially in France and its her autobiography The Story of a Soul was hugely popular, and soldiers carried around holy cards, medals, and relics. This remarkable collection of letters from (mostly French) soldiers fighting in the Great War and enduring its abysmal horrors are astonishing and moving testimonies of how Thérèse appeared to them or spoke to them when invoked--how she miraculously protected them from "showers of iron and fire," delivered them from precipitous danger, healed them when doctors despaired, and encouraged them in the trials of battle. After all, this Carmelite--who once dressed in armor as St Joan of Arc for a convent recreational play--tells "Sanctity! It must be won at the point of a sword!," and, during her final illness, "I will die with my weapons in my hands!"Shedding new light on the enduring mission of this beloved saint, Stronger than Steel will rekindle the reader's devotion to "the greatest saint of modern times" (in the words of her devotee, Pope Pius X). It reminds us that we are all called to the "Great War"--the spiritual war--where we are not alone against the enemy but aided by the mighty intercession of the friends of God.

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, History, World War I, War

Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2021

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

It did my heart good to read these stories of so many young Frenchmen whose lives were saved during the Great War by their strong faith in the promise of my patron, the 'Little Flower', to 'spend her Heaven doing good on earth. She had only been dead 17 years but her fame had spread far and wide and these stories are amazing!

Sister Thérèse, as they called her because she hadn't even been beatified yet, performed miracle after miracle, if these young men are to be believed and I know of no reason why they shouldn't be. Some of the accounts were short, others more detailed, but the faith of these Poilus (translated 'hairy men', a French slang term for their military) was only equaled by their courage. Every service, major battle and position on the battlefield seemed to be represented among the various letters.

I came away from this book slightly chagrined that I have had such weak faith and long neglect of my own patron saint. St. Thérèse, thank you for all you did for these young soldiers and get ready because I am about to start calling on you a whole bunch more than I have in the recent past.

Get this book for yourself, a Little Flower devotee or someone in the military who might be in harms' way. HIGHLY recommended!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of a Soul meets Storm of Steel. An inspiring collection of letters recounting how, through the Little Flower's intercession, soldiers' lives were saved, wounds were healed, and hearts were converted

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first there's a kind of scepticism that lingered about while I read it, and other times I wished for more details of various instances which the soldiers often allude to, but by and large the book has a very positive effect on my knowing and loving St. Therese. Her book, Story of a Soul, spoke about her life as being a play thing or a ball for the Christ child to play with, and it's this kind of confidence and love of God which she's known for. It's also this same love and confidence which every soldier, without exception, has for her. St. Therese inspires confidence in God, and in her intercession.

It was written just as the cult to her patronage was being born, and I believe it's truly a testiment to her spending her heaven showering roses on earth.

Tales of her apparitions never failed to be a source of encouragement and intrigue for me; their details I have no trouble believing and can only hope to receive such a blessing in this life.

Highly recommended as a bed time read.

[Gypsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

These letters are written by WWI soldiers, explaining how St. Thérèse helped them through the dangers of trench warfare. As such, this isn't really a book one can rate, as it's only letters without prose, and is an emotional read rather than an informative one. It would have been better, I think, had the author given information and details about the War and/or St. Thérèse . Otherwise, it's a moving read, especially for those like myself with a strong interest in both Catholicism and the First World War.

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between St Therese's death and her canonisation, several booklets of this type were published under the title "Pluie de Roses" (A Shower of Roses). Some of them can be seen on the Internet Archive. They are letters written to Carmel and others telling of prayers answered and graces received. The translation could have used a better proof reader. An interesting read, particularly since I am where I am today because of St Therese.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

To read and finish on the eve of her feast day is a treat. So many accounts from throughout the war of devotion to her and intercession. It's really no wonder she was canonised so quickly!

Could be a bit tedious if you're not someone interested in the first world war, though. As it is essentially just many letters from combatants talking about their devotion to St. Thérèse.

[Mark J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read

It was a good read and nice to hear about St. Therese and her miraculous interventions. In truth the book got too similar to read straight through. Too much of the same. Few details were added by the author. All in all a good book.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can stress it enough, these stories are amazing! Saint Therese is truly present in the book and if you are interested in her it is a great starting point

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

ww1 soldiers who.prayed to Saint Therese and got miracles