The Hidden Face: A Study of St. Therese of Lisieux

by Ida Friederike Görres

This study of the life and character of Therese of Lisieux is a remarkable, penetrating, and fascinating search for the truth behind one of the most astounding religious figures of modern times. A young nun who entered a convent at fifteen and died at twenty-four, Therese roused an incredible storm of spontaneous veneration only a few months after her death, and has been called by one Pope as "the greatest saint of the modern times." Countless images of the sweetly smiling saint flooded the world. But who was she, really? The Hidden Face has sprung from this question. It presents the true Therese, as objectively as possible, and gives a convincing interpretation of her sainthood. It is a book not for Catholics alone, but for anyone fascinated by the force of spirituality, by the incalculable effects of what Pascal called the "greatness of the human soul." It opens the cloistered world of the Carmel, takes off the sugar coating, and reveals the stark drama behind convent walls, the tension between personalities, the daily details of conventual life. And it throws light on the tremendous purifying process that turned the pampered darling into a saint of heroic virtue. The work of a mind of rare intelligence and integrity, this book is unique among the lives of saints. First published in Germany in 1944, the original is now in its eighth edition. This first English translation is based on a new, revised version using the latest edition of the saint's writings.

Genres: Religion, Biography, Nonfiction, Spirituality, History, Biography Memoir, Catholic

434 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2003

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hidden Face may be the important writing associated with the Little Flower—after her own Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux of course*. Given all that has been written about this phenomenally popular 20th century saint why would I even try to claim something like that? Well for starters it is the most comprehensive study of St. Thérèse I have ever seen or read. It is also the most scholarly, yet accessible to the average reader—whether Catholic or not. It does not attempt to justify her sanctity nor belittle her sufferings nor minimize the significance God accomplished through her life, death and mission.

Originally written in 1944, I read the 1959, 8th revised edition. The author, Ida Friedericke Görres, (1901-1971) is principally known for this work.

Reading Face in conjunction with the Story of a Soul The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Study Edition was also beneficial if at times redundant. This book is literally crammed with historical detail, speculative analysis and references, whereas the Study Edition is of course primarily the text of Story supplemented with material geared to individual Carmelite Spiritual Formation along devotional lines. But I did find myself reading something and wondering if I had lost my place or if I had just read that in the other book. Ah! The dangers of reading two similar books simultaneously!

I would highly recommend Face to all serious students of Thérèse with one caveat. Be very familiar with her autobiography and her life first. Ms. Görres makes many subtle points which years ago as a Thérèsian neophyte: 1.) might have offended me due to misunderstanding; 2.) bored me because of the number and complexity of points she makes; and 3.) have been wasted on me due to ignorance.

Many fans of St. Thérèse will not be accustomed to hearing such frank discussion about their beloved saint. Here she is presented as a real live human being, not a pretty paper doll saint—which is often how she comes across in popular Catholic devotional books. Stripped of the pious phraseology of that age, Ms. Görres gives us Thérèse, as she is, her life and the cult which sprang up after her death, in no-nonsense ‘modern’ terminology, yet always respectfully, honestly, and with great kindness to all concerned. In the end I believe this is a book that Thérèse herself would like. In fact, I can see her smiling and saying, “Finally!”

One small minus, and this can hardly be helped I suppose, the book is almost 60 years old. It would be so nice if someone (but who?) would undertake an update.


*Of course I could be totally wrong about this! If there is something better, someone, please let me know!
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I wish I could remember who recommended this to me. Anyway, if it is someone here on GRs, THANK YOU! It is AMAZING!!! I am only on p.79 so far although I have been reading it almost nonstop since yesterday. Ms. Goerres has done her research and really delved into the history and life of Saint Thérèse. I am reading this as an accompaniment to Story of a Soul The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Study Edition.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exhaustive study of St. Therese's life and mission. It's a bit old (written in the 1950s), but the edition I had included any pertinent updates (such as her being declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997). The only part I had a quibble with was the author's description of TB--apparently a handkerchief full of blood is a "small" amount of blood.
Obviously, this person has never brought up this much blood, or she wouldn't think it is negligible. But other than this massive understatement, it's worth reading.

[Kelly Durocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely beautiful. I have read many books on St. Thérèse, this was the best.

[Mary Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the most profound study of the Little Flower I have ever read. The there are so many rich insights in this book, and I highly recommend that devout followers of her Little Way read this book, perhaps even more than once.

[Marie Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books of all times. It is a profound spiritual treatise of St. Therese. You won't come away from reading this without being changed.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books about St Therese available! Really brings her times to life.