1 October 2026
Today, the Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste join the Carmelite family throughout the world in celebrating the feast of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face — affectionately known as the Little Flower.
Her words, “My vocation is love”, express the discovery at the heart of her life: that love gives meaning to every vocation and that even the smallest act, offered to God, can serve the Church and the world.
Born in Alençon, France, on 2 January 1873, Thérèse entered the Discalced Carmelite monastery at Lisieux in April 1888, aged fifteen. She lived there until her death on 30 September 1897, at just twenty-four. Her autobiographical writings, published after her death as Story of a Soul, carried her teaching far beyond the monastery walls. She was canonised in 1925 and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope St John Paul II in 1997.
Love in everyday life
Thérèse’s “little way” is a way of trusting in God’s merciful love and responding through the ordinary circumstances of life. It invites us to recognise opportunities for holiness in our relationships, responsibilities and encounters with others.
For Thérèse, community life provided those opportunities: caring for another sister, responding kindly when irritated, accepting her limitations and offering small sacrifices without seeking recognition. Her spirituality was grounded in the Gospel and in the conviction that God’s love reaches us in our weakness.
Pope Francis explored this confidence in his 2023 apostolic exhortation, C’est la confiance, showing how Thérèse’s trust in God led her towards a generous love for others. Her little way continues to speak to people who seek to live their faith amid the demands and difficulties of everyday life.
A contemplative heart for mission
Although Thérèse lived within an enclosed monastery, her concern reached far beyond it. She supported missionary priests through correspondence, prayer and sacrifice, understanding her contemplative vocation as a participation in the Church’s mission.
Her example reminds us that prayer and service belong together. For our communities in Australia and Timor-Leste, her feast offers an invitation to renew our attention to God and to the people entrusted to our care — in our homes, parishes, schools and ministries.
Discover more about St Thérèse
For readers wishing to explore her life and spirituality, the Edizioni Carmelitane catalogue includes two English-language books devoted to Thérèse.
Singing the Mercies of the Lord: Writings on Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Brian J. Nolan, edited by Simon Nolan, O.Carm.
This collection brings together writings on Thérèse’s family relationships, spiritual teaching and wider influence. It also explores the plays she wrote for her Carmelite community, offering another perspective on the ways she expressed her faith. The publisher lists both print and ebook editions.
The Gospel Sustains Me: The Word of God in the Life and Love of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Edited by Johan Bergström-Allen, T.O.C., and Wilfrid McGreal, O.Carm.
This volume focuses on the place of Scripture in Thérèse’s life and love. Its subject offers a natural connection for those seeking to deepen their own prayer with the Word of God.
Explore these titles and other publications on Carmelite spirituality at Edizioni Carmelitane.
Pray with Scripture this October
As we celebrate Thérèse’s feast, we invite you to make time for prayer with Scripture through Lectio Divina. Reading, reflection, prayer and contemplation help us listen to God’s Word and carry it into the way we live.
Visit our Lectio Divina page for daily prayer resources and information about our online group, which meets each Friday at 10am, Melbourne time, to reflect on the coming Sunday’s Gospel.
St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, pray for us and for our communities in Australia and Timor-Leste. Help us to trust in God’s mercy and to respond with love in the ordinary moments of each day.