A few years ago, I made a journey through France that included visits to Paris, Chartres Cathedral, Mont Saint-Michel, and Versailles. I also had the privilege of visiting the Basilica of Saint Thérèse in Lisieux.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux is known for her “little way” of life – the belief that we can live out our Lord’s great love through even the smallest daily tasks. Seeing this magnificent Basilica, built in her honor, served as a visible reminder that though our lives and the acts within them may seem small, they can have a lasting impact far greater than we realize. St. Thérèse is also well-known for sending roses as signs of her presence and intercession, with these flowers often appearing in unexpected ways to those who seek her guidance. She proclaimed, “My mission–to make God loved–will begin after my death, I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses.”
During my trip to Lisieux, I noticed numerous roses along our journey. Towards the end of the trip, as our group gathered around a dinner table at a restaurant in Rome, we were discussing how St. Thérèse never fails to send roses, in some way, shape, or form. In the midst of that conversation, a street merchant approached our table, arms full of dozens of blooming red roses, offering them to us. We were speechless as we stared in astonishment at the bouquets of roses that had been brought directly to our table. It seems that St. Thérèse loves to remind us of her presence and prayers, surprising those who seek her.
Just as her love and care for us is revealed through the simple beauty of a rose appearing at a time we need Our Lord’s loving presence, or in this case at a restaurant in Rome amidst conversation of this Little Flower, so our own love, shown in little ways, may have a significant influence in the lives of those around us.
As St. Thérèse writes, “Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.” In working with our youngest learners at St. Benedict Classical Academy, small acts of love are practiced, modeled, and taught throughout the day. The children’s spontaneous acts of compassion towards each other, their purity of heart, and their small acts of generous love all show an imitation of St. Thérèse’s little way. May she continue to guide us and surprise us with multitudes of roses!
AUTHOR: Isabelle Koerner, Early Learning Program Coordinator
