Send Us Your Roses
Pope Francis entrusts the Church to Saint Thérèse’s little way of love and trust
From heaven to earth, the timely witness of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face endures in all the grandeur of her little way.
In an age that urges us to focus on ourselves and our own interests, Thérèse shows us the beauty of making our lives a gift.
At a time when the most superficial needs and desires are glorified, she testifies to the radicalism of the Gospel.
In an age of individualism, she makes us discover the value of a love that becomes intercession for others.
At a time when human beings are obsessed with grandeur and new forms of power, she points out to us the little way.
In an age that casts aside so many of our brothers and sisters, she teaches us the beauty of concern and responsibility for one another.
At a time of great complexity, she can help us rediscover the importance of simplicity, the absolute primacy of love, trust and abandonment, and thus move beyond a legalistic or moralistic mindset that would fill the Christian life with rules and regulations, and cause the joy of the Gospel to grow cold.
In an age of indifference and self-absorption, Thérèse inspires us to be missionary disciples, captivated by the attractiveness of Jesus and the Gospel.
A century and a half after her birth, Thérèse is more alive than ever in the pilgrim Church, in the heart of God’s people. She accompanies us on our pilgrim way, doing good on earth, as she had so greatly desired. The most lovely signs of her spiritual vitality are the innumerable “roses” that Thérèse continues to strew: the graces God grants us through her loving intercession in order to sustain us on our journey through life.
Prayer of Pope Francis
Dear Saint Thérèse,
the Church needs to radiate the brightness,
the fragrance and the joy of the Gospel.
Send us your roses!
Help us to be, like yourself,
ever confident in God’s immense love for us,
so that we may imitate each day
your “little way” of holiness.
Amen.
— Pope Francis
C’est la Confiance: Apostolic Exhortation on Confidence in the Merciful Love of God (2023)
⬦ Reflection Question ⬦
Where in my life do I need to trust more deeply in God's immense love, as Thérèse did?
⬦ Join the conversation in the comments.
Source reference
Pope Francis 2023, C’est la Confiance: Apostolic Exhortation on Confidence in the Merciful Love of God, Vatican City.
Available at: vatican.va
Featured image
Collage of red roses and the statue of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, located in the street-side plaza outside the Carmel of Lisieux.
Image used for editorial and devotional purposes.