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Thoughts of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Thomaz Back

Who was Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus?Baptized as Teresa Martin, Saint Therese is one of the most popular Catholic saints, due to her powerful intercession on behalf of all the faithful who ask for her help. Born on January 2, 1873, in France since she was a very young girl, she has already discovered her vocation to live a life dedicated to the Holy Church. At only 6 years of age, after the catechesis for the First Communion carried out by her sister Paulina, she was deeply enchanted by the figure of the child Jesus and saw this love grow abundantly in her heart. Years later, when speaking on the subject of St. Therese, she claimed to love the child Jesus very much, so much so that when she responded to the call to Carmelite life, she joyfully received the name of Therese of the Child Jesus. Despite her young age, Saint Therese dared to ask Pope Leo XIII for permission to enter the Carmel of Lisieux. The purpose was not readily realized, but the following year Saint Therese was able to realize her dream as a little girl and sign her letters for the first time as Therese of the Child Jesus. Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus died in 1897, at 24 years of age. On her deathbed St. Therese said: "I do not regret giving myself over to love. And with her gaze fixed on the crucifix she exclaimed: "My God, I love you.