Vi PUM ihe 6 Refer ce ie enn of the Little Flower F ] P«Introduction ©/r. Bob Colaresi,O. Carm. is 2 son of an Italian immigrant family ~ he proudly proclaims. he is “half-Sicilian and half- Italian.” A native of New Britain, CT, he entered the Carmelites in 1959. Ordained a priest in 1967, he served 20 years in Catholic High School ministry in Louisville, KY and Joliet, IL. For 8 years he served as Carmelite Midwest Regional Provincial. He has Masters Degrees in Theology, Medieval History and Religious Education, and leads pilgrimages to the Holy Land, biblical lands like Greece, Turkey and Egypt, as well as France and Spain on Carmelite themes and saints, like St. Thérése of Lisieux, St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. In addition to serving as the Director of the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, Il, Fr. Bob has been Director of the Society of the Little Flower since 1991. “I must admit that I did not take to St. Thérése when I was young - she seemed like a spoiled child and was too simple, sentimental, andpious. In fact, when asked to direct the Society of the Little Flower, my major objection was that I did not even like her. Thank God my Provincial was more stubborn than I - ‘well learn to’ was his advice.” Thérése has become my friend and confidante. I reread and prayed her as an adult, she still fascinates me with the depth and power of her spirituality. Her simplicity has re-awakened in. me the child that longs for God, and the comfort of divine arms. She is an incredible source of inspiration and wisdom for me - andThe Di (le Way Sf Pinttual Childhood “It is enough to realize one’s nothingness and give oneself wholly, like a child, into the arms of our good God.”Dy One Thérése’s Baptism January 4, 1873 Thérése was baptized at the Church of Notre-Dame in Alencon, France when she was two days old. As her mother wrote: “My little daughter was born Yesterday, ursday at 11:30 at night. She is very strong and healthy, and they say she weighs eight pounds; let’s put it at six pounds, and that is not bad. She seems very nice. ..She will be bap- tized on Saturday ...Marie will be her godmother, and a little boy, almost her age, will be the godfa- ther.” Everything went as announced by Mrs. Martin - the only unexpected thing was a note brought by a child, with his father’s small poem: Smile now and haste thee to grow Happiness beckons thee on, Tenderness, loving and careful, Eagerly begs thee unclose — Smiling, embrace thou the dewdrops, catter thy perfume afar Bud, who at dawn are unfoldin; Haste to thy splendor as Rose! = Story of @ Soul 2Our Prayer Beloved St. Thérése, you were born of the Martin family yet born of God in your baptism. At the earliest moments of your human life, you were bathed in the living waters of God’s life in Christ. As a tiny bud at the dawn of life, your gentle fragrance is about to explode. ‘Your identity as God’s beloved daughter blossomed throughout your life. You never lost this precious gift of grace, even amid times of darkness, distress, doubt and disappointment. As you experienced the faithful covenant of God within you, help us to believe more deeply in God’s presence within me as His beloved child, especially in times of temptation, fear, abandonment and doubt. Renew our baptismal immersion in God’s lifeand help us embrace our true identity as God's beloved sons and daughters ~His dwelling place-of.grace ~ as temples of the Holy Spirit. woi rg a Duy Fu ‘eth Ee | ny Running in the Rain As a very young girl, there was a rainy day when Thérése chose not attend Mass with her family. At times she was naughty, self-willed and showed signs of temper. But suddenly, because she had missed “Matt,”(as she pronounced it) Thérése changed her mind, slipped outside and started running in the rain to church by herself. Her nanny, Louise, had to run down the street to the church after Thérése, capture her, and escort her home, screaming. Her great plan frustrated, Thérése cried for more than an hour. - Story of a SoulOur Prayer Thérése, Child of God, like you, we are sometimes willful and make bad decisions. We refuse to budge, even against the movement of grace. And yet, we wake up and feel the urge to do the right thing ~ to allow our inner child of grace and wonder to chase dreams and pursue God. Teach us to run through the raindrops of life to that safe and sacred place in God’s heart. As only a child can understand, empower us to pursue that call to holiness ~ to understand that God is always running to embrace and meet us. Please don’t let the tear drops of our lives dampen our enthusiasm for God ~ nor lessen the longing of our hearts ~ nor blind us to Jesus racing toward us with open arms.Yy, . Ure he Death “All the details of my Mother's illness are still present tu me and I recall especially the last weeks she spent on earth. ...Once, Celine was given a beautiful apricot and she said: ‘we are not going to eat it; I will give it to Mamma.’ Alas, poor little Mother was already too sick to eat the fruits of earth; she was to be satisfied only in heaven with God’s glory... The touching ceremony of the last anointing is deeply impressed on my mind. I can still see the spot where I was by Celine’s side. All five of us were lined up according to age, and Papa was there also, sobbing.” - Story of @ Soul 6Ever-young Thérése, your heart grieved the decline and loss of your beloved mother, Zelie. It began a long term mother-abandonment crisis in your spirit. We all long for the comfort and warm security of our Moms. Your longing for the source of identity and maternal comfort was only heightened by the pain, loss and grief. Your Mom’s faith gave you hope, that we are not abandoned. Your mother-wound was healed only by Our Lady of the Smile as you transcended your pain to believe in a Mother who never leaves or abandons us. Only a child of faith knows the smile from beyond. Help us, in painful times of disease, discomfort and death to transcend the struggle and grief ~ so that we can enter the powerlessness which humbles us in. dependence and trust in God. Like you, we hurt with lost parents, family and loved ones and the abandonment of dreams and hopes. It shrinks our hearts, Thérése. As we look to you, grieving and believing child of God, help is to know the smile from beyond which we so desperately need.Dy Tour Sisters - Confidantes Mamma wrote: “Celine and Thérése are insepara- ble and it’s impossible to see two children love each other so much. When Marie comes to get Celine for her classes, poor Thérése begins to cry.” I most prefer to stay in our own little garden.. we carried on spiritual conferences frequently. Here is a sample taken from_one of Momma's letters: “Our two little dears, Celine and Thérése, are angels of benediction, little cherubs. Therése is the joy and happiness of Marie and even her glory; it’s incredible how proud she is of her; itis true that Thérése has very rare answers for one her age; she surpasses Celine in this, who is twice her age. Celine said the other day ‘how is it that God can. be present in a small host? The little one said: ‘That is not pup aeine, God is all-powerful... He can do what He wants!” - Story of a Soul &Our Prayer Little Flower, cherub of God, you were so blessed to have a close friend. and sister with whom you could share your soul. Your sister helped you discern God’s whispers and workings. Your innocence that still trusts anothe? is an inspiration for us. We are grateful for those people who sit in the garden of our lives, who preciously cherish and hold our personal trust with respect and love. As we go through life, we have sometimes been disappointed and learned not to trust others ~ and we become protective and private ~ and the burden feels heavier because it is not shared. Sometimes we have no one who shares our heart and soul, because we simply don’t share that vulnerable part of us. Give us your child-like simplicity that gets to the heart of the issue without complex confusions. Inspire the child in us to know and speak our truth without nuanced protections. As you trusted Celine, help us to trust the " confidantes God sends into our lives so that ‘we can trust God asithe ultimate and unconditional Confidante of our soul. 2After spending Sunday afternoon with my uncle, I was happy to see Papa coming to fetch me. When we were on the way home, I would gaze upon the stars which were twinkling ever so peacefully in the skies - and the sight carried me away. There was especially one cluster of golden pearls which attracted my attention and gave me great joy because they were in the form of a ‘T’ - T pointed them out to Papa and told him my name: is written in heaven. Then desiring to look no longer upon this dull earth, I asked him to guide my steps; not lookin; where I placed my feet, I threw back my giving myself over completely to the contempla- tion of the star-studded firmament: - Story ofa SoulDo te Papa and the “Tittle Queen” I chose the afternoon of the feast of Pentecost as the day to break the news of my vocation to enter Carmel to Papa ~ he who'd already sacri- ficed his three eldest? Ah! What interior struggles I went through before feeling courageous enou, to speak. He was seated by the wall, behind the house ...Papa’s handsome face had a heavenly expression about it. Without saying a word, I sat down by his side, my eyes already wet with tears. He looked at me tenderly and taking my hand, placed it on his heart. “What's the matter, my little Queen? Tell me.” Through my tears, I confided my desire to enter and soon his tears mingled with mine. He did not say one word to turn me from my vocation, simply contending himself that I was still young to make such a serious decision. ...he i that my desire was God's will p faith he cried that God was giving 2Our Prayer You delight my soul, Thérése, child of heaven! Only a child who felt so loved would believe that the God of the universe would move stars to speak His Fatherly love. You never felt lost in the galaxy of stars and others. You experienced, so innocently and wondrously, that specialness as a child of heaven which only love and darkness can teach. Amid the nighttime walk of our lives, help us to see stars and read their signs ~ that we are not walking alone nor lost in the crowd. We are God’s children ~ our Father is walking with us on all ali ‘s journeys, especially in darkness ~ His personal love is attentive and makes all the difference in the He knows my name - He knows me! — y your child-like spirit light the darkness so that we see, know and.embrace the star-studded firmament of our lives, which we so easily take for granted. —— —him a great honor in asking his children from him. Encouraged by the kindness with which my incomparable Father received my confidences, my heart poured out itself to him. - Story of a Soul Our Prayer The tenderness of your Papa to his “little Queen” is such a symbol of our Father’s tender and self-giving love of us. How blessed you were to be spoiled. by his royal love and deep faith. The precious touch of your hand to his heart speaks volumes of God’s intimate embrace of us, His children. Help us not to hold back in guilt, fear or shame, but to trust the parenting love of the God Who created and creates us and always wants the best for us. Our parent hearts know how challenging it is to surrender our children to life ~ to God to affirm their calls from God, despite the pain and emptiness it causes us. In moments of doubt, dear “little Queen,” help us trust Jesus as reigning in our hearts and in our world. Teach me to pray i intimate anday Dy deen Christmas Conversion It was December 25, 1886, that I received the pe of leaving my child- ood, in a word, the grace of my complete conversion. We had come back from Midnight Mass where I had the happiness of receiving the strong and powerful God. Upon retinue Les Buissonnets, I used to love to take my shoes from the imney-corner and examine the presents in them; this old custom had given us so much joy in our youth. Papa had always loved to see my happiness and listen to my cries of delight as I drew each surprise from the ‘magic shoes.’ ... However, this night, Jesus desired to show me that I was to give up the selfishness of my childhood, so He withdrew its innocent pleasures. He penmitted Papa, tired after the Midnight Mass, to annoyance when seeing my shoes in the that he spoke words which pierced my rtunately, this will be the last year!” how sensitive I was and seeing the tears ady glistening in my eyes, said: “don’t go de ~ it would cause you too much grief.” But’ = was no longer the same; Jesus had change: her heart! Forcing back tears, I took my slippers 14and joyfully withdrew all the objects, in front of Papa. ...Thérése had discovered once again the strength of soul she had lost at age 4-1/2 and was to preserve it forever. - Story of a Soul Our Prayer Therése, you and I know how hard it is to grow up. ‘The comfortable dreams and rituals of childhood are hard to let go of. The sense that the world and those I love will always take care of me seem to dissipate ~ the dreams which elevated my heart sometimes. crash land. Like you, we ask Jesus to transform us so that we can give ourselves generously to God. We get what we pray for, but not always what we expected. Share with us your strength of soul that we can be transformed through the struggles with life and reality ~ so that we are not so self-centered and self-pre-occupied ~ save us from thinking that we are center of the universe and deserving of everyone’s attention and energy. Transform the selfish child in us into the generous child of wonder and grace that sees our identity in being for others. Walk us through the traumatic revelation and realization that “it is not about me!” Convert us from thinking that life is about me, my hopes and my hurts to embracing God's life of grace, forgiveness, peace and justice. Teach us to get over ourselves and to wholeheartedly live from the divine presence ~ to be wholeheartedly for God and for others in love. You give hope to the child in me, Thérése! 15Yu “Cight To the top, to the Pope We were told, on the Pope’s behalf, that it was forbidden to speak, as it would prolong the audience too much. I turned towards my dear Celine for advice; “Speak,” she said. A moment later, I was at the Holy Father's feet; I kissed his sli and he resented his hand, but instead of kissing it I joined ay own to his and uitting tear-filled eyes to his face, I cried out: “Most Holy Father, I have a special request to ask of you!” The Sovereign Pontiff lowered his head toward me - our faces almost touched - I saw his eyes, black and deep, - they seemed to penetrate to the oe of my soul, “Holy Father, in honor of your Jubilee, permit me to enter Carmel at age 15.” The Pope turned to Father Révérony, saying: “I don’t understand very well.” Father explained that this child wanted to enter Carmel early and the Superiors were considering the matter. “Oh! Holy Fat if you say yes, everyone will agree! 16He gazed at me steadily, speaking these words and stressing each syllable: woe. go... You will enter if God wills it!’ "I was encouraged by the Holy Father’s kindness and wanted to speak again, but the guard touched me politely to make me rise. As if this was not enough, they took me by the arms. and lifted me ...it was with force they dragged me from his feet. ...the two guards literally carried me to the door. - Story of a Soul Our Prayer Tenacious Thérése, you always go to the top! No wonder we trust your intercession. As you are so in touch with the instincts of your heart and act on them, you know and understand our hearts. You stop at nothing to pursue your truth because you knew it was your call and identity. Sometimes cowardice and fear overwhelm and shrink our hearts. We worry more about what other people think than what God thinks. You, who took the risk to with your coura; t, give us your i dike determination ith Hel yes to hurdle obstacles which prevent us from followin; divine instincts and whis; our hearts. Tea us to climb mountains in never to settle in valleys o: hand as you grabbed the before the heart and faceDy Sine Love is about doing the little things I remember an act of charity God inspired me to perform... it was a very small thing but Our Father who sees in secret and who looks more upon intention than upon the atness of the act has already rewarded me. r. St. Pierre was going to the choir and then to the dining room. She was placed in front of me. A sister always had to lead her early to the dining room because of her age and slowness. It cost me very much to offer myself for this little service, because I knew it was not easy to please Sr. St. Pierre. She was suffering very much and did not like it when her helpers were changed. However, I did not want to Jose such a beautiful opportunity - I offered myself very humbly to lead her. Each evening when I saw Sister shake her hour-glass I knew this meant: Let's go! It is incredible how difficult it was for me to get up ~ but I did and then a ritual was set in motion. I had to remove and carry her little bench in a certain way; | was not to hurry. If by mistake she took a false step, it Pppeated to her that I was holding her incor ly. “Ah! My 18God! You are going too fast; I’m going to break something.” If I tried to go more slowly: “Well, come on! I don’t feel your hand; you've let me go and I’m. going to fall. Ah! I was right when I said that you were too young to help me.” - Story of a Soul Our Prayer You bring a smile to my heart, generous and responsive Thérése. Like you, I encounter people who are grumpy perfectionists ~ no matter how hard I try, I cannot please them or meet their needs. It is so difficult to be Patient with people who are so difficult to please. How did you remain peaceful, calm and smiling with the elderly, hurting Nun? Please give me your patience, loving St. Thérése ~ I get burned out and worn down day to day trying to please. Give me your child-like heart that sees eve rson, the upbeat and the painful, as God's chi dren and the dwelling place of Jesus in my life. Teach me again that your little way is not about self-satisfaction but of self-emptying service to others, Ferree their dignity. As that Nun was a practical test of your nittle w ay” empower me to do the little things with great love and patience, especially to those who irritate. You know that your ability to be faithful in love is from God’s intimate presence within you. Breathe in me again your spirit of “everything is ace,” whether Satisfying or frustrating. Humble me to be as big as you are, Little Hower. 19» Cy ala ‘bout St. Thérése of Lisieux ~ and the Society of the Little Flower = I Thérése Martin was the last of nine children born to Louis and Zelie Martin, on January 2, 1873, in Alengon, France. Only five of these children lived to reach adulthood. Precocious and sensitive, young Thérése needed a lot of attention. Her mother died when she was 4 - it began years of feeling abandoned and disappointed. Her father and sisters babied young Thérése. She had a spirit that wanted everything. On Christmas Eve, 1886, she had a conversion experience which transformed her life. Through grace, her embracing energy and sensitive spirit were turned toward love, instead of being self- serving. Tenaciously she pursued entrance to Carmel as a Nun, because she felt called by God. At 15 she finally entered Carmel to give her whole life to her Beloved. She took the religious name Sr. Thérése of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. Even community life had its share of disappointments and challenges which were 20transformed into pathways of growth and grace. Living a hidden life of prayer, she was gifted with great intimacy with Jesus, and embraced the world with God’s heart. Through sickness and dark nights of doubt and fear, she remained faithful to God, rooted in His merciful love. Her heroic heart lived and taught “the little way” of doing ordinary things with extraordinary love. God matured her quickly. After a long struggle with tuberculosis, she died on September 30, 1897, at age 24. Despite the lack of any consolation during those last months, God refined her trust. Her last words. were the story of her life: “My God, I love You!” She promised to spend her heaven doing good on earth. A shower of roses would be the sign that she was listening and God was responding to needs. Her inspiration and presence from heaven touched many people. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 17, 1925 - she would have been only 52 years old. October 19, 1997, St. was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church because ofhe St. Thérése dedicated her life as a Carmelite Sister to pray for good priests ~ and she wanted to go to the ends of the earth “to make God known and loved.” Just six years after the cause for sainthood of Sr. Thérése of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face was introduced in Rome, the Carmelites in Chicago conducted the first Little Flower Novena service at St. Cyril Church in 1912. Society of the Little Flower The Society of the Little Flower was started in Chicago, in 1923 to fulfill her mission - tn educate and support the life and missions of the Carmelites throughout the world. Eventually, St. Clara Church on Woodlawn Avenue in Chicago became the National Shrine of St. Thérése. It was just one of the places where the amazing “popular canonization” of St. Thérése took place. Over eighty years later, it has become the largest organization in the world promoting devotionto St. Thérése and teaching her “little way of spiritual childhood.” The message of St. Thérése’s life is timeless. She is a powerful messenger of God’s love to the modern world. The principal charitable work of the Society is aiding Carmelite seminarians. Hundreds of young men are priests and religious because of the generosity of the friends of the Society. These ‘Carmelite brothers of the Little Flower are touching many hearts and lives with Christ's love. Frank you and may God bless you for your support.% ‘Society of the Little Flower 1313 Frontage Darien, IL 60561: 800-621-2806. ‘The Monastery of Mount Carmel Society of the Little Flower Society of the Little Flower eee, PO. Box 830 702! Stanley Avenue my ME20 TW Niagara Falls, ON L2G 787 land 800-922-7622 & it Web site: www.littleflower.org The Mission of the Society of Flower is to devotion to St. Thérése of the Child Jesus, the Carmelite Nun and Doctor of the Church. Through prayers ancl donations, ages of St. ‘Thérése enable Carmelites to continue her * Roses" in their ministries and in the education of seminarians.