It is very rare that we in the modern era are able to read about the lives of the saints in a deeply personal way that allows for both a spiritual and personal understanding of their lives. This makes The Story of a Soul, St. Thérèse’s own autobiography a unique insight into St. Thérèse’s life that can be found for few other saints. By reading of record of St. Thérèse’s life written by herself rather than simply understanding her through a secondary source, a deeper understanding of who she was as a person can be reached. This allows a stronger and more interpersonal connection to her.
From her earliest memories to life in the
Carmelite order, Thérèse writes her autobiography in the format of
letters- the first group dedicated to Reverend Mother Agnes of Jesus (Her
sister Pauline,) the second to Sister Marie of the Sacred Heart (Her sister
Marie,) and finally the third to Reverend Mother Marie de Gonzague.[3] These letters when compiled
create a uniquely personal autobiography, wherein it does not feel like we are
simply being given a monologue by St. Thérèse, but that we are instead being
actively conversed with by her, told a story about her life; encouraged to
understand her words and follow along. This uniquely personal style of writing
means that we, the readers, can recognize St. Thérèse as human within her
writing- a person with a personality, flaws, likes and dislikes just like
anyone else. Due to this we can connect with her not just as an important
figure within church history, but as a person we can look up to and aspire to
follow in the footsteps of.
It
is fascinating to realize that St. Thérèse, a famous Catholic saint who
remains an inspiration to many in the Christian faith to this day, was not some
grand pillar of faith right from the day of her birth, but instead had to find
herself in God through a spiritual journey and awakening. She was not
perfect from the beginning, having been spoiled by her family,[5] but this is a reminder that even
those now deemed Saints in the faith were not completely without sin, and
instead of comparing our imperfections to their perceived perfection, this
autobiography reminds us that we should instead aspire to follow in their
footsteps- seeking to improve ourselves through and for God.
In
conclusion The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse is a must
read for anyone interested in the lives of the saints, to recognize them as
people, as in as much need of God’s guidance as us. The Story of a Soul is also
a guide for us as followers of Christ- that we may learn from her life, and aim
to follow in St. Thérèse’s footsteps on our way to God in the world.
[1] “Thérèse of Lisieux.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Apr. 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%A9r%C3%A8se_of_Lisieux.
[2] Thérèse . The Autobiography of Therese of Lisieux. Translated by Ronald Knox, J.P Kenedy and Sons, 1994. p 15
[3] Thérèse . The Autobiography of
Therese of Lisieux. Translated by Ronald Knox, J.P Kenedy and Sons, 1994. p
38-42
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