Complete works of Saint Therese of Lisieux

The centenary of the death of Therese of Lisieux, as well as two other events related to her person: her proclamation as a Doctor of the Church (1997) and the canonization of her parents, Louis and Celia (2015), have renewed interest in approaching her experience and her spiritual doctrine. In the Church of the twentieth century, few saints have had the influence of this young contemplative Carmelite, member of a Theresian Carmel in France. She spent her religious life in the cloister of a monastery and, nevertheless, was declared Patroness of the Missions, because she knew how to unite contemplative spirituality with its apostolic dimension. At the same time, she transmitted her evangelical experience in simple and lively language, capable of being understood and assimilated by believers of all peoples and all cultures. For this reason, her teachings have not lost their relevance. This publication of the Complete Works of Therese of Lisieux, in a critical and complete edition for the first time in Spanish, is, without a doubt, an important contribution to keeping the spiritual message of the saint alive. Indeed, the reading of these writings, made from the social and ecclesial context of our time, will help Christians to focus on the essential of the Gospel message: the trusting openness to God, loving Father who loves and understands us; the following of Jesus, our brother, present and close, way, truth and life; the docility to the Holy Spirit, who guides history and our small personal history. And all this in the acceptance of our poverty and weakness. «Therese acquired such a high knowledge that she managed to know for herself, and even knew how to show others, the straight and safe path to salvation» (Benedict XVI). «Therese is the beacon that the hand of God has understood on the threshold of the atomic century» (Y. Congar)

SANTA TERESA DE LISIEU

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