“Thérèse has been such a presence in my adult life—it is as if I have
known her personally; she is as real and alive to me as my lifelong
friends... I’ve identified three gifts that Thérèse has given me, which I
would like to offer in this book to everyone seeking to find more
meaning in their faith and their journey to find God.”
-Patrick Ahern
Number of Pages: 128
ISBN: 9780385347907
Released: January 1, 2014
ISBN: 9780385347907
Released: January 1, 2014
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
// Book Synopsis //
Taken from Good Reads
Transformation in our
lives happens when we live with the confidence that "God is nothing but
mercy and love.” In this inspiring book, beloved author Patrick Ahern
looks at the teachings of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower,
through the lens of his own personal experiences in which this "saint
for our times" played such an important role for more than seventy
years. With honesty and humility, he delves into the transformational
love that infused her faith, led her to be named one of only four female
Doctors of the Catholic Church, and gave Ahern’s own journey direction
and meaning.
Ahern focuses on what he calls the three gifts of Thérèse: her universal appeal, her conviction, and her little way. Echoing Therese’s recognition that bureaucracy, penances, rules and commandments miss the message of love that she knew to be true, he says, "She convinced me that someone as ordinary as I could aspire to the love of God, which filled her heart to overflowing." He hopes the same for his readers.
Ahern focuses on what he calls the three gifts of Thérèse: her universal appeal, her conviction, and her little way. Echoing Therese’s recognition that bureaucracy, penances, rules and commandments miss the message of love that she knew to be true, he says, "She convinced me that someone as ordinary as I could aspire to the love of God, which filled her heart to overflowing." He hopes the same for his readers.
// My Review //
In this simple work of Bishop Patrick Ahern he shares the impact St. Thérèse had on his life and the lives of others through her "three gifts."
Universal appeal
Bishop Ahern shares about Thérèse's early sensitive childhood and how it shaped her.
Conviction
The most telling example of her conviction is the now infamous story of how she personally asked Pope Leo XIII to allow her to join the Carmelite convent early.
Little Way
"Her spirituality is within the reach of everyone..."
This is a wonderful introduction book to Thérèse and her spirituality. Though simple it certaintly gives a clear message and makes you want to read. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to develop a personal relationship with Thérèse.
"Whoever possesses the present moment possesses
God
+++
Therefore whoever possesses the present moment
possesses everything
+++
The present moment is enough
Don't let anything trouble you."
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
I've heard so many good things about this book. It's definitely on my to-read list now.
ReplyDeleteYou will really enjoy it! I am also considering reading his other book, "Maurice and Therese." It sounds amazing!
DeleteI've read "Maurice and Therese," and it's really good!! I'll have to see if I can find this one. :)
DeleteI love the quote at the end!
ReplyDeleteSt. Therese is my patron saint, and one of the names I chose for my Confirmation. This book looks wonderful; can't wait to check it out!
Oh good! Her " little way" can relate to so many situations of so many people! Congratulations on your Confirmation! ♥
DeleteLove this book!
ReplyDelete