Three Gifts of Thérèse of Lisieux {Book Review}

 “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

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. 

// My Review //

Saint Therese of Lisieux is perhaps one of the most well loved saints even to this day. Mostly known for her little way. But what is the little way?

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."

• More Info
• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.

Lenten Meme

I came upon this Lenten meme and thought it would be a great post to do on this Ash Wednesday! Anybody who wants to join in please do. Just leave me a comment so I can go see yours!

What is your favorite Sorrowful Mystery?

The second mystery - Jesus is Scourged at the Pillar. What endless love comes from this mystery. Jesus whipped and flesh ripped open in reparation for my sins. 

"Jesus, 

You remained pure of heart even when

 Your flesh was torn and scourged by those who hated You.

 Help me to grow in the virtue of purity even when I suffer."

(via)

What is your favorite Station of the Cross?
The fifth station, Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry His cross. The message to me in this station is will I help to carry the cross of Jesus? Am I willing to endure all the hatred, rejection, and pain that comes with it? Many are called to carry that cross but few pick it up and put it on there shoulder.  

Do you fast during Lent? As far as food goes I fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstain from meat on Fridays as required. Fasting can also include refraining from any activity you indulge in. It is a form of self-denial.

What is your Lenten Resolution(s)?

Well, every Lent I use Maria Von Trapp's guide to a lenten reading plan. Here are my reads:

1. Lumen Fidei by Pope Francis
2. The Sanctifier by Archbishop Luis M. Martinez
3. Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way by Bl. Pope John Paul II

There are some virtues that I am going to take this Lenten season to work on. I want to cultivate the virtue of moderation by limiting time on social media to one time in the early morning and then one time at night. And industriousness meaning don't put things off. "Do what your suppose to do, when your suppose to do it, in the way its suppose to be done."

Do you use Holy Water during Lent? Yes I do. I bless myself with Holy Water as I enter/exit the Church. The removal of Holy Water fonts does not take place until the Sacred Tridumm.

How many times do you go to Mass during Lent? I go to daily Mass with my family throughout the year. So for me its not a lenten resolution since its a daily blessing for me. But I highly recommend to those who are able to attend daily Mass to do so. Either in the morning or evening. You will be changed forever!