THREE GIFTS OF THERESE OF LISIEUX : A Saint For Our Times

In this inspiring book, the beloved author of the Image classic Maurice and Thérèse explores how the story of Thérèse, known to Catholics as the Little Flower, can bestow upon us rich blessings in our day-to-day lives.

Transformation in our lives can happen in an instant when we live with the confidence that "God is love." This love infused St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who died unknown in a Carmelite convent at the age of 24, and became one of the most influential women in the world after her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, was posthumously published in 1898. Mother Teresa of Calcutta took her name from Thérèse; Edith Piaf kept Therese's picture on her night table; in 1997, Pope John Paul II made her a Doctor of the Church--only the third woman to receive this distinction. She continues to inspire and is beloved by Christians everywhere today. Ahern explores the lessons we can learn from this faith that can transform the church and its followers. "She convinced me," he writes, "that someone as ordinary as I could aspire to the love of God, which filled her heart to overflowing." This spirit--this love that was so evident in Thérèse--is what he wanted to capture and share with others in these essays. Although Ahern passed away in 2011, he is still widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on the spirituality of Saint Thérèse de Lisieux. PATRICK AHERN was born in New York City. He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of New York in 1945. He served as secretary to Cardinal Francis Spellman and was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of New York and Titular Bishop of Naiera by Pope Paul VI. After reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, Ahern resigned as an auxiliary bishop in 1994. He passed away on March 19, 2011, soon after his 92nd birthday.