St. Therese of Lisieux

After reading St. Lucy's journal, I closed it and put it back where it was. I picked up the blue journal, and on the cover, it had "St. Therese of Lisieux" on it. I opened the journal and began to read the writing on the first page. "Pour lire le journal de sainte Thérèse de Lisieux en Anglais, trouvez la fleur." I read these words out loud, knowing the journal was in French. Like St. Lucy's journal, I would need to find an item to read this journal. "Fleur" sounded like "flower," and I guessed this because I knew that St. Therese was often called the "Little Flower of Jesus." I looked around the room I was in and miraculously found a rose in perfect condition in a container that reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. I took the flower out of the glass case and held it in my hands. Before my eyes, I could see the words change to English. St. Therese's journal was very long, and had her writing from all the points of her life. I opened the journal at a random page in the middle and began to read.

September 1, 1887

Even though I am only 15 years old, I asked the Carmelite authorities for permission to enter for the second time. Today, I again was refused, and the priest told me to return when I was 21 years old. Waiting for 6 years was not something I wanted to do. I believed I was ready and prepared to devote the rest of my life on becoming a Carmelite. I was tired of taking no for an answer, so I plan on going to Bishop Hugonin of Bayeux to ask again tomorrow.

September 2, 1887

Today I went to talk to Bishop Hugonin and he was so surprised that I came to him to ask. He told me he would need time to think about it. I so badly wanted to be part of the Carmelites and would do anything to be able to grant my wish.

November 10th, 1887

Diary, it has be 2 months since I have last wrote, and I have a lot to update you on. So far, I have been waiting weeks for the Bishop's response. I have not given up hope, but deep in my heart I knew I had to do something bigger in order to receive permission. My father told me and my sister Celine that we would soon be going on a trip to Italy with some French pilgrims in a few days! I was so excited to go to Italy. The Holy Father is in Italy, and I know that I will do whatever it takes to be able to speak to him face to face. He is the only one who could grant me permission to enter the Carmelites.

November 18th, 1887

My trip to Italy has been amazing so far! Today we went inside of the Coliseum, which is a large, oval amphitheatre. Celine and I ignored the regulations and sneaked away from the tour group while we were there. I hoped so see the Pope on the way there, but unfortunately I never did. We prayed on the Coliseum floor and took stones as relics back with us to the tour. Father knew what we were doing, and he did not get mad at us for leaving the group. I was thankful for him and his understanding of my desire for wanting to be in the Carmelites at such a young age. Even though I treasure my time in Italy with Celine, my father, and the pilgrims, I have been disappointed because we still had not seen the Pope. I know that my time is running out since we leave in two days.

November 20th, 1887

At last, on our last day of being in Italy, Pope Leo XIII came to the Coliseum. We were told by the guards that we were forbidden to speak as it would prolong the audience. I was disappointed that I could not talk, and I looked to Celine and asked her what I should do. "Speak!" Celine yelled at me. The next thing I knew, I asked the Pope to please let me enter the Carmelite Order at the age of fifteen. The Pope told me that I must listen to my superiors, but I knew they would not let me unless the Pope said that I could enter at such a young age. I told him that if he said yes, everyone would agree with him. The Pope gazed at me and said, "Go - go - you will enter if God wills it."I was so happy after speaking with the Pope that I did not want to leave, and they had to escort me out! Even though I am so young, I know that I must do anything to achieve my dreams and goals. I am lucky that I had my family who supported me all throughout my journey. I believe it is very important to surround yourself with people who support and love you. It made this journey much easier for me. Never giving up on your goal and doing whatever it takes to accomplish it is a must!

Author's Note: I wanted the girl who is reading the journal entries to read about the time where St. Therese of Lisieux asked the Pope and the other superiors' permission to enter the Carmelites when she was only 15 years old. St. Therese showed much dedication and perseverance throughout her life. The main character of my story needs motivation in her life and I wanted her to read St. Therese's experiences and be inspired by her. St. Therese entered the Carmelites on April 9th, 1888. Her parents had nine children, but sadly 4 of them passed away before they were 5 years old. Her remaining sisters were named Celine, Pauline, Leonie, and Marie. All 4 of Therese's sisters became nuns, just like she did. All sisters except for Leonie went to the Carmelite Convent of Lisieux. Therese spent the last nine years of her life at the Carmelite Convent of Lisieux. She was recognized as a good nun, devoting her life to Jesus. She has been a highly influential role model to Catholics because of her approach to spiritual life. She died of tuberculosis when she was only 24 years old.

Bibliography: Sources I used for these journal entries: Link and Wikipedia