We’ve mentioned some saints before here on the Mourning Glory Podcast including St. Faustina, St, Elizabeth Ann Seton, and recently touched on St. Dymphna. Some saints are more well-known than others like St. Teresa of Avila, St. Catherine of Sienna and St. John Bosco, just to name a few. However, one saint in particular, St. Therese of Lisieux is one who seems to generate a mixed reaction. 

For those who don’t know her, St. Thérèse of Lisieux was born January 2, 1873, Alençon, France and died September 30, 1897. She was canonized on May 17, 1925 and her feast day is celebrated on October 1. Therese was a Carmelite nun whose service to her Roman Catholic order, although outwardly unremarkable, was later recognized for its exemplary spiritual accomplishments. She was named a doctor of the church by Pope John Paul II in 1997. She is a patron saint of missionaries, florists, pilots, and priests. She is also invoked on behalf of the sick and is commonly referred to as the “little flower”

So what Is it about her that generates mixed reactions? Is it the fact that some think of her as a little girl dancing around with flowers in the French countryside, singing songs? What is it about her “little ways” that people DO respond to and what makes her so influential and adored by many?

Guest Bio

Rosaline (Roz) Cruz-Rine, MA, MFT has been a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist for over 19 years. She has treated Children, Adolescents, Adults, Families, and Groups in all areas pertaining to Mental Health. Having recently closed her private practice of 17 years, she now works for St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Stockton, CA. as the Director of Adult Faith Formation which began as a volunteer position over 10 years ago. She continues clinical work with referred clients and has begun a faith-based grief support group in her parish. Her work continues to include Trauma, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, and other areas which can result in Grief and/or Loss.

She is the mother of seven adult children, and a grandmother of four grandsons, Roz, and her husband, Kevin, live in Stockton, Ca with their youngest son, John, their three spirited dogs, and one very demanding cat. She enjoys gardening, and is devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to Mama Mary, is a self avowed clotheshorse, and must have coffee with her favorite creamer daily.

Links from the show

• Society of the Little Flower

• Story of a Soul:The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux (the Little Flower)

• The Context of Holiness: Psychological and Spiritual Reflections on the Life of St. Therese of Lisieux by Marc Foley

Journaling Questions

1. Where do you see joy in your life? 

2. Do you have any “before/after” moments that have greatly impacted your life? Which saint can you call upon to ask for their intercession?

3. Do you have a “soul sister” or saint you regularly call upon to intercede on your behalf?

4. What is your mourning glory?

In loving memory of Robert Kapina; Prayer for the soul of Isidro Morales.

If you have questions or comments about today's show or would like to be a guest, head over to our website: ⁠www.mourningglorypodcast.com⁠. You can also find us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠.