Saint Therese of Lisieux: A Gateway

On September 8, 1890 Sister Therese of the Child Jesus of the Holy Face professed her religious vows in the chapter room of the Lisieux Carmel. 

"In the morning of September 8, I felt as though I were flooded with a river of peace, and it was in this peace which surpasses all understanding that I pronounced my Holy Vows.  My union with Jesus was effected not in the midst of thunder and lightning, that is, in extraordinary graces, but in the bosom of a light breeze similar to the one our Father St. Elias heard on the Mount.  What graces I begged for on that day!  I really felt I was the Queen and so I profited from my title by delivering captives, by obtaining favors from the King for His ungrateful subjects, finally, I wanted to deliver all the souls from purgatory and convert all sinners."                                    

Sister Therese's Carmelite crucifix 

I prayed very much for my Mother. my dear Sisters, my whole family, but especially for my little Father, who was so tried and so saintly.  I offered myself to Jesus in order to accomplish His will perfectly in me without creatures ever being able to place any obstacle in the way.

This beautiful day passed by just as do the saddest since the most radiant day has a tomorrow; it was without sadness, however, that I placed my crown at the Blessed Virgin's feet. 

 The crown of roses Therese wore on the day of her Profession

I felt that time could not take away my happiness." 

(Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux, tr. John Clarke, 3rd edition.  Washington, D.C.: ICS Publications, 1976 pp. 166-167).  For many other details about Therese's dispositions and circumstances at the time of her Profession, see Letters of St. Therese of Lisieux, Volume I, 1877-1890 (Washington, D.C.: ICS Publications, 1982. 

For the photos I thank Liane and Peter Klostermann; for permission to display them, the Pilgrimage Office at Lisieux.