St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Timeline of St. Thérèse of Lisieux

1873

Born in Alençon

Marie-Françoise-Thérèse Martin was the youngest of nine children, four of whom died young.

4 years later

1877

Death of her mother

Her mother, Zélie, died of cancer when Thérèse was four, leaving a tender, grieving child.

9 years later

1886

The 'Christmas grace'

On Christmas night she experienced a sudden inner conversion, leaving behind her childhood over-sensitivity.

2 years later

1888

Enters the Carmel of Lisieux

At just fifteen — after seeking special permission — she entered the cloistered Carmelite monastery.

~6 years later

c. 1894

Discovers the 'Little Way'

She found her vocation in doing small, hidden acts with great love, trusting God as a child trusts a father.

~2 years later

1896

First signs of tuberculosis

She began coughing blood, entering a long final illness and a painful trial of faith.

1 year later

1897

Dies at twenty-four

She died on September 30, promising, 'I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.'

28 years later

1925

Canonized

Pope Pius XI declared her a saint; in 1997 she was named a Doctor of the Church.