CBB Review: Mornings with Saint Therese

This week Laura offers her review of a book she really enjoyed.

There are numerous books about St. Therese of Lisieux.  What makes Mornings with Saint Thérèse compiled by Patricia Treece and published by Sophia Institute Press special is that it tells the story of St. Therese using her own words.  Hear the story of St. Therese through her own writings and letters that she wrote to others in short, easy-to-read, daily meditations. This beautiful hard-covered book contains a collection of convenient 120 daily readings brief enough to be read during your morning prayers or even your morning breakfast that tell of the life and inner thoughts of this greatly loved saint.

This book begins with an excerpt from a letter Zelie Martin (Therese’s mother) receives from her sister, a Visitation nun, after the death of third child and before the birth of Therese assuring her “that God will bless [her].”  The reading follows with writings of Therese’s early childhood, two by her mother and one by Pauline (her sister).  From this point in the book most of these short readings are taken from Therese’s autobiography with many letters she wrote to others, as well as, a few testimonies of others about her.  Occasionally, when needed, dates and information are included to help the reader follow the life of this amazing saint.  In addition, the introduction to this book should not be overlooked as it is a quick biography of Therese’s life helping the reader as they go about the daily readings.

I couldn’t put this inspirational book down, as I read numerous readings in one day.  This book is a wonderful way to learn about St. Therese for those who cannot quite tackle reading her entire autobiography or those who are just beginning to learn about her.  The back cover of the books says it best- “Millions love St. Therese of Lisieux, not only for her wisdom, but for her unwavering passion to serve God in life and in death.  Listen with your heart as this most popular of saints speaks with simple charm about her life.  These 120 readings excerpted from the writings of St. Therese of Lisieux will help you get to know firsthand the pure, simple girl whom Pope St. Pius called “the greatest saint of modern times.”

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